If you’re having trouble with your 2016 Chevy Impala key stuck in the ignition, it can be a frustrating problem to deal with.
This issue can prevent you from starting or turning off your vehicle, which can be a safety hazard. There could be a variety of reasons why this is happening, ranging from mechanical issues to electrical problems.
In this article, we’ll cover the causes of this issue as well as provide solutions for fixing it if you ever face it.
Keep reading for more!
Contents
Diagnosing the Problem
As a car ignition expert with 20 years of experience, I understand how frustrating it can be when the key gets stuck in your Chevy Impala’s ignition cylinder.
I’ve seen people facing this problem before and want to help you figure out what the issue is so that you can get back on the road again.
The most common cause of this issue is a broken or damaged wiring harness inside the steering column or dashboard. It could also be caused by corrosion within the ignition cylinder itself, which causes it to become hard for the key to move around properly.
This type of damage isn’t something you’ll be able to repair yourself; instead, you’ll need to take your vehicle to an experienced mechanic who will have all the right tools and knowledge available to diagnose the exact cause and come up with a solution.
In order to make sure that your Impala is repaired correctly, it’s important that you find someone who has plenty of expertise in dealing with similar issues like yours.
Why 2016 Chevy Impala Key Stuck in Ignition
Well, if you’ve already diagnosed the problem and can confirm it’s a key stuck-in ignition issue, then there are certain common causes to consider.
| Potential Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| 1. Corroded or worn components | Clean and lubricate affected parts, replace worn components |
| 2. Moisture exposure | Dry out affected areas, and prevent future exposure to moisture |
| 3. Worn or broken plastic guards on tumblers | Replace plastic guards |
| 4. Damages caused by forced extraction attempt | Inspect for damages and repair/replace as needed |
It’s important that you take into account all of these factors in order to properly diagnose and resolve your car key stuck in ignition issue so you don’t end up dealing with it again sooner than expected!
Watch Video: IMPALA KEY STUCK IN IGNITION ISSUE |2 OPTIONS TO FIX THIS ISSUE QUICK & CHEAP
Troubleshooting Tips
Following are 6 troubleshooting tips for fixing the 2016 Chevy Impala key stuck in the ignition.
| Troubleshooting Tip | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check the Gear Shift Position | Ensure that the gear shift is in the “Park” position.
If the gear shift is not properly in the park, it may prevent the key from being removed from the ignition. |
| 2 | Wiggle the Steering Wheel | If the steering wheel is locked, it may cause the key to be stuck in the ignition.
Try wiggling the steering wheel back and forth while attempting to remove the key. |
| 3 | Check the Battery | Make sure that the battery in your Chevy Impala is not dead.
A dead battery may prevent the key from being removed from the ignition. |
| 4 | Check the Ignition Switch | The issue may be related to a faulty ignition switch.
Have a mechanic check the ignition switch to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced. |
| 5 | Lubricate the Lock Cylinder | If the key is hard to turn or won’t turn at all, you may need to lubricate the lock cylinder.
Use a spray lubricant like graphite powder to lubricate the lock cylinder and then try to remove the key. |
| 6 | Seek Professional Help | If none of the above troubleshooting tips work, it may be time to seek professional help.
A certified mechanic will be able to diagnose the issue and repair or replace any faulty components. |
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Prevention Strategies
I can’t stress enough the importance of preventative maintenance and regular inspection when it comes to ensuring the functionality of your Chevy Impala, especially the key.
When these measures are neglected, you run into issues like keys getting stuck in ignitions – so taking proactive steps is essential if you want to avoid having to deal with this problem.
To start off, make sure that you keep an eye on all moving parts around the ignition. If any of them appear worn or damaged, replace them immediately before they cause further damage.
Additionally, be sure not to force the key too much once inserted as this could lead to more internal problems which will require professional help for resolution.
Below is a table outlining additional tips and tricks for preventing your Chevy Impala key from sticking:
| Tips/Tricks | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1. Clean out debris regularly with WD-40 | Prevents buildup |
| 2. Check lubricant levels monthly | Ensures smooth operation |
| 3. Inspect key shafts periodically | Identifies potential wear & tear |
These preventive measures should go a long way toward making sure that your Chevy Impala key doesn’t get stuck in the ignition ever again!
If you take care of your vehicle’s components consistently, there shouldn’t be any issues related to functioning properly down the line.
Expert Advice
Having discussed prevention strategies to stop your Chevy Impala key from getting stuck in the ignition, let’s now look at expert advice on what you can do if it actually happens.
First off, don’t panic! The repair costs for an Impala ignition switch aren’t typically too expensive when done by a qualified technician.
In order to get the most bang for your buck however, I recommend that you only use genuine OEM parts as opposed to aftermarket ones which could be of lesser quality and potentially lead to more problems down the road.
If repairing or replacing an ignition switch isn’t feasible due to cost or availability issues then another option would be attempting some DIY techniques such as lubricating the keyhole with graphite powder or WD-40 spray.
However, this should only be done as a last resort since there is always a risk of unintended damage.
At any rate, I suggest consulting with a professional before making any attempt at repairs yourself so they can assess the situation and provide further guidance.
Conclusion
When it comes to car ignition problems, prevention is the best medicine.
As an experienced car ignition expert with years of experience, I highly recommend regularly checking your key and ignition for any signs of wear or damage.
Keeping your key clean and free from dirt will also help reduce the risk of a stuck key in the future. Furthermore, if you’re experiencing difficulty turning your keys in the ignition, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Taking preventative measures now can save you time and money down the road!
