Your key getting stuck in the Ignition can be frustrating. This might be because the solenoid’s cap had fallen loose, slipped down the metal bar, and became stuck between the bar and the metal shifter base.
To fix this, quickly push and release the shifter button a few times with the engine off, shifter in park, and your foot on the brake. Carry on without moving. This will dislodge the solenoid cap temporarily, allowing you to switch the ignition to the normal position and remove the key. As needed, repeat the process.
In this article, I am going to tell you why this happens and how to get a stuck key out of the ignition. Read to the end to know everything about keys getting stuck.
Why Is the Jeep Key Stuck in Ignition?
The following are some of the most typical causes of a key being stuck in the ignition. They’re arranged in a sort of order from most probable to least likely cause.
1. Parking Lock
All automatic transmission cars are fitted with a lock that prevents the key from being taken from the ignition while the vehicle is in gear. This keeps your Jeep from “rolling away.”
When the car is in any gear other than park, it behaves as if it is in neutral and will roll away without the parking brake engaged. The manufacturer’s method of reminding you to put the key in park before getting out of the driver’s seat is to leave the key trapped in the lock.
2. Steering Lock
A steering lock is standard on many automobiles. This lock has the potential to bind the ignition switch and cause the key to become stuck from time to time. This is especially true in the case of hills. The key may be unbound by manipulating the steering wheel of your Jeep Wrangler.
3. Bad Key
- Bent- A key can bend over time and with regular usage. You’ll need to purchase a new one if this is the case. This is a common problem with low-cost copied keys. If you do manage to extract the key, toss it in the trash. Make a copy of your other key in good condition..
- Rusted- A corroded key can quickly become caught in the ignition mechanism. There doesn’t have to be a lot of rust for this to work. Just enough to prevent it from freely moving. Simply start afresh, like you would with a bent key. When something rusts, it is much easier to restore it.
- Debris- If you’ve used your key to wipe anything off it, or if it’s gotten food (or other debris) on it, it’ll stick in the ignition lock rather easily.
- Worn- When a key has worn down to the point of no longer being functional, it may begin to fail to pass through the ignition lock. It would be excellent if the key could be replaced. You should use a key that is in better form to produce a replica if you have one.
If you don’t have a key to replicate, many manufacturers can cut you a fresh new OEM key using the VIN. Simply be prepared to provide Jeep proof of ownership in some form.
4. Ignition Lock Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder on a Jeep Wrangler might wear out over time. While it may appear to be the most likely cause of a key being stuck in the ignition at first, it is not nearly as likely as a defective key.
It might be difficult to replace them. This is best left to an expert, since there may be a lot to this with today’s computerized theft protection devices.
5. Battery
The issue might be caused by your Jeep Wrangler’s battery not having enough energy to fully engage the safety devices, leaving your key locked in the ignition.
How to Take Out A Jeep Key Stuck In Ignition?
Here are some options for getting your Wrangler key for free. This is the sequence in which we recommend doing them.
Make Sure You Have Voltage
Is the battery up to date? It should be alright if the car starts. But, since checking this needs absolutely little work, why not begin here? Low voltage might prevent the ignition lock mechanism from working correctly.
Wiggle the Steering Wheel
Wiggle the steering wheel while gently attempting to remove the key from the ignition. This will release the strain and allow you to remove the key if the steering lock is producing a bind.
This is a regular occurrence while parking on slopes, turning the wheels all the way in one direction, or turning the wheels when the car was not moving before the ignition was switched off.
Shifter Issues
Ensure that your Jeep is in parking. Even if it’s in parking, gently crank the key while pushing the shifter up higher toward parking. There’s no need to be rough with anything.
You’re simply checking to see if the park lock system is malfunctioning. If that’s the case, the key should pop out easily.
Lubricate the Key
It’s time to try to get the key out now that we’ve tried all of the easier and more likely items that might cause a Wrangler’s key to getting stuck that aren’t the key itself.
You should try using a tiny quantity of lubrication to see if it can assist you to move the key.
Trouble Codes
It’s time to use a code scanner to check if any diagnostic fault codes will help you figure out what’s wrong.
What If the Key Keeps Getting Stuck?
If your key is stuck in the ignition, you should try the above-mentioned methods to fix it. However, if this keeps happening, it may indicate something else and it is time for you to hire a professional to check your vehicle.
Getting a professional to check the vehicle can save you from dangerous accidents, save time and money.
How To Recover a Broken Key From the Ignition?
The worst-case scenario is a broken key in the ignition. You have two alternatives if your key breaks: use a key extraction tool or employ a professional locksmith.
To remove the fragment of the broken key caught in the ignition, use a key extractor tool. Working with a professional locksmith, on the other hand, guarantees that your damaged key is properly removed.
Last but not least, inspect your key before inserting it into the ignition. If your key is broken or unclean, it is more likely to break within the ignition.
Conclusion
If your Jeep key is stuck in the ignition even after following all of these instructions, it’s time to have a professional check at the ignition lock to determine if it’s broken.
Regularly checking your ignition and using your keys with care can save up a lot of time and save you from trouble.
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