4 Causes of Car Key Cannot Be Removed and Their Solutions
Have you ever experienced the problem of a car key not being able to be removed even though the car engine is off? You must have panicked and felt confused when this condition suddenly occurred.
Although almost all cars currently use keyless technology, manual keys are still in use. Ideally, the car key should not get stuck when being removed.
However, if the key is still difficult to remove, do not force it out. This can have fatal consequences; the car key could break.
So how do you handle it when the key cannot be removed? What are the possible causes? For more complete information, pay attention to the following review.
4 Factors Causing Car Keys to Be Unable to Be Removed
There are several reasons why a car key cannot be removed. Recognize the 4 causes as follows:
1. Transmission Position Not Neutral
For the car key to be removed, the gear lever must be in the neutral (N) or park (P) position. This applies to manual transmission cars.
Meanwhile, in automatic transmission cars, when the gear is set to neutral, drive, or others, the key cannot be removed. Make sure you are not in a hurry when removing the key. Check the transmission position first before removing the key.
2. Bent or Worn Key
High usage intensity of the car key, along with the habit of removing the key roughly, causes the key to become bent and worn. As a result, the key will be difficult to remove because it is usually cracked.
Read Also: How to Unlock a Locked Car Key with a Phone
3. Problematic Ignition Cylinder
A problematic ignition cylinder is usually caused by a buildup of dust and misaligned springs. This makes it difficult to insert and remove the key.
4. Steering Lock Engaged
The steering lock system is very useful for maintaining the security of the car so that it does not move on its own. However, if the car's steering is locked, the car key will be difficult to remove.
4 Ways to Overcome a Car Key That Cannot Be Removed
If you experience difficulty removing the car key, you do not need to panic excessively. You should remain calm to think clearly in order to find a solution to the problem. Here are some methods you can practice.
1. Ensure the Car Transmission is in the Correct Position
As explained above, the way to remove a locked automatic car key is to ensure it is in the neutral position first. If the transmission position is not correct, the key cannot be removed. It is best to check first whether the park or neutral position is correct.
2. Check the Handbrake
Make sure to check the condition of the handbrake, so the car does not roll when you are trying to remove the key.
Read Also: 4 Ways to Open a Car Door Locked from the Inside
3. Press the Key Gently and Turn the Steering Slightly
Next, you can press the key and turn the steering slightly to the right and left. This is done to find a gap so that the key can be turned.
4. Apply Lubricant to the Ignition Cylinder
Next, you can apply lubricant to the ignition cylinder. This will make it easier to insert and remove the key.
Spray the ignition cylinder with lubricant and let it sit for 2-5 minutes, then try to insert the key, turn it, and remove it. Repeat several times. A key that cannot be removed is usually due to the ignition cylinder being clogged with dust and dirt.
These are some methods and solutions if your car key cannot be removed. Quite easy, right? To avoid this problem, make sure you always regularly perform regular car maintenance. You can perform maintenance yourself or take it to the nearest official workshop or Daihatsu dealer.
