Why Can't the Key Be Pulled Out of an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
Normally, the reason the key cannot be pulled out after turning off the engine is that the automatic transmission's gear shift is not fully returned to the P (Park) position. It may appear to be in place, but it hasn't triggered the electronic sensor, or there might be an obstruction like a coin in the gear slot preventing it from fully engaging. Here are some precautions for using an automatic transmission car: 1. Avoid coasting in neutral (N): When the automatic transmission is in N (Neutral), mechanical cooling stops, but the transmission still operates while the vehicle is coasting, which can cause damage. 2. Do not shift into P (Park) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop: If you shift into P while the car is still moving, the transmission may be subjected to external pressure, leading to potential damage or gear jamming. 3. Do not always use D (Drive): Automatic transmission cars also have multiple gear settings. When climbing hills or overtaking, you can switch to L (Low) or S (Sport) mode for greater power.
Once when I was driving my automatic transmission car, I parked and tried to pull out the key but couldn't, which made me quite nervous. Later, I realized that in most cases, it's because the gear wasn't in the P (Park) position. The design requires the car to be in P to remove the key, which is a safety feature to prevent accidents caused by accidentally pulling out the key while driving or when the car is rolling. Besides this, if the steering wheel is locked, it might also prevent the key from being removed—for example, when the steering wheel is turned and engages the anti-theft system while parking. I've encountered this situation before; gently shaking the steering wheel unlocked it. Another reason could be wear and tear on the key or ignition switch. If the key slot is worn out, it might cause the key to get stuck. It's advisable to check these during regular maintenance and not wait until an emergency arises. New drivers often make this mistake, but staying calm and learning a bit more can save a lot of trouble.
