What to do When Your Car Key is Stuck in the Ignition

Car keys getting stuck in the ignition or car keys not turning is a common problem that is usually easily fixed. A stuck key is not the same as a broken key -- in the latter case, the key head breaks off when you try to turn it. This usually involves removing the broken part of the key by inserting a pair of needle-nose pliers or a pull-out tool into the lock core.
 
How do I get a stuck key out of the ignition
If the car key is stuck in the ignition and doesn't appear to be damaged, try these three simple steps.
 
"Unlock" the steering wheel - Many vehicles have a locking device that kicks in when the steering wheel turns too far to the left or right. This will also prevent the key from being deleted. Turning the wheel in the opposite direction loosens the lock and enables you to remove the key from the ignition.
Shake the Key - Another easy way to remove a stuck key is to press down on the lock with your left index finger while shaking the key with your right hand. This loosens the grip of the spring and pin located inside the cylinder, allowing the key to slide out.
Shake the Lever - If your car is equipped with an automatic transmission, you will not be able to remove the key unless the lever is correctly set in park or neutral. Gently shaking the selector in the parking position will usually solve this problem.
 
What not to do
First, don't randomly yank on any keys that get stuck in the ignition of your vehicle. This can cause your car keys to break at the neck, leaving you in a worse situation than the one you initially faced.
Keep in mind that in most cases, you can still start the vehicle even if you are unable to remove the key. So it's not as bad as it could be.
If you don't feel comfortable attempting the key removal steps listed above, contact a trusted automotive service center or locksmith for further assistance.
If you inadvertently cause more damage because of the obvious frustration that accompanies such a situation, the cost of getting such help may be dwarfed by the cost that will occur.
 
The best solution to a stuck car igniter depends on the problem it is trying to solve. The cylinder problem cannot be solved by solving the key problem, and vice versa. The best solution is to start by solving your problem. If you experience other car door lock problems, you can purchase Car Lock Picks and try to solve the problem yourself instead of hiring a professional locksmith.