If your car key won’t turn or is stuck in the ignition, stop before you force it. Forcing a key can snap it inside the lock or damage the ignition, which turns a simple problem into a bigger repair. Try the safe checks below. If the key still won’t move, call an automotive locksmith and describe exactly what happens.
A1 All Locksmith DMV provides mobile automotive locksmith service from Gaithersburg, including broken key extraction from ignitions and doors. Call 240-701-6448 with the year, make and model.
Safe checks before you call
These checks do not involve taking anything apart. Your owner’s manual is the authority for your vehicle.
- Steering lock. Many vehicles lock the steering wheel when the key is removed. Turning the wheel gently left or right while turning the key can release it. Do not use force.
- Gear position. In many automatic vehicles the key will only turn back and come out in Park. Check the shifter is fully in Park.
- The right key. Make sure you are using this vehicle’s key and that it is inserted fully, the right way up.
- Visible damage. Look at the key for a bent blade, a crack or worn edges. Compare it with a spare if you have one.
- A spare key. If the spare works normally, the problem is more likely the original key than the ignition.
Do not spray lubricants or other products into the ignition unless your owner’s manual allows it. Do not use pliers or tools on the key.
What the symptoms suggest
These patterns help describe the problem. They are not a diagnosis.
| What happens | Possible cause | What to tell the locksmith |
|---|---|---|
| Key won’t turn; the steering wheel feels locked | Steering lock engaged | Whether turning the wheel gently helped |
| Spare key works, original doesn’t | Worn or damaged original key | That a working spare exists |
| No key turns the lock, or it got harder over weeks | Worn or failing ignition lock | How long it has been getting worse |
| Key turns but the engine doesn’t start | Key chip, battery or another vehicle system | Whether lights and dashboard come on |
| Key broke inside the ignition | Broken key | Whether any part of the key is still visible |
A key that turns but does not start the engine is not always a locksmith problem. Battery, starter or other faults need a mechanic. Describe the symptoms so the locksmith can tell you before sending someone.
When to stop and call
- The key is stuck and gentle steering-wheel movement didn’t help.
- The key broke and part of it is inside the lock.
- The ignition looks damaged, loose or tampered with.
- No key turns the lock, including a spare.
Visible damage around the ignition or loose wiring is a different job from a worn key. Describe what you see when you call, and do not try to start the vehicle with tools.
If you think someone tried to steal the vehicle, contact the police and your insurer, and do not try to start it with a screwdriver or similar tool.
What to have ready
- Year, make and model, and the VIN if you can read it.
- Photo ID and registration or title. A1 checks ownership before any key or ignition work.
- Whether you have a spare key, and whether it works.
- Your exact location, such as a parking garage level or building entrance.
What to ask before booking
- Based on my symptoms, is this likely the key, the ignition lock or another system?
- Can you remove a broken key and keep the ignition?
- If the ignition lock needs repair or replacement, do you support my vehicle, and is it done on site?
- Will I need a new key afterward, and is programming included?
- What is the expected total, and what could change after inspection?
Confirm the price before work begins. For more on comparing quotes, see what an emergency locksmith quote should include.
Common questions
Can a locksmith fix an ignition, or do I need a dealer?
It depends on the vehicle and the damage. Ask the locksmith whether it supports your model before you arrange a tow. Our comparison of locksmith or dealership for car keys covers the questions to ask both.
My key is stuck. Should I leave the car running?
Follow your owner’s manual and stay safe. Don’t leave a running vehicle unattended, and don’t force the key.
Will the key work again after the ignition is fixed?
Not necessarily. Some repairs need a new key or programming. Ask before work begins.
Call before forcing the key
Call A1 All Locksmith DMV at 240-701-6448 with your vehicle details and what happens when you turn the key. For a nonurgent request, ask for a free quote online.
The photographs show ignition components with an A1 business card. They do not establish the cause, price or outcome of a particular job.