Key Stuck In Ignition

[drthrift035]

1) How do you take out a key that is stuck in a vehicle’s ignition ?

2) How do you change an ignition switch ?

Please let me know of any precautions that a person should take. Thanks.

Topic

[Chris Jenkins]

For a stuck key wiggle the steering wheel and the key at the same time sometimes it will come out. You should post up what vehicle it is. Every make/ model is different most have security features built in one way or another. Manufactures try to make the ignition switch as inaccessible as possible to prevent theft. It can be one of the most challenging things to replace on a vehicle.

[619DioFan]

Having the make , model , year will make answering your question easier. that said – if the key will not come out of the lock cylinder then you can replace the lock cylinder itself. to do so requires removing the steering wheel NOTE – use extreme caution if the vehicle has a steering wheel air bag. follow the service manual directions for disabling the air bag prior to service. when ready remove the steering wheel – there will most likely be a plate under it which requires a special lock plate removal tool. once that is out then you should be able to access the fasteners holding the lock cylinder in. NOTE – this is a generic description of accessing a lock cyl. more vehicle info is needed to provide more detailed repair advice.

[drthrift035]

Great answer. I will leave this type of job alone. Thank you so much for your information.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Many times when I run into that it’s because the vehicle does not register that it’s in park. Try pushing up on the gear lever to force it into park more. If this works, perhaps you have an issue with the PRNDL switch which sends a signal to the vehicle to let it know what gear it’s in.

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