Try this:

1. Test the park position.

Of course, the shifter must always be locked into the park position in order for you to remove the car key. Sometimes, your automobile just won’t lock into the park position properly. If you can still move the gearshift lever out of park after turning the vehicle off, then that means your linkage may be out of adjustment, or it could be utterly worn out.

2. Check to see if your battery’s dead.

Did your dashboard light up when the car key was in the “on” position? Depending upon the make and model of your car, a dead battery will prevent you from removing the key, because the chip in your transponder key can’t be accurately identified by your vehicle’s built-in computerized theft-deterrent system.

2. Check the position of your car key.

On the ignition switch, check to make sure that your car key is in the lock position. As cylinders get older, you may find it easier to turn them beyond the proper point. This is particularly true if your key has been attached to a variety of heavy objects on your key chain, which gradually put additional pressure on the cylinder, promoting excessive wear. Try pushing your key in, and rotate it forward slightly. In some cases, this will lock your ignition into place so you can pull out the key.

3. Check your steering wheel.

Sometimes your steering wheel will lock. When this happens, the ignition switch will keep your key locked in one place until the steering system is unlocked. Don’t pull too hard on your car key! Be gentle. Focus on getting some movement from the steering wheel. Put your left hand on the steering wheel as you try gently rotating the key forward. Move the wheel very gently to one side, and listen until you hear a click. If you don't hear it, try turning the wheel gently in the other direction. As soon as you hear a click, try removing the key. If you’re successful, then you’ll know that the problem originates from pressure coming from the steering wheel.

4. Lubricate the key.

You can try spraying a small amount of electrical cleaner between the ignition and the key, followed by a quick spray of silicone or a drop or two of liquid graphite. Be careful ~ don’t allow anything to drip on your upholstery! Keep the car doors open so you won’t suffer from the fumes. Remember to avoid sparks and open flames. You may want to lubricate twice. Now, try turning the key a fraction of an inch, and then you can attempt to extract it. Move the key very gently, exerting only minimal pressure.

After all this basic troubleshooting, is your car key still stuck?

If so, then don’t waste another minute allowing yourself to go into a panic over your lousy circumstances. Just accept the fact that it’s time to hire a professional who possesses the expertise required to thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s ignition switch, gearshift lever, battery, and so forth; to properly determine the actual cause; and to bring you exactly the right solution.

If you’re stranded anywhere in Arvada, Colorado, you may want to choose Locksmith Arvada CO, whose mobile automotive locksmith specialists on staff work around the clock 24/7, always at the ready to come to your rescue if you’re in a jam.

In the meantime, until help arrives:

• Use a spare key to manually lock your vehicle to keep it secure.
• If you can, make sure your stuck key at least stays in the lock position, so you can avoid running down the battery.

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