Why Can't the Key Be Pulled Out After the Car Is Turned Off?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why the key cannot be pulled out after the car is turned off: 1. Gear in P position: The reason why the key cannot be pulled out after turning off the engine is that the gear is in the P position and has not returned to its original position, effectively not triggering the electronic sensor. 2. Obstruction in the gear slot: Items like coins in the gear slot can hinder the gear from returning to its position. Check if there are any obstructions in the gear slot, remove them, and then shift the gear again to ensure it fully returns to its position. Below is additional information on why the car key might not turn: 1. Improper steering wheel angle: After starting the vehicle with the key, the steering wheel automatically unlocks. Sometimes, when parked, the steering wheel is at a certain angle where the key can only ignite the engine but not unlock the steering wheel, resulting in the key not turning. You can gently turn the key with your right hand while lightly rotating the steering wheel with your left hand to naturally unlock it. 2. Steering wheel lock: After the car is turned off, if the steering wheel is turned left or right or if the wheels are not straight when parked, the force can cause the steering wheel to rotate, activating the self-locking function. This locks the steering column and the steering lock pin together, preventing the steering wheel from moving. Even if the key is inserted and turned forcefully, it won't turn. This is the vehicle's anti-theft system detecting a potential theft risk, thus locking the steering wheel to prevent theft.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered the issue of not being able to remove the key several times. The most common reason is the steering wheel not being straightened. Cars have a security locking mechanism to prevent theft—if the steering wheel is left tilted after turning off the engine, it locks the key to ensure the car doesn't roll away. Once, I was in a hurry for a meeting and parked hastily with the steering wheel slightly off by about ten degrees. The key wouldn't come out no matter what, and I was sweating bullets. Eventually, I managed by gently rocking the steering wheel left and right while turning the key. Another reason could be turning off the engine without shifting the automatic transmission to 'P'—the system thinks the car is still in drive mode, causing the key to get stuck. Always remember to check the gear shift, put it in 'P' first, then try the key. If it still doesn't work, the issue might be a stuck ignition switch or a weak battery, in which case it's best to visit a repair shop. Avoid forcing the key out to prevent damaging parts and incurring unnecessary expenses, which would be even more troublesome.
