Stuck in a Bind
Your car key is stuck in the ignition, refusing to turn or come out, leaving you stranded and wondering what's next. This frustrating situation can happen to anyone, and there are specific reasons why it's happening to you, such as a shifter interlock issue, worn key wafers, or an engaged steering lock.
What to do right now
Before calling for help, try these steps to potentially resolve the issue or gather useful information for your locksmith:
- Stop forcing it: Avoid wiggling or yanking the key, as this can cause further damage to the ignition or the key itself.
- Check the parking brake: Ensure the parking brake is fully disengaged, as some vehicles have a shifter interlock that prevents key removal with the brake on.
- Attempt a gentle turn: With the vehicle in the "off" position, try gently turning the key both clockwise and counterclockwise to see if it will loosen.
- Note the vehicle's make and model: This information will be crucial for the locksmith.
What a locksmith actually does
A professional mobile auto locksmith will arrive equipped to handle the situation in one of several ways, depending on the root cause:
- Shifter Interlock Resolution: If the issue is with the shifter interlock, the locksmith will know how to bypass or reset the system to allow key removal or turning.
Locked out, or holding a key that won't work? We come to you.
Call (850) 732-8108