If your Promaster key gets stuck in your car’s ignition, you may be wondering what caused the problem and how to fix it. Fortunately, we’ve investigated the issue for you, and here’s what we found.
Follow these steps if your Promaster key is stuck in the ignition:
put the car in the parking lot
Try to move the key
recharge your battery
Lubricate the ignition cylinder
Read your owner’s manual
Get professional help
Removing a Promaster key that is stuck in the ignition is not as difficult as it seems. Read on for detailed information on how to do it.
Why is my Promaster’s 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 parked
The key will not 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 race of the shifter, which can prevent the shifter from moving to the park position.
weak battery
An electrical current is used to start the car’s engine. A dead or dying battery can prevent your car from starting. If you hear a clicking noise every time you turn the key in the ignition, it is probably because the battery is dead or the battery terminals are corroded.
Key in accessory mode
Most car keys, such as the Promaster, with standard fobs, also have an accessory key slot. With just one more click after turning off the device, you can switch to accessory mode.
This makes it possible for drivers to operate some automotive functions without having to start the vehicle’s engine. Sometimes you may forget that the key is still in accessory mode.
Defective ignition cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder can wear out over time, just like all other electronic and mechanical components in a car. If it fails, the key may get stuck in the ON position or the last position used.
If you have a lot of items on your keychain, your key may wear out faster due to the weight of the other items. As a result, your Promaster key could get stuck in the ignition due to wear, making it impossible to start or stop the vehicle.
Scratches and dirt on the key
Car keys are sensitive and will react negatively to even the slightest scratch or dirt. If the key gets dirty, it can get stuck in the ignition.
You may be using your car key as a makeshift knife, which can cause the problem. Also, it is not advisable to use your key to open mailboxes or mail. Your key can get stuck if you engage in any of these activities, as debris left behind could clog the ignition.
What to do if your Promaster key is stuck in the ignition
The following are things to do if your Promaster key gets stuck in the ignition:
put the car in the parking lot
If you try to get the key out of the ignition without parking the car, the key could 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 remove the key from the lock cylinder while turning the steering wheel with your right hand is a proven strategy that can help.
While maintaining pressure on the brake pedal, move the key 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 the car key from slipping out of the ignition, so recharging the battery could restore the key’s mobility. If you hear a clicking sound every time you turn the key or think the battery may be low, try charging it.
Lubricate the ignition cylinder
If debris is the reason the key is stuck, you should use a spray lubricant to oil the lock. The fact that the key is in the lock can make lubrication a difficult task. To accomplish this, you will need to use a lubricating spray straw.
Read your owner’s manuals
You can find a solution to your problem in the owner’s manual for your Promaster. Check out the troubleshooting chapters in the book to see what you can learn.
Having a service manual for your car can also be of great help. It can provide a detailed guide for different problems.
Get professional help
If you’ve tried the above methods and none of them have been successful, it’s time to contact a mechanic.
Let the mechanic thoroughly check the car. You may have a bad ignition lock that needs to be replaced or some other more complex issue.
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 up and you will not be able to remove the key from the ignition.
When this happens, and the wheel lock is on, you will not be able to get the key out or start the car. The lock is locked to activate only when the key is not in the ignition. However, it can be activated even when the key is in the ignition.
Can a locksmith remove a stuck key?
Yeah! No need to worry – a locksmith can remove a Promaster key that’s stuck in the ignition. When a lock is damaged beyond repair, a locksmith can also help replace the cylinder.
How much does it cost to remove a stuck key?
You may not have to pay for repairs, depending on what parts of your car need to be fixed. If you can free the key by moving it or shifting the gear selector to park, all you’ve lost is a little time.
Even solutions as simple as recharging the battery or lubricating the lock can 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 to €200, depending on the difficulty of the job.
If, on the contrary, the key in question is a transponder key, the price will be higher 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. Whenever the chips identify something that isn’t quite right, they communicate the information to the vehicle’s anti-theft sensors.
It should come as no surprise that removing this type of key from the ignition requires more work and costs more money. Removing a broken transponder key can cost between €220 and €330.
In conclusion
Your Promaster key may be stuck in the ignition because the gear is not in the “park” position. Other reasons include a weak battery, a faulty ignition barrel, and a dirty key.
To deal with this problem, all you have to do is park the car, move the key, recharge the battery, and lubricate the ignition cylinder. You can also check your owner’s manual or call a professional if you need help getting the key out.
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