2013 Hyundai Sonata Stuck Ignition Key Fix

Brief video on removing a stuck ignition key due to shifter malfunction from a 6th gen Hyundai Sonata.

[@Jillie0Bean]

You are the greatest person ever! You just saved me an expensive and time-consuming trip to a car repair place! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You have just helped me for as long as I own this car!!!

[@Zapp01]

You’re a lifesaver, saved me easily $300. I figured it was a shifter problem but no way would’ve found this, thank you!

[@shimozu716]

You saved my ass with this one, my car started doing this last night after work, I was close to panicking trying to figure out what I was going to do. Thanks a ton!

[@terryhoward1732]

Excellent video, I did everything as you did in the video, and it worked perfectly. The dealership wanted 400.00 to fix this problem. I found out that the two side pieces come off very easy if you take a small flat head screw driver and pry the tip up first ( near the cup holder) and the rest of it will come off with no effort, problem solved. BIG THANKS!!!!!

[@Ojamess100]

Ty!!!

[@cassiestephens6715]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!! My dad is visiting from out of town and, after driving several hours, discovered his key was stuck. He followed your video, tore his car apart ;) and got the key out! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I'm sure you've helped countless people...and saved them a ton of money!!

[@Iron_Father88]

6 years later and this video saved my ass. God bless the internet.

[@chcgostyle]

THANK YOU!!!!!..... I bought my 2013 back in 2015. For the longest time the key would get stuck and I would have to tap/palm the shifter towards me just to fee the key. Today I get to the store and it would not budge. I almost had to just come home as a result. I found your video and WOW!!!!... Thank you, super easy fix!!!

[@toddortiz]

Incredibly helpful. Fixed my problem as described. The side panels were a pain to get out, but once I did it was smooth sailing. Thank you!!

[@johnsalvador2922]

Worked perfectly for me. Anyone trying this will need to be careful when removing the shifter nob - I pulled mine completely free from the tray. Works fine for me since I wanted to do some TLC on the material as these get roughed up over time. The side pieces were definitely not easy to remove. I started from the direction nearest the seats and slowly moved up the the dashboard. I took some care with the seat warmers after watching you. I didn't bother to take out the microswitch, just cleaned with a q-tip. Tested before I put everything back and it worked like a charm. All I used was a pair of gloves.

[@deliapontis6218]

Your a lifesaver uploading this informative tutorial!!! I’ve had my car for 7yrs and never had this happen before… until tonight. My luck…it had to happen after hours. Thanks to you I was able to fix it. Definitely a blessing 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@christiangallen9634]

It’s October 2023 and you just changed my life

[@bellasunshine90able]

201 Hyundai Sonata- Thank you so much for this. You made lifting the gear shift straight up look so simple. I had to plant my feet on the drivers chair and pull straight up 🤣🤣🤣🤣. I tested it out and my key came out while everything was apart. I used your method of putting the car in R on N to put things back together. However, once I put everything back together the key remained stuck in the ignition. I had to take everything back apart and I put everything back while it was in P this time.

[@TheCakeJuice]

Thank you!!! Just tried this and it worked perfectly. You’re a life saver

[@princessdetective]

Thank you for posting this! You are a life saver! My key got stuck while I was in a not-safe part of my city. I was able to do all of this with a multi tool in a few minutes. Your instruction was layperson friendly (Great, because I’ve never worked on a car before) and super easy to follow. You are the best! Thank you again!!

[@alanmcknight9949]

Thank you for this video! It was perfect. This just happened to me about 20 minutes ago after parking on my driveway. Was able to fix it in about 5 minutes.

[@allenzhu3262]

🎉😮😮😢🎉😢🎉🎉🎉🎉😢🎉😢🎉😢😢😮😊😊😊l

[@allenzhu3262]

😢l😢😢😢😮😮😮😢🎉🎉🎉😢

[@nicolemarie3258]

I am so grateful for this video!! Thank you so much for posting this. I thought I was going to be forced to keep the battery on all night until it died, with the key left in the ignition. Did exactly what you said, and IT WORKED!👍😉 Again, thank you! God bless you!!☺ I can see by other's comments how common this situation is..🤔😕

[@ariannapriebe2697]

This video was EXTREMELY helpful! After removing the center console, I learned that there was a piece of broken plastic lodged inside the gear shift button that wasn't letting it come back up all the way in park so my key was stuck. I never would've seen the plastic without removing it all like this video said. It was really tough to get the pieces out but with a couple screwdrivers and a lot of force, they came off fairly easily. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@2papeople]

Thank you so much for posting this. My husband was able to fix this problem in just a few minutes thanks to you!

[@bobpeterson7176]

OMG, tried your procedure. Didn't even get to the microswitch. My problem is play in the shifter button. Took me 10 minutes, problem solved. THANK YOU!!

[@marka1952]

Thanks for this video! I was able to help a friend with a stuck key and it also doesn’t allow the key fob to do anything. I never would have thought it would have been a problem in the shifter. Thanks again.

[@sgaldis]

thanks so much for this video! Googled my problem, and this was the first result; my exact car, and the exact problem I was having. the fix was simple, and worked like a charm!

[@ellmisatou9382]

So helpful, thanks man. I ordered an after market shifter, and thanks to your video I was able to tweak my car so it would be compatible.

[@davidnelson8583]

Your procedure worked great on our 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Thanks so much!

[@patakr_56]

Great video!!! Fixed my 2012 Hyundai GLS and got us out of a jam. I appreciate the time you took to make this information available.

[@Kenriver01]

Thank you, Brian. Could have been a real headache, but your help got the job done in a jiffy. THANKS!!!

[@dthompson1864]

Thanks for the video... saved me a weekend of troubleshooting with this quick fix!

[@pl4834]

I'm from Québec I just got this problem right in front of my house, I did exactly what you show and YES IT DID WORK. Thanks a lot! I'll check your channel to see if you show other things about this hyundai 2013 sonata...

[@oscarsolorzano4924]

It’s October 2020 and this video is still changing lives lol. Thanks!!

[@yeswilliams09]

Thank you for this incredibly helpful video. 15 minute fix.

[@James-zd8cf]

Thank you bro!!!! This happened to my girls car this evening and I told her let me look a video up and yours was the 1st one, I worked like a charm and everything went back in place thanks again!!!

[@ty_bradley950]

I never comment on videos but thank you so much. This only took me about 20 minutes and saved me $650

[@drerolla26]

Simple easy fix. My car does this multiple times in the last year and dealer charges a few hundred to fix. This is a 10min fix very helpful

[@stephanieburton3468]

Thank you!! This video was a lifesaver! Our plastic cover for our gear shifter fell off about a month ago and we think dirt/ dust got down in there... we used some compressed air to clean everything up and now it works great! We also taped down our plastic piece that fell off the gear shifter to hopefully prevent this from happening again. Thanks again!

[@williamghiglieri-ru1se]

Bros with the business!!!! Fixed my issue bent the micro switch lever a lil bit put it back to together and bam but i am going to go to pick and pull and get a new switch im so glad i was already shopping around for a new ignition

[@zaida7223]

It did work , but i found that bottom on the shifter is the issue. Thank you 🙏 you are a lifesaver

[@GoKnights808]

Worked perfectly, thank you so much! Luckily, mine started acting up once I got home and I fixed it in just a couple of minutes.

[@stephentrotta7993]

Such a helpful video! I fixed the problem in 5 minutes, saving me a trip to the mechanic and a lot of money. Thank you so much!

[@JoseGarceeya]

Can you tell me the name of the part

[@anakindean6434]

Pro trick : you can watch series on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@mylesfrancisco814]

@Anakin Dean Definitely, I've been watching on flixzone} for years myself =)

[@bodietitan557]

@Anakin Dean yea, I have been watching on Flixzone} for years myself =)

[@ttee4436]

What’s the name of the part????

[@AmberEscent]

Thank you!! We got lucky and didn’t have to take anything apart. Just wiggled the shifter and the key came out. Wouldn’t have known where to start without this video. Probably gonna have to go get it fixed though. Unfortunately I’m not the type to mess with car parts and expect them to still work when I’m done.

[@adntigger71015]

For everyone asking what the part is called, I had the same issue. I googled dc3 microswitch (this was the large number on the left of my switch in my 06 sonata). Mine was made by ENEC. Yours may be different but hopefully this is helpful for you.

[@shanepdooley]

HELL YEAH !!!!!! Thank you so much for posting this. I fixed mine in about 30 minutes. I went slow to make sure I didn’t mess anything else up in case this wasn’t the issue but, you were right on. Thanks again.

[@rackets001]

I have this exact problem with a Dodge Grand Caravan with the stupid shifter on the dash, just needs a couple extra flicks of the shifter button usually is enough to hit the microswitch and release the key fob. However I also own a 2014 Sonata that hasn't given me this problem... yet. But now I know! Great video!!!

[@martycarvajal3089]

Life saver, I could've saved 120 for the wrong diagnostic. Thanks sir.

[@TheGenaro76]

Great video, I just fix mine in less than 15 minutes, I didn't even have to remove the switch, just bend the little metal tab. Thanks for the video.

[@aineguemik]

2019: I have a Hyundai Sonata 2012 and Ima laday....and I can't believe that I was able to fix this with my friend (girl too)! Thank you thank you thank you. This suddenly happened at work and all of my staff members came out one by one trying to get the key out--like King Arthur's sword in the stone (haha). I was able to do the temporary fix with the audio fuse until I took it to the autobody shop mechanic--he had no idea. I went home and found this video. It took some finagling, but with the right tools (crowbar, flathead screwdriver, pliers) and a friend (to see from the other side, help hold some stuff and help get that knob off) mission accomplished for free! Felt so good to be able to actually fix something on my car without going to autobody and paying hundreds!

[@tiarabrown1391]

L.l

[@jaygould7285]

What exactly did you do regarding .."temporary fix with the audio fuse"?

[@Josh-nc6nt]

100% the same problem!! Thanks so much for the video. Anyone think they are having the same problem. This is probably fix it. Thanks alot!!!

[@mpalf18]

Thank you so much I took my car to the dealer 5 times for this issue and they changed the shifter and nothing worked but you're fix saved me!!!

[@armandoemanuelle7815]

You just saved my life today! Have a blessed Sunday

[@kdconod]

This is a belated response but for anyone googling this...The fix was even easier for my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The shifter looked like it was in "Park" but it wasn't exactly sitting right I guess. Once I started up the car again, shifted in and out of drive and jiggled the knob around a bit, then back into Park, I was able to turn the ignition all the way off and the key popped right out as normal. So try that first before pulling fuses or tearing open your dash!

[@allegiancehealth4298]

This worked amazingly for my brothers 2011 Sonata. Followed instructions to the tee and got it done quick with my stiletto nails🤗 Thank you sir and shame on you dealerships🖕🏽

[@jackdabeanstock3230]

Thank you for helping me out. I was literally going through this right now. I wouldn't recommend hyundai to anyone. I have a 2014 and it's just been a thorn to my side. I'm original owner and I am not a happy owner. I am happy not having a car payment though

[@rae-annyates6842]

Use this technique on my car today and it absolutely worked! Thank you!

[@lordandrew3375]

I love my 2013 sonata I bought new 8n 2012 I have never had any problems other then basic wear n tear until now. I always go to firestone who treat me extremely good. And my key is stuck in auxillary and they showed me your video n after they did this for me free of charge the key came out but I am a smoker n I also make my own cigerettes n they said there was a lot if tobacco dust that they cleaned out but also told me that the parts inside r very worn down and that I would have to take it to the dealership I was so happy they got it fixed but as soon as I got home they key was stuck on acc again so I drove back n asked the guy who got the key out and did what your video showed n he could not get it but told me how sad he was for me being. They know I live on ssdi and don't have any money but said again that the parts inside were very worn down n I was like I was hoping I had some time after u did the thing in the video free of charge for me too but he told me that if I were to have them do it it would cost more then the dealership being that is the only 0lace to get the parts and they would have to mark it up to make a profit so I should go to the dealership It is very upsetting being I don't know how much it will cost n the dealership is charging me 125 diagnostic fee even though I told them everything n was balling because my hot water heater died 8n my home n just got the money to have a new one put 8n being the old one is from 86 now dead now this happened to my car 8 just hope n pray the 125 would go towards the work to put the new pieces in being at Firestone they told me they don't know how long it will.last when they did your video to it n told me that my parts inside r very worn down but overall I love my car I get great gas mileage never had a major problem except this n only have 80k miles on it bought it Dec 2012 n it's a 2013 sonata. I pray this won't be a horrifying price at the dealer My neighbor thinks I should ask garages being they said they might have the part but I don't think they 7nderstand it needs to be ordered from hyandai. Oh well

[@votefraudnet]

Amazing! I have a 2011 Sonata and I did exactly as you suggested. It worked! Thank you so much for this great information.

[@wesm.3481]

Thanks!! 2013 here and randomly happened to me this morning.. I was unable to get the shifter knob.off but I still managed to get to the switching its working now.

[@charleskarsah9674]

I tried it today n it worked .thanks for doing this video and saved me lots of money

[@angelpadilla6964]

Thanks for this video and especially the tip on tweaking the switch. My Dad and I got the job done in 20 minutes. Most of our time was taking apart and putting back together the console. 👍

[@mlockit]

Great video bro! Took me about 45 min!

[@Fredog1011]

Thank you so much you just saved my ass!!! I was in the middle of a doordash. And it wouldn't come out. Was done almost as fast as your video. Thank you again

[@leaper06]

Thanks for the insight on this problem. I had the same issue with my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport being stuck in "ACC" mode and could not get my key out. I never thought the shifter to be the culprit and just thought it to be a steering wheel lock or worn tumblers. I ended up pressing down on the brake and repeatedly squeeze the release on the shifter and did finally hear a click each time and then was able to get me key into "LOCK" position.

[@jesseklimczak]

Dude thank youuu. This video has just saved my night you have no idea lol. Thank you

[@badriprince]

Me: I have a problem, My key got stuck in ignition. Mechanic: We’ll have to figure out what the problem is it could be brake pad issue or something big. Pay $98 to have a look. Me: $98 for Just to FIGURE OUT? Mechanic: Yes sir. Me: Let me come back. After watching this vid, I fixed it myself in 30 min (I know nothing about cars). You saved me from becoming a fool. I can’t thank enough.

[@mrdietrich6102]

Absolute life saver... Thank you and great job explaining the process perfectly.

[@johnmurphy1402]

Thanks for the video. Limit switch was the root cause of my problem. My ignition key became stuck as I parked the car in my driveway after returning from the Hyundai dealership to remedy 3 national recalls. No embellishment. This is the latest manifestation of a poorly designed and manufactured vehicle by Hyundai Motor Corporation. Plain and simple. Will never buy from this manufacturer again.

[@user-rk4hy7ih9z]

This worked on my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. Very helpful! Thank you.

[@sueleite7406]

It worked on my Sonata 2012. Thank you for posting this video!!

[@K1NETIX1983]

Was freakin out but this saved the day, thank you so much!!

[@jamescampos2498]

Thank you for Sharing. the video save me about 300 bucks.🎉🎉

[@MsJyeza]

Thank you so much! Damn dealership took it as an opportunity to try to put me in a new car.. Nope! Thank you again! Extremely helpful!

[@davidtran51]

Thank you so much! This is our only car. It works with the push button starts also. My switch had a ton of extra grease in there for some reason. I cleared some of it. Works much better now!

[@tedkellermann4269]

Thanks so much for posting. It was even easier than it appeared!!

[@wlodzimierzwdowiak2641]

Thank you so much for this video. I fixed my problem without any effort. Great instruction.

[@marcosporrua2256]

i have the same problem and i will try your solution this weekend. At this time i am able to remove the key by disconnecting the battery and connecting it again after removing the key. it is a temporary solution but at least i can remove the key.

[@kiellish]

Marcos Porrua good call hadn't thought of that. Gl

[@82bahareful]

I have the same problem. Did you try it? Did it fix the problem?

[@queenvance793]

Thank u for posting about the battery my car did this to me today for the first time and we tried for hours to get my switch off to get the key out and soon as I saw ur response I tired it and key came straight out thank u again

[@531jar]

raspberry esuts rat

[@sedricksimmons124]

It works like a Charm. Great Video, Great Instruction!!! Thanks so much I was just about to order a ignition lock sensor!Woukda been a waste of money and time!!!!

[@MariePeterson-nr6ce]

Hi Brian, first, thank you for this video, the step by step instructions are awesome! We tried everything on your video, until we got to the last step, can't seem to get the microchip out, driving me crazy. Will continue to try. In case I want to replace the microchip, is it easy to do? is there a video on the microchip replacement as well by any chance? Thanks again!

[@chacotaco3607]

My guy!! Your Awesome it worked!! Quick and easy at that. Thanks.

[@leelester9529]

Thanks man, by happenstance, I found out it was my gear shifter cover. It was not allowing the switch to go off.

[@sideout1999]

This guy fixed it with one hand 👍

[@scornell66]

Quick fix...thanks for posting. Saved us plenty of time and money!!!!

[@a.d.1805]

Had to do this AGAIN!🤦🏾‍♂️ Thanks again for the insight!

[@meganlswails]

I followed your video...fixed the issue and got my key out! Put the car in neutral to place the cover back on. By the time I was done the key was stuck again 😒😒😒

[@kiellish]

Megan Mahon sorry to hear that. I would recommend that you examine the button on the shift knob for cleanliness and ease of motion. If that looks good, check the microswitch again and maybe try bending the little arm some more. Just be careful to not break the switch, you want to curve the metal piece not just bend it upwards.

[@MrKarmaWalrus]

You rock dude. Just fixed my wifes car. Thanks

[@jyoung8145]

Thank you for the last tip. I realized that it was the button on the gear shift. It wasnt coming all the way out. Somehow through everything I did the key came out at the end lol

[@prettybird2588]

I’m stuck at the park in my town and I’m reading through these comments and I checked my gear shift button and it was stuck so thank you for posting that

[@jyoung8145]

@@prettybird2588 no problem. Glad it worked!

[@CallMeSmiel]

2014 worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@jokick2]

Thank you for this video. This worked for me and fixed the problem

[@Malachitheservant]

Very grateful for this video!!! Thank you… not all heroes wear capes..

[@jamesabarela]

I have this car only mine is push start, and I am absolutely blown away at how easy and simple those trim pieces and the entire console came off. Which to me, is both good and bad. Hood if your trying to do repairs, bad as in quality and cheapness. Wow, interesting!!!

[@rafftime9831]

Thank you for posting this video it was very helpful it took less than 5 minutes once again thank you

[@adesmatt]

Very helpful and life saving....thanks for this info

[@quitelady3]

9/24/22 thank you so much for this vid. Just fixed my car. ❤❤❤

[@miami0312]

Great video, was able to find the issue easily. But it wasn't the mechanism it was the shifter,any recommendations on fixing that?

[@liymarie4361]

This really worked thank you I had something in the metal piece and cleaned it and worked

[@jtopsr]

I just worked on one of these and something was keeping the gear shifter from allowing the sensor to close. I looked at it before I took it apart to see how it operates and there was a big gap between the two metal pieces on the sensor. I took the gear shifter off and put it back together and the gap was closed. I think there might have been something stuck somewhere in there keeping the sensor from closing.

[@T-for-Tigers]

Great video. How do you know that piece of little part was the cause of the problem? It must have taken you a while to find the solution. I have the exactly same 2013 Sonata, hope Hyundai will have a recall on that part if it is a common problem to many Sonata.

[@kiellish]

T-for-Tiger thanks, appreciate it. The problem is covered under factory warranty, but if the vehicle has more than 60k miles, this is the next best option if the switch is causing problems.

[@chrisrivera480]

Thank you!!! You saved me so much money!!!

[@Greg_Chock]

In my case, the plastic cover on the top of the shift knob had broken and some small plastic pieces had fallen into the shift knob button mechanism. I just had to pull off the shift knob and shake it upside down to clear the broken bits.

[@YourCatDoctor]

This one comment solved it for me!! I couldn't understand why the button would not return all the way to press the switch since the switch was working perfectly. I realized the cover was broken when I popped it and then saw this comment and realized it could be the broken piece in there and it sure was. The F'ing dealer just did a recall on my car and probably broke the plastic cover tabs doing so. I can't believe it. Dude, thanks for posting!

[@Greg_Chock]

@@YourCatDoctor Glad it helped you. I didn't completely figure it out until after I had bought a replacement shifter knob and was trying to swap it. In their defense, I think it is impossible to remove the plastic cap without breaking the fasteners. They should have cleaned it out though.

[@whiplash1973]

This video helped me fix mine today. Didn't have to do anything but take it apart as described and the key then came out. Maybe it was the gear shift button you squeeze with finger and taking it apart freed it up. If it happens again I will check that first next time. Anyhow, thanks for sharing. How did you figure this out in the first place?

[@Canefan986]

Big thanks dude. Just watched the video and got my key out soon as I could get a peep at the clicker and reached in and tapped it 😁

[@trinityromer970]

This was so incredibly helpful

[@livyakobialko9599]

Thank you so much! This made my day

[@Taylormayd02]

Thanks for your video. Idiot proof and works 100%. Did everything you did without any previous knowledge of this issue. Thanks for saving me 400+rental car fees. #Awesome Forgot to mention my tab appeared worn out. Bending it up didn't work. A small strip of double sided tape in between the tab and pin worked. Only remove backing from side attached to bottom of tab. Been working as normal since install. Purchased new switch and haven't even replaced it yet.

[@rogermeneses2893]

Hi, do you know the name of the part? or Part number? I called Hyundai, and they couldn't even tell what the part was.

[@Legacy4d__]

Thank you! Came in clutch!!

[@SuperMario-ci5cf]

Thanks dude, your trick worked perfectly