what can happen when your Subaru key is stuck in the ignition and the battery dies?
It’s a common problem that many people face, but with some simple tips, you’ll be able to get it sorted out quickly and easily.
The first thing you should do if your car won’t start because of a dead battery or a stuck key is try to force the key out manually.
If this doesn’t work then don’t panic; there are other more technical steps you can take to sort it out without having to replace any parts.
In this article, I’ll share my knowledge on how to troubleshoot and fix this issue so keep reading!
Contents
Symptoms of Subaru Key Stuck In Ignition Battery Dead
When the battery of a Subaru vehicle dies or loses power, it can cause the key to become stuck in the ignition.
This issue can be frustrating and inconvenient, making it difficult to start the car or turn off the engine.
There are several symptoms that may indicate a key stuck in the ignition battery dead problem,
| Symptoms of Key Stuck in Ignition Battery Dead |
|---|
| 1. The key may not turn in the ignition switch or turn but not start the engine |
| 2. Clicking noise when attempting to start the car |
| 3. Dashboard lights may not illuminate or flicker/dim |
| 4. A key may be difficult to remove from the ignition switch |
| 5. Radio and other electronic accessories not working |
| 6. Power windows and door locks may not function properly |
These issues can be addressed by having the battery checked and replaced if necessary.
It is important to regularly maintain the battery in your vehicle to avoid any unexpected issues with starting or operating your car.
Causes of Subaru Key Stuck In Ignition Battery Dead
If you are experiencing difficulty starting your Subaru or find that your key is getting stuck in the ignition, it could be due to a number of different causes.
Some of the most common causes include issues with the battery or electrical problems.
| Causes | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Battery Failure | A dead or weak battery can cause the key to get stuck and prevent the engine from starting. |
| 2. Ignition Switch Issues | the ignition switch can prevent the engine from starting and cause the key to get stuck in the ignition. |
| 3. Faulty Starter Motor | A faulty starter motor can cause the engine to not start and the key to get stuck in the ignition. |
| 4. Mechanical Problems | Mechanical problems such as a damaged or worn-out key or problems with the steering column or shift lever can cause the key to get stuck. |
| 5. Electrical Issues | Electrical issues such as a blown fuse or faulty relay can prevent the engine from starting and cause the key to get stuck in the ignition. |
These issues can be frustrating and even dangerous, as they can prevent you from starting your vehicle or cause it to stop running unexpectedly.
However, with proper maintenance and regular inspections, many of these issues can be prevented or addressed quickly and efficiently.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re experiencing a problem with your Subaru key getting stuck in the ignition and a dead battery, there are a few troubleshooting tips that you can try before seeking professional assistance.
These tips may help you to identify and resolve the issue quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money.
Here are the following troubleshooting tips to keep in mind:
1. Check The Battery Connections:
If your Subaru key is stuck in the ignition, you will need to check the battery connections before jump-starting or bypassing the ignition.
Here are some steps I recommend taking:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Check all of your cables for corrosion or lose connections | Inspect all of your battery cables for any signs of corrosion, as well as any loose connections that may be present. |
| 2. Clean away any dirt that may be causing a poor connection | Use a clean, dry cloth or a small brush to remove any dirt or debris that may be affecting the connection between cables. |
| 3. Tighten up any connections that seem to lose | Use a wrench or pliers to tighten up any loose connections that may be present. |
| 4. Make sure that all of your battery posts are free from damage | Inspect both the positive and negative posts for any signs of damage, including cracks, warping, or other issues. |
| 5. Inspect both the positive and negative posts for unexpected wear and tear | Check both posts for any signs of wear or damage, such as discoloration or melting. |
| 6. If necessary, use sandpaper to clean off any corrosion build-up on either post | Use a small piece of sandpaper or a wire brush to gently remove any corrosion build-up on the battery posts. |
Once these checks have been done, you can move on to jumpstarting or bypassing the ignition with confidence.
With careful setup and maintenance of your car’s electrical system, it should keep running smoothly for years to come.
2. Replace The Ignition Switch:
it’s time to move on to replacing the ignition switch.
The good news is that this isn’t as hard as you may think; all you need are some basic tools and a bit of know-how.
- Disconnect the battery: The first step is to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shorts or hazards.
- Remove the steering column covers: The next step is to remove the steering column covers to access the ignition switch. The covers are usually held in place by screws or clips.
- Disconnect the wiring: Locate the wiring harness that connects the ignition switch to the rest of the car’s electrical system. Disconnect the wiring harness by either pulling out the clips or unscrewing the terminals.
- Remove the ignition switch: Remove the ignition switch from the steering column by unscrewing the bolts or clips that hold it in place.
- Install the new ignition switch: Install the new ignition switch in the same location where the old one was removed. Secure it in place with the screws or clips.
- Reconnect the wiring: Reconnect the wiring harness by either pushing the clips back in or screwing the terminals back in place.
- Test the new ignition switch: Reconnect the battery and test the new ignition switch to ensure that it is working correctly. Turn the key in the ignition and check that the engine starts.
3. Turn the Steering Wheel to Release The Lock:
The steering wheel lock could be engaged and prevent the key from coming out.
To release the lock, try turning the steering wheel left and right while gently turning the key.
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Turn the steering wheel | Try turning the steering wheel left and right while gently turning the key. Sometimes the steering wheel lock can engage if the wheels are turned too far to one side or the other. |
| Check the key position | Make sure the key is in the “off” position before trying to remove it. If the key is turned to the “on” or “accessory” position, the steering wheel lock will engage. |
| Use the shift lever | Move the shifter into a different gear (such as reverse or first) and then back into parking. This can sometimes release the steering wheel lock and allow you to remove the key. |
4. Replace the Dead Battery:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Purchase a new battery | Buy a battery compatible with your Subaru’s make and model. |
| 2. Turn off the car | Shut down the engine and remove the keys from the ignition. |
| 3. Locate the battery | Find the battery in the engine compartment on the driver’s side. |
| 4. Disconnect the battery cables | Loosen the negative cable first, then the positive cable. |
| 5. Remove the old battery | Take out the old battery carefully and set it aside. |
| 6. Clean the battery compartment | Use a dry cloth or brush to remove debris or dirt. |
| 7. Install the new battery | Put the new battery in the compartment, ensuring it’s secured. |
| 8. Reconnect the battery cables | Connect the positive cable first, then the negative cable. |
| 9. Test the battery | Turn on the car and check the headlights and interior lights. |
If none of these troubleshooting tips work, it’s best to take your Subaru to a trusted mechanic or dealership to diagnose and fix the problem.
They may need to replace the ignition cylinder or other parts to resolve the issue.
Seek Professional Assistance
A qualified mechanic or dealership can diagnose and fix the problem with your Subaru ignition system.
They may need to replace the ignition cylinder or other parts to resolve the issue.
- It’s important to avoid forcing the key or using excessive pressure to try to remove it from the ignition, as this can cause damage to the key or ignition components, making the repair more costly and time-consuming.
- Attempting to fix the problem yourself can also be dangerous, especially if you are not familiar with the inner workings of a Subaru ignition system. You could accidentally cause further damage or even injure yourself in the process.
Therefore, it’s always best to seek professional assistance from a qualified Subaru technician to ensure that your ignition system is repaired correctly and safely.
They have the knowledge, skills, and tools to diagnose and fix the issue quickly and efficiently, getting you back on the road in no time.
Conclusion
When it comes to car ignition problems, I’ve seen just about everything. But one of the most frustrating issues is when the key gets stuck in the ignition and then your battery dies.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to try and get the key out manually or even replace the entire switch depending on what’s wrong with it.
It may seem like a coincidence that you run into this problem right after your battery dies, but it could be related.
In many cases, a bad connection between the battery and the starter will cause a misfire which could lead to a key getting stuck in the ignition.
So if you ever find yourself in this situation again, remember to check those connections first!
