Over the years there has always been the extremely troublesome issue of finding the key stuck in the ignition to your car. It is easy to simply think that the car has failed completely, and an expensive repair is in your future. With the digital transponder keys that only have to be in a certain range of the ignition, allowing a button to start the car, this is not necessarily the immediate problem. With the transponder key, it is still something that can seem to occur, though it is likely much more easily resolved.
So, if you are in a hurry and the problem of a key stuck in the ignition occurs, there are plenty of options right here that can help get you on your way. An experienced Alpharetta locksmith professional can be there in minutes. In this age of cell phones, help can be called from anywhere, 24/7.
If you do have some time to take a look for yourself there are some simple steps that you can take to see if the key is truly stuck and maybe a little more detail as to what the problem is. Ignition cylinders typically operate in four positions:
1. Unlock the steering wheel
2. Power on the accessories
3. Power on computer and fuel system
4. Crank the engine
Your vehicle’s ignition cylinder is mounted in the steering column, on the dash or the center console. The ignition cylinder has a number of springs and tumblers, which the grooves of your key align with for the start. With the proper key inserted, the cylinder can rotate inside the housing, and allow for the rotation of the switch.
Make sure that you have the key in the “off” position. This is usually where the car is no longer running but you can still hear the stereo.
If you have turned the key too far, back past the “off” position, back to the “on” position you will hear the radio still on, but the key won’t move. Also check that the car is in park as this is required for the key to be removed.
Turning the steering wheel gently and try to remove the key, though you may have to wiggle it. Make sure that these actions are gentle so that neither the ignition or key are bent or damaged, as replacement would be more expensive. If you notice that the steering wheel automatically locks when it is off, this is a potential issue. The steering wheel position may be incorrect, locking the ignition cylinder as well as the key.
Some cars will stick the key in the ignition if the battery is dead. For this reason, it is important to be prepared to check your battery, and make sure that you have the cables to at least partially charge it for assistance. Having the information of a qualified professional can also be helpful if you are not confident in checking those parts under the hood.
A common hairpin or bobby pin can be used to try and remove the key if none of the other methods have worked. Like jimmying a stuck lock, the bobby pin is small enough to not cause damage to the key or ignition. Just remove the cap covering the access port on the ignition lock override and press lightly with the bobby pin. Some professionals also mention attempting to pull out the key with a pair of pliers, but that may be a bit too harsh and end up causing further damage to the ignition and/or key.
It is a nice idea to stay right at your Alpharetta, GA home to repair your ignition cylinder, and that is a hopeful solution. This is a possibility, but some work can take patience. The repair manual specific to your vehicle will offer the best help in any work you attempt on your own, with common steps like disconnecting the negative battery terminal and removing the panel associated with the ignition. You will then be able to remove the ignition cylinder and disconnect the wiring harness. Then to turn the key to the accessory position, press the spring release button and pull it out. Work with caution and always call a locksmith if any concern arises.
After several methods not working, and you are in an emergency situation, then contact Locksmith Alpharetta, LLC, prepared to assist you 24/7. Any attempts to fix the problem on your own can cause damage or even breakage, leading to much more difficult and expensive problems. It is much safer to call a locksmith once you have done the simple checks mentioned above without success. Our experienced locksmiths have the knowledge and high-quality tools and equipment to help make sure this problem is solved for you immediately. A new key can be made on site, the old one can be removed properly, or the ignition cylinder can even be repaired or replaced as needed. This will also have everything running properly for the future.
Visit the source link here: http://www.locksmithalpharettallc.com/news/car-key-stuck-in-ignition.html
So, if you are in a hurry and the problem of a key stuck in the ignition occurs, there are plenty of options right here that can help get you on your way. An experienced Alpharetta locksmith professional can be there in minutes. In this age of cell phones, help can be called from anywhere, 24/7.
If you do have some time to take a look for yourself there are some simple steps that you can take to see if the key is truly stuck and maybe a little more detail as to what the problem is. Ignition cylinders typically operate in four positions:
1. Unlock the steering wheel
2. Power on the accessories
3. Power on computer and fuel system
4. Crank the engine
Your vehicle’s ignition cylinder is mounted in the steering column, on the dash or the center console. The ignition cylinder has a number of springs and tumblers, which the grooves of your key align with for the start. With the proper key inserted, the cylinder can rotate inside the housing, and allow for the rotation of the switch.
Two Main Signs to Ignition Cylinder Trouble
- Trouble Powering Up: An aged ignition cylinder may not function properly or eventually not start at all. Likely, the key will not work as it should or may require jiggling or extra effort to start the car. Being connected to an electronic ignition switch, the ignition cylinder works with it to start the vehicle and the age may cause this to stop working.
- Trouble Inserting and Removing the Key: The key wears with long-term use, as will the cylinder. It can jam, sticking the key in place not allowing the car to start. These issues tend to get even worse over time to the point where neither will work properly.
Check the Position of the Ignition Cylinder
Make sure that you have the key in the “off” position. This is usually where the car is no longer running but you can still hear the stereo.If you have turned the key too far, back past the “off” position, back to the “on” position you will hear the radio still on, but the key won’t move. Also check that the car is in park as this is required for the key to be removed.
Gently Turn the Wheel
Turning the steering wheel gently and try to remove the key, though you may have to wiggle it. Make sure that these actions are gentle so that neither the ignition or key are bent or damaged, as replacement would be more expensive. If you notice that the steering wheel automatically locks when it is off, this is a potential issue. The steering wheel position may be incorrect, locking the ignition cylinder as well as the key.
If It Is Still Not Out, The Battery May be Dead
Some cars will stick the key in the ignition if the battery is dead. For this reason, it is important to be prepared to check your battery, and make sure that you have the cables to at least partially charge it for assistance. Having the information of a qualified professional can also be helpful if you are not confident in checking those parts under the hood.
Try Using a Small Object to Check the Key
A common hairpin or bobby pin can be used to try and remove the key if none of the other methods have worked. Like jimmying a stuck lock, the bobby pin is small enough to not cause damage to the key or ignition. Just remove the cap covering the access port on the ignition lock override and press lightly with the bobby pin. Some professionals also mention attempting to pull out the key with a pair of pliers, but that may be a bit too harsh and end up causing further damage to the ignition and/or key.
Possible DIY Solution
It is a nice idea to stay right at your Alpharetta, GA home to repair your ignition cylinder, and that is a hopeful solution. This is a possibility, but some work can take patience. The repair manual specific to your vehicle will offer the best help in any work you attempt on your own, with common steps like disconnecting the negative battery terminal and removing the panel associated with the ignition. You will then be able to remove the ignition cylinder and disconnect the wiring harness. Then to turn the key to the accessory position, press the spring release button and pull it out. Work with caution and always call a locksmith if any concern arises.
Contact a Locksmith
After several methods not working, and you are in an emergency situation, then contact Locksmith Alpharetta, LLC, prepared to assist you 24/7. Any attempts to fix the problem on your own can cause damage or even breakage, leading to much more difficult and expensive problems. It is much safer to call a locksmith once you have done the simple checks mentioned above without success. Our experienced locksmiths have the knowledge and high-quality tools and equipment to help make sure this problem is solved for you immediately. A new key can be made on site, the old one can be removed properly, or the ignition cylinder can even be repaired or replaced as needed. This will also have everything running properly for the future.
Visit the source link here: http://www.locksmithalpharettallc.com/news/car-key-stuck-in-ignition.html
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