Key stuck in the ignition? Do this first
ABC Locksmiths · Updated
Written at the bench: RACQ approved repairer, Brendale workshop, trading since 2003.
A key stuck in the ignition usually means the steering lock is loaded, the car isn't fully in park, or the key and barrel have worn together. Try the gentle checks below before you pull hard, because a snapped key turns a small problem into a big one.
The three usual suspects
Most stuck keys are one of these. First, the steering lock: if the wheel was turned after shutdown, it loads pressure on the barrel and pins the key. Second, the gear selector: many automatics won't release the key unless the car is fully in park. Third, wear: an old key in an old barrel eventually stops lining up cleanly.
Safe steps, in order
Work through these gently. Each one takes seconds.
- Rock the steering wheel slightly left and right while turning the key. That releases steering-lock pressure.
- Check the car is fully in park, then push the shifter firmly into park again and try the key.
- Push the key gently inward first, then turn. Worn barrels often need that reset.
- If it turns but won't come out, let go, wait a moment, and repeat with less force.
What not to do
Don't force it with pliers. Don't spray whatever's in the shed into the barrel, oily sprays gum up the pins and make things worse. And if the key has already snapped, don't try glue on the broken half. The glue trick usually ends with a harder extraction job.
When it keeps happening
A key that sticks weekly is a worn key, a worn barrel, or both, and it will eventually strand you somewhere inconvenient. A locksmith can cut a fresh key back to code or rekey the barrel. One Google reviewer of our Brendale shop wrote that their project car got 'a new barrel/ignition and keys cut' and was 'ready within the hour'.
