If your Promaster key gets stuck in the ignition of your car, you may be wondering what caused the problem and how to deal with it. Luckily, we have researched the problem for you, and here is what we found.
Follow these steps if your Promaster key is stuck in the ignition:
- Put the car in park
- Try moving the key
- Recharge your battery
- Lubricate the ignition cylinder
- Read your owner's manual
- Get professional help
Removing a Promaster key that's stuck in the ignition is not as difficult as it seems. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to go about it.
Why Is My Promaster Key Stuck In The Ignition?
A Promaster key can get stuck in the ignition for different reasons. The following are the most common:
Car Not In Park
The key won't turn unless the car is in the park position. All car owners should be aware of this. Also, dirt and objects can get into the plastic or rubber shifter track, which may prevent the shifter from moving to the park position.
Weak Battery
An electric current is used to ignite the car's engine. A dead or dying battery can prevent you from starting your car. If you hear a clicking noise each time you turn the key in the ignition, it's probably because the battery is dead or the battery terminals are corroded.
Key In Accessories Mode
Most car keys, like the Promaster, with standard key fobs, also have an accessory key slot. With just one more click after turning the device off, you can switch to accessory mode.
This makes it possible for drivers to operate some automotive features without having to turn on the vehicle's engine. You may sometimes forget that the key is still in accessory mode.
Faulty Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder can go bad over time, just like the rest of a car's electronic and mechanical components. If it fails, the key can be trapped in the ON position or the last used position.
If you have many items on your keychain, your key may wear out faster due to the weight of the other items. As a result, your Promaster key might get stuck in the ignition due to wear, making it impossible to start or switch off the vehicle.
Scratches And Dirt On The Key
Car keys are sensitive and will react negatively to even the slightest of scratches or dirt. If your key gets dirty, it may get stuck in the ignition.
You may be using your car key as a makeshift knife, which can cause the problem. Also, using your key to open boxes or mail isn't advisable. Your key can get stuck if you engage in any of these activities, as the junk you leave behind could clog the ignition.
What To Do If Your Promaster Key Is Stuck In The Ignition
The following are things you should do if your Promaster key gets stuck in the ignition:
Put The Car In Park
If you try to take the key out of the ignition without putting the car in park, the key might get stuck. If this is the case, put your foot on the brake, turn the key in the ignition to start in the "park" position, and remove the key.
Move The Key
Using your left hand to pull the key from the lock cylinder while jiggling the steering wheel with your right hand is a tested strategy that may help.
While maintaining pressure on the brake pedal, jiggle the key around and rock the steering wheel back and forth. This should make it easier to remove the key.
Recharge Your Battery
A dead battery can prevent a car key from coming out of the ignition, so recharging the battery might restore mobility to the key. If you hear a clicking sound whenever you turn the key or think the battery might be low, try charging it.
Lubricate The Ignition Cylinder
If debris is the reason why the key is stuck, you should use a spray lubricant to grease the lock. The fact that the key is in the lock can make lubricating a difficult task. To accomplish this, you will need to use a spray lubricant straw.
Read Your Owner's Manuals
A solution to your problem may be found in your Promaster owner manual. Check the book's troubleshooting chapters to see what you can learn.
Having a service manual for your car can be a big help too. It can provide in-depth guidance for different issues.
Get Professional Help
If you have followed the methods above and none of them have been successful, it's time to contact a mechanic.
Let the mechanic check the car thoroughly. You may have a damaged ignition lock that needs to be changed or some other more complex problem.
Can A Locked Steering Wheel Cause A Key To Get Stuck?
Yes, a locked steering wheel can cause a Promaster key to get stuck. If you apply too much pressure to the steering wheel, it will lock, and you won't be able to remove the key from the ignition.
When this happens, and the wheel lock is engaged, you won't be able to take out the key or start the car. The lock is designed to only activate when the key isn’t in the ignition. However, it can engage even when the key is in the ignition.
Can A Locksmith Remove A Stuck Key?
Yes! There is no need to worry—a locksmith can remove a Promaster key that is stuck in the ignition. When a lock is damaged beyond repair, a locksmith can also help you replace the cylinder.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Stuck Key?
It is possible that you won't have to pay for repairs, depending on what parts of your car need to be fixed. If you can free the key by jiggling it or moving the gear selector to park, all you have lost is a little bit of time.
Even solutions as simple as recharging the battery or lubricating the lock should only incur a nominal fee. The only other alternative, which is also the most expensive, is to hire a locksmith.
The price for removing a standard key from your ignition by a locksmith ranges from $75-$200, depending on how difficult the work is.
If, on the other hand, the key in question is a transponder key, the price will be more because this type of key is complicated since it sends and receives signals from the vehicle's security system.
This type of key has microchips. Anytime the chips identify something that isn't quite right, they communicate the information to the anti-theft sensors in the vehicle.
It should come as no surprise that removing this kind of key from the ignition will require more work and cost more money. Removing a broken transponder key may cost between $220 to $330.
To Wrap Up
Your Promaster key can get stuck in the ignition because the gear is not in the "park" position. Other reasons include a weak battery, a faulty ignition cylinder, and a dirty key.
To deal with this issue, all you have to do is put the car in park, move the key, recharge your battery, and lubricate the ignition cylinder. You can also refer to your owner's manual or call a professional if you need help getting the key out.
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