Keys stuck in the ignition of your Chevy Impala? This can be a frustrating experience but here are some easy steps that you can follow to fix this problem
Got your car key stuck in the ignition of your Chevy Impala? Fret not, we understand that it can be a frustrating experience but the first thing you need to do is to calm down and assess the situation. There are a number of reasons why this can occur.
In this article, we will explore common reasons your car keys can get stuck in the ignition of a Chevy Impala and how to fix them.
Why is my key stuck in my Chevy Impala?
There are several factors that you need to consider. Some can contribute to a key getting stuck in the ignition of your Chevy Impala indirectly while others can be as simple as lubricating it. With that in mind, here are a few possible reasons:
Steering Wheel Lock: One common cause is the steering wheel lock engaging. When the wheels are turned to one side while the vehicle is turned off, it can put pressure on the steering wheel lock mechanism, making it difficult to remove the key.
Shift Lever Position: If your Impala has an automatic transmission, the key may not come out if the shift lever is not fully engaged in the “Park” position. The ignition switch is designed to prevent key removal if the vehicle is not in park, ensuring safety.
Worn or Damaged Key: Over time, the key may become worn or damaged, which can affect its ability to turn smoothly in the ignition cylinder. A faulty key can get stuck or may not turn at all.
Ignition Cylinder Issues: The ignition cylinder itself could be the culprit. Internal components may become worn or damaged, causing the key to get stuck or preventing it from turning.
Rusty Keys or Key Hole: Rust, surface scratches, or even bent key teeth can cause the key of your Chevy impala to get stuck in its car ignition. If this happens, the best thing you can do on your own is to use spray lubricants. The pressure inside of the spray lubricants will assist the liquid in lubricating the inner section of the key ignition once your key is stuck in it.
Foreign Sediments: In some rare instances, small debris like dust, rocks, or lint can get inside your key ignition causing your keys to get stuck in it. If you suspect that this is the case for you, the fastest fix is to apply pressure while pulling and shaking the keys out. This way, the debris will be pushed out and get out of the way of your keys.
How do you get the key out of the ignition on a Chevy Impala?
If you find yourself with a key stuck in the ignition of your Chevy Impala, it’s always best to take a breather, calm down, and assess the situation first. Panicking and rush decisions will do more harm than good. Worst, it might cause some permanent damage to your Impala.
So, if you are in this situation, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take or do on your own:
Check the Steering Wheel:
- Try turning the steering wheel left and right while simultaneously attempting to remove the key.
- This action may release the pressure on the steering wheel lock, allowing the key to be removed.
Ensure Proper Gear Position:
- For automatic transmission variants, double-check if the shift lever is in the “Park” position. If it is, gently wiggle the lever while trying to remove the key.
- Sometimes, a slight adjustment can make a difference.
Lubricate the Ignition Cylinder:
- Applying a small amount of graphite lubricant or silicone spray such as WD-40 lubricants into the ignition cylinder can help loosen any debris or provide lubrication to free up the key.
- It is highly recommended to use a spray lubricant in this case. Pouring may not do the job properly since the key ignition is perpendicular to gravity.
Expose the Key Ignition Components:
- Another method that you can do to remove the key that’s stuck on your Chevy Impala is to remove the plastic cover around the key ignition. Once you do, the components used as well as some wirings will be exposed. Look for a button underneath the key ignition and press it. While hold pressing the button, try to remove the keys at the same time.
- Depending on the model, some Chevy Impala comes with a hidden button around the key ignition that’s hidden in plain sight. The button works by loosening the key shaft allowing your keys to be easily removed.
Shaking the gear selector:
- In some instances, shaking the gear shift selector while in the park position can often remedy the issue.
Try a Spare Key:
- If you have a spare key, try using it to see if the issue lies with the original key itself. A worn or damaged key may not properly engage with the ignition cylinder. Causing some key strokes and edges to become bent.
Hire a Professional:
- If all things fail, the next best thing you can do is to consider hiring a professional service to do the job. Your local locksmith services should be able to fix the situation for you.
- If locksmith is not available, then the next best thing is to tow your Chevy Impala to the nearest mechanic services that fixes car problems.
Chevy Impala key stuck in ignition and won’t start
In some instances, the key may be stuck in the ignition ultimately preventing the engine to start. If you’re having this problem, here’s what you can do in such a situation:
Check the Battery:
- Ensure that your car’s battery is not dead or low on charge. In some instances, a weak battery can prevent the ignition from engaging, which then is one of the common reason that causes the car key to get stuck in the car ignition of your Chevy Impala. If the battery is low, try jump-starting the car or charging the battery.
Check the Ignition Switch:
- The ignition switch could be faulty and preventing the engine from starting. If you’ve ruled out a dead battery, it’s worth having the ignition switch inspected and potentially replaced by a qualified mechanic.
Chevy Impala key stuck in ignition and dead battery
If you have a key stuck in the ignition of your Chevy Impala and the battery is dead, here are a few things you can do to fix this problem:
Attempt to Wiggle the Key:
- In most cases, even with a dead battery, you may be able to wiggle the key and disengage the ignition lock.
- Make sure to apply gentle pressure to the key while turning and wiggling it. This can sometimes release the key.
Jump Start the Vehicle:
- If the key won’t budge, a dead or low charge battery might be the reason. Check your car battery to be sure. If it is, you can try jump-starting the car using jumper cables and another vehicle. Once the Impala has power, the key may be easier to remove.
- Replacing the battery of your Chevy Impala could also do the trick.
Replace the Battery:
- If you have a spare battery, try to replace the old battery of your Chevy Impala with your spare. Or, you can purchase a brand new one which can be quite expensive.
Use a Battery Charger:
- An inexpensive solution to address the dead battery of your Chevy Impala is to charge it with a dedicated car battery charger. If you do not have one, you can purchase it from your local hardware store and expect to dish out US$20 to US$200 depending on the type, quality, and model.
- If you have a car battery charger, try to charge the battery of your Chevy Impala for a couple of hours. After that, try to see if you can remove the keys.
Call for Assistance:
- Alas. If all else fails, and you still cannot remove the key, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. A locksmith or roadside assistance service can help you safely remove the key and address any underlying issues causing the problem.
In conclusion, having your car keys getting stuck in your car’s ignition can happen to anyone. This is more common with older or those who own certain types of vehicles.
Finding a solution that’s specific to your vehicle can be troublesome. If you don’t want to waste time or energy, it’s best to get a professional service to do the job for you.
Otherwise, a key stuck in the ignition of a Chevy Impala can be a frustrating situation. However, by following the troubleshooting tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of safely removing the key or resolving the issue.
If the problem persists or if you’re unsure about performing any of the troubleshooting steps, it’s best to consult a professional automotive technician for assistance.
Source:
https://www.ernieslock.com/car-key-stuck-in-ignition
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