Why was my key in the ignition when the battery died?
RAY: I’m not sure why the key was in the ignition when the battery died, Linda. Anyway, your key problem may be related to the dead battery. There’s something called an interlock solenoid on your car that locks the steering wheel when you put the car in park.
What to do if your car key is stuck?
So, try moving the steering wheel back and forth as best you can while you jiggle the key and see if you can get the key to the off position. If not, don’t replace the battery yet. Try jump-starting the car first.
Why is my car key stuck on the steering wheel?
Anyway, your key problem may be related to the dead battery. There’s something called an interlock solenoid on your car that locks the steering wheel when you put the car in park. That solenoid is located near the shifter, in the center console. When you put the car in park, it actuates a pin that locks the steering wheel.
What to do if your car battery is dead?
Try jump-starting the car first. If it is a battery problem, as soon as you hook up the jumper cables, the battery should have enough power to energize the solenoid and release the interlock pin. That’ll tell you the dead battery was the problem.
RAY: I’m not sure why the key was in the ignition when the battery died, Linda. Anyway, your key problem may be related to the dead battery. There’s something called an interlock solenoid on your car that locks the steering wheel when you put the car in park.
What to do if your car key is stuck in ignition?
If you lose battery power, the switch is closed and it assumes you’re not in park. Probably a bad apples battery. Call dealer and ask if the warranty covers it. If it happens with a new battery, ask them to run parasitic draw tests. You’re describing the results of a battery that has developed an internal short.
What should I do if my car battery dies?
If the battery dies, it will likely cause the ignition system to lock up. Then you won’t be able to get the key out of the ignition. The best thing you can do here is to wait for a jump start or new battery to be installed. Either that or use a tack hammer and gently tap the cylinder with it.
Anyway, your key problem may be related to the dead battery. There’s something called an interlock solenoid on your car that locks the steering wheel when you put the car in park. That solenoid is located near the shifter, in the center console. When you put the car in park, it actuates a pin that locks the steering wheel.
Why does my car key not come out?
My car has an automatic transmission. The fault with the battery should be resolved first. Once power is restored, the key will come out. There is an override function to remove the key (see vehicle owner’s manual) but the underlying issue is your battery is dead.