Why Can't the Car Key Be Pulled Out?
2 Answers
The reasons why the car key cannot be pulled out: 1. The gear is not fully engaged in the P position, or there are objects like coins obstructing the gear slot. In this case, the owner should check for any foreign objects in the gear slot, remove them, start the car, and shift the gear again to ensure it is fully engaged. Then, the key can be pulled out. 2. The car's steering wheel is automatically locked. This is an anti-theft feature of the car. It usually happens when, after parking and turning off the engine, the steering wheel is accidentally turned left or right, or the wheels are not aligned properly. The force applied can cause the steering wheel to turn, triggering the self-locking function, which locks the steering column and the steering lock pin together. As a result, the steering wheel cannot be moved, and even inserting the key and turning it forcefully won't work. 3. There are foreign objects obstructing the gear slot. Remove them, start the car, and shift the gear again. Ensure it is fully engaged, and the key can then be pulled out. 4. The lock cylinder is damaged. Professional assistance is required for repair.
There are several common reasons why a car key might get stuck and cannot be removed. It could be that the automatic transmission vehicle is not fully shifted into the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position, causing the key to be locked; additionally, if the steering wheel is too tight, it can jam the keyhole, making it difficult to pull out the key. Dust or small debris accumulated in the keyhole can also easily cause the key to get stuck. For smart keys, low battery power may lead to accidental locking. If you encounter this issue, avoid pulling hard to prevent damaging internal components. I’ve experienced this myself, and the solution was to gently wiggle the steering wheel while checking if the gear is correctly positioned. If that doesn’t work, try using compressed air to clear any debris inside the keyhole. Neglecting this minor issue for a long time may lead to ignition switch failure, so it’s recommended to have it checked by a professional repair shop as soon as possible to ensure driving safety.
