Key stuck in ignition and no start

NAUTEA

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

The hose to my water pump was not secured and blew off which caused me to overheat. So I pulled over immediately and shut the car off and left it for a few hours. When I finally got the coolant issue fixed I tried to start it but the battery had drained from leaving the blinkers on. But the key is now stuck and the battery doesn't seem to want to charge. I'm at a loss and need to get my car moved ASAP. Any suggestions?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

You need battery voltage for the key to release from the ignition. Also, it must be in park.

Remove the battery and have a parts store charge and load test it for you. Most will do it free of charge.

Here is a link that shows how to remove and replace a battery:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

If you want, before removing the battery, do a simple load test on it to confirm it is the battery and not a fuse issue. Here is a link that shows how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

It is possible that the battery was damaged due to excessive heat, but I would think the flashers wouldn't have worked when this happened if that was the case.

Let me know what you find with the battery.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 8:33 PM

NAUTEA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for the advice! I installed a new battery before trying anything else and lo and behold, the car started. But, my key is still stuck in the ignition and another huge problem presented itself. A pair of pliers had fallen down and is now stuck in between two pulleys and the serpentine belt! Just my luck. We spent a couple hours trying to pry the pliers out with no luck and will give it a go again tomorrow. Going to find and release the tensioner and will more than likely have to replace the belt. Just thankful more wasn't damaged in the process. But, yes, the key still will not come out? I left the battery unplugged hoping it will reset itself if it's a security issue. The car is in park and the steering wheel is not locked. I'm praying that this issue isn't any more serious than the security system acting up but with my lack of luck. What else could it be?

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Wednesday, September 8th, 2021 AT 12:04 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

Are you able to turn the engine by hand (breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley) to get the tool out from the belt?

Also, locate the interior fuse box and check fuse number 8. It is only a 2 amp fuse, so it doesn't take much for it to blow. Inspect its condition. Also, confirm there is power to and from it.

Here is a link to help:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

I attached the wiring schematic and fuse box locations below to help you locate the fuse.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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