It is not uncommon for your keys to get stuck in the ignition. This can happen for a variety of reasons. In these situations, we often turn to our phones to determine the best course of action.
A phone call or an internet search can quickly fix many problems. But you will need to rely on your skills and knowledge if you cannot do either because you’re in a remote location with no service or Wi-Fi.
Although the push-button ignition system is on all 2022 Honda Accord trims in the United States, many older Accord models with key ignitions are still on the road today.
Getting your Honda Accord’s key stuck in the ignition is pretty common if you own one of these older, reliable vehicles. In this case, what should you do?
I understand the pain. Try not to worry if your keys get stuck. Most of the time, they can be fixed easily! It’s important to understand why this happens first.
Your ignition key might be stuck in your Honda Accord for one or more of these reasons:
Steering Wheel Locked
A driver’s steering wheel may lock in place and trap the key when turning off their car while moving the wheel.
You can fix the problem by turning the key in the ignition while moving the steering wheel as much as possible. Freeing your key might take a few tries, but it should be possible.
Parked Improperly
It is not uncommon for drivers to fail to set their gear to Park. It will be impossible to pull out the key if the car isn’t completely in Park.
However, it is possible to resolve the problem by changing the setting of your gear before properly returning it to Park.
What Does It Mean When Key Stuck In Ignition?
Honda offers a wide range of sedans, coupes, and trucks for private and commercial use. When the vehicle is turned off, Honda steering wheels lock to prevent anyone but the owner from moving the vehicle.
Keys can sometimes get stuck in the ignition due to the steering wheel lock, making them impossible to remove. However, a simple method exists for removing the key quickly and easily from many types of vehicles.
Why Can’t I Get My Key Out Of The Ignition?
We first need to clarify whether the key you used to solve this problem was the correct one. For example, you might have one or more Honda vehicles and accidentally use the wrong key.
The chances of two keys fitting into a keyed ignition cylinder on two 2015 or older Honda cars are very small. The wrong key, however, won’t start the engine if the keys already have transponders.
If the wrong key is cut similarly, it may partially fit into the ignition keyhole. You or a family member might have used too much force when jamming the wrong key in or starting the car.
The wrong key may damage the ignition cylinder if it gets stuck, in which case your dealer or a locksmith can help.
Honda Accord Key Stuck in Ignition Causes
A key getting stuck in an ignition can be caused by several things. This list is presented in order of least likely to most likely causes.
Battery
A low-voltage battery in your Honda Accord can cause your key to remaining stuck in the ignition because the safety mechanisms aren’t engaged properly.
Ignition Lock Cylinder
There is a possibility that the ignition lock cylinder of the Accord will go bad over time. However, as likely as it may seem, this is not the most common reason for keys getting stuck in ignitions.
It can be tricky to replace them. It is best to leave this to a professional, as today’s electronic theft prevention mechanisms can be complex.
The Key Is Bent
A key can bend over time and with repeated use. You’ll need a new one if this is the case. It is common for cheap duplicate keys to have this issue. You can throw the key away if you do get it out by massaging it. Then, duplicate the good key.
The Key Is Worn Out
A worn key cannot pass through an ignition lock if worn beyond its useful life. Therefore, I would recommend replacing the key. You’d want to use one in good shape to duplicate a key.
Debris
You may find that your key can easily stick in the ignition lock if you use it to clean something off or get food on it.
Ignition Key Rusted
Rusted keys can easily jam the ignition system. Rust doesn’t have to be severe. It just keeps it from moving freely. Just start over if the key is bent. Also, it is much easier to restore something that has rusted.
Steering Lock
A steering lock is an important feature of many vehicles. Unfortunately, the key can occasionally get stuck in the lock and bind the ignition switch. It is especially true on hills. You can unbind the key by manipulating the steering wheel on your Accord.
Parking Lock
The key to any vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission is locked inside the ignition when it is in gear to prevent it from being removed. As a result, your Accord won’t “roll off.”
A vehicle in any gear other than Park will not engage the parking brake. It is the manufacturer’s way of reminding you to put the car in Park before leaving the driver’s seat.
How Do You Get A Stuck Key Out Of A Honda Accord?
Do you have a stuck key in your Accord? You may wonder why sometimes your key is hard to remove from the ignition. I’m here to help you in either case. So, check out what we have to say, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Make Sure The Ignition Keyhole Is Clean
Honda keys must pass through mechanical tumblers inside the ignition’s keyhole before they can be turned.
Therefore, the ignition may bind your key if there is dirt in the keyhole or tumblers. To clean the keyhole, you can use pressurized lubricants such as WD-40.
The Battery Should Be Disconnected From The Car
Dirt or small objects may accumulate under the cover of the gear shift lever. Furthermore, the shift lever itself may be damaged. Nevertheless, the gear position sensor still cannot detect “Park” when the lever is in this position.
The battery can be disconnected temporarily as a fix. When you disconnect the battery, you can turn your ignition to the “Lock” position, according to Honda owners’ videos. In addition, the key can now be removed once you are in this position.
Alternatively, you can disconnect one of the plugs leading to the ignition switch if you are comfortable disassembling your steering column. The Honda dealer should be consulted in both cases as soon as possible.
Park The Vehicle By Pressing The Shift Lever
The engine of a modern automatic transmission car can only be started and stopped when the gear shift lever is in the “Park” or “Neutral” position.
The key may lock up in the “Acc” position if you do not place your lever in the “Park” position after turning off the engine. When trying to remove the key, you might be unable to turn it back into its “Lock” position.
When You Turn Off Your Vehicle, Always Put The Shift Lever In “Park.”
It is possible, however, for your car’s gear position sensor to malfunction occasionally. For example, it may be necessary to gently prod the shift lever forward several times if the sensor does not recognize the “Park” position.
Turn the key to the “Lock” position afterward. The key should easily come out of the ignition once placed in the “Lock” position.
It Is A Good Idea To Jiggle The Ignition Safety Switch
The safety switch keeps your car keys in the keyhole when the ignition is not in the “Lock” position. When you turn the key to the “Lock” position on a Honda, you must lightly push it towards the steering column to disengage it.
Due to the mechanical nature of the safety switch, it may be locked in place by dirt, plastic, or small foreign objects. Therefore, before turning the key to “Lock,” you might want to push the key inward several times to loosen up the switch.
Unlock The Steering Wheel
When the engine is off, modern cars lock the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the steering wheel can become locked if you leave the ignition on while turning the wheel to the left or right.
In addition to preventing your key from turning in the ignition, this steering wheel lock can cause the ignition to bind. You’ll need to unlock your steering wheel to get the key out.
Lightly push in and turn the key to the “Acc” or “On” position while pressing the brake pedal and wriggling the steering wheel. Turn the key back to the “Lock” position once the steering wheel has been freed up.
You Should Be Able To Pull Out Your Key Once It’s Back In The “Lock” Position
When driving, never try to pull out your key. Honda warns that your steering wheel will lock if you try to take it out forcibly. In addition, you will likely lose control of your vehicle.
Your Key Should Always Be In The “Lock” Position
Accord owners are only permitted to remove and insert the key from “Lock” or “0” positions, according to their owner’s manuals.
Turning your key counterclockwise to this point is the furthest you can turn it. The key must be pushed slightly towards the keyhole before it can be turned to “Lock.”
There is a high probability that this situation will occur when the driver is in a hurry to exit the vehicle. Before pulling the key out, ensure the key is in the “Lock” position after the engine has turned off.
Pulling out the key while driving is never a good idea. You can forcefully take out the steering wheel, but Honda says it will lock. As a result, your vehicle will become uncontrollable.
The Bottom Line
Stuck ignition keys are a big sign that your car is at least five years old if you’re experiencing this problem. It is possible to break your key if you try too hard to get it out of the ignition.
A problem with the ignition cylinder might be the cause of your Honda Accord key not working. If that is the case, get in touch with a mechanic and let them handle it.
You may need professional assistance if the ignition cylinder malfunctions or your key breaks. Some automotive locksmiths and dealerships can help you.
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