Chevy Equinox key stuck in ignition? How to remove stuck key

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How to remove stuck key from ignition. If your key in your Chevy Equinox gets stuck in the ignition and won't come out, watch this video! This is a common issue of the key getting stuck in the ignition. Here is a quick way to resolve that issue.
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[@HossNPfeffer]

I have a 2005 uplander that had the problem... Access hole is next to key.. The mount for my cable release broke.. but same fix.. pulled the broken bit out and can just pull the cable until the part comes.. Fyi! Great video homie

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks man! That’s some good information too!

[@deathwishpurp7530]

Brian Leonard thanks. Your comment helped as well as this video-06 uplander

[@peggyrestivo6115]

battery completely dead..key stuck in ignition and couldnt open rear hatch either to charge battery ...you helped me get key out and another fellow helped me get hatch open on you tube...now battery in hatch on hhr is charging...im 70 so anyone can due this....thanks fellas!

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Good Job! I'm glad it helped!

[@rusnak86]

My key was stuck in my 08 Equinox and thanks to this guy I took it out in seconds! You sir are a lifesaver haha.

[@samararoberts7655]

Has it had any issues with it since you did this?? Just wondering, my 08 equinox does the same thing after driving for a long period of time

[@j.ronnygibson]

Literally didn't his as soon as i saw the video, worked like a charm. Thank you so much

[@daggermeister76]

Thank you so much! This problem has been intermittent for the past 7 years that we have owned our 07 equinox. It's been to the dealership twice and never fixed. They sold us a new key that cost us $80 after they programmed it only to have it happen again a couple days later. Thank you!!!

[@TheIcegreeneyes]

Thank you so much for this video, I’ve been dealing with this for years and the dealership did not fix it like they claimed. I fixed it myself this morning thanks to you, what a relief to not have to deal with this anymore 😊

[@krystels1974]

This is sooo helpful as I’m currently sitting in a parking garage in Texas in August trying to get my keys out of my car ignition. You’re saving lives.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks! Not sure I'm saving lives here but perhaps car batteries! lol

[@DivineRising]

Dude thanks so much I just got my key out after watching this!!

[@hackerguyify]

i had the same problem with my 2010 equinox but not anymore after watching this video,twist tie done the trick...👍 👍

[@sassysb19]

Thank you!! My 2008 Equinox battery is dead and car covered with snow. I thought I was going to have to spend hours waiting for AAA. So grateful to know this trick!

[@valeriebean6263]

Your video literally just saved my life! The key has been stuck for days and kept draining my battery and I don't have the $ to replace either at the moment!

[@davekozicki3875]

I like the idea of leaving that little cover off and over-riding the safety feature only when stopped. Thanks for the info.

[@jctravis1978]

After hours of pouring through chevy forums, you just made my damn day. Thank you! Godspeed, brother!

[@charger12100]

Good info! Took me maybe 15-20 minutes to do this. I just happened to have a zip tie on hand. I bet a trip to the dealer would have costs a lot of money for parts and labor.

[@Laurienart]

Thanks so much for making this video! I was afraid I was looking at a costly repair bc I didn't know what the issue was and I'm super broke, but you showed and explained everything so well and I was able to get my key unstuck and everything works again! Thanks so so so much man. Hope you have a nice day! ❤

[@tinaelliott7073]

Omg.. You saved my life. I cant afford a fix yet and this thing has been driving me nuts in my Pontiac torrent. Thank you so very much!

[@Tomsfoolery.]

You're welcome!

[@jorgecarrejo7562]

Did you get it fixed right? My torrent just started doing this... Thinking about getting the parts and just replacing it myself

[@tinaelliott7073]

Not yet sadly.. It acts up on and off yet. But sometimes too often lately lol.. I may need to get those parts and do the same

[@reneejcrews]

I am one of allllllll these people who have been driven ABSOLUTELY FKING NUTS because of this feature. You hadn't even finished talking about the plunger before I was under my steering column feeling around for it. lol. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@LissaExplainsIt]

Currently in the this situation! Hopefully my boyfriend can get it fixed!! Thank you for this video!!

[@chrisram5689]

I’m having this problem right now. Thanks for uploading this video it really helped me out a lot.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it helped!

[@smallzabe]

Thanks so much. The key fell out of the fob last week and into the abyss and after days of searching I had to get a new key cut. I don't have a spare. My new key still isn't connected to the fob so I put the key in and then use the fob. My dumbass put the key in backwards last night because it was so dark. It locked. I walked 3 miles back forth 2 times today in a monsoon and finally got it because of this video

[@willied5976]

thanks i got a 2011 doing that now i know how to fix it

[@brian96597]

Good to see you found my video on how to fix this. :D

[@craigmartin4052]

You sir, are the hero I needed. GOLD STAR

[@MawMawsGirlz]

I have an 06 Equinox and have had ignition trouble. I had to have a new key cut for it 2 years ago because the key wouldn’t come out but now the new key is getting hard to pull out. 🙄 Time for a new ignition switch. Great video!!!! Very informative!! Thanks so much👍

[@brittanybyland]

Thank you so much!!!! This was exactly what we needed! You are still the only tutorial out here on this problematic suv

[@Tomsfoolery.]

You're welcome! I’m glad the video helped! Thanks for the feedback.

[@chaddstang]

I just started getting this problem and it was driving me crazy! Thanks for this tip and it worked.

[@ricobert1]

Great vid! I didn't think about that bottom latch as being access to the solenoid plunger! As a result, I just straight-up uninstalled the solenoid haha. Removed the screws attaching it to the ignition assembly, disconnected the power clip on the other side. Works now just like you demonstrate.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Sweet!

[@annaschossow6173]

Stuck in a hotel parking lot in Minnesota on vacation watch this video got my key out in less than 3 minutes

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Good to hear it helped!

[@jaylynnstowell3487]

Thank you for this video!! My key has been stuck all day and I couldnt get it to come out and have been worried someone might steal my car. Finally thought oh I should check the net. Came across your video and now my key is out and back in my purse.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

That's great, I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@JohnRocker340]

Have an 08 Cobalt have been using that button for years., not paying for a new shitfter switch. Did what you did, problem fixed.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

That’s great! Good job!

[@Jonathan.roman_official]

Man, I literally owe you my life. If I didn't stumble across this video i would of been fucked. I have a 2007 chevy equinox currently. And that was my issue. Thank you soooo much man.

[@QS-si3cq]

*would have or would've. There is no "would of." If you take a second to think about those words together as you have them, it's clear that they make no sense.

[@kyjo8144]

This really worked for my 2008!!!! Kept me from being stranded 10pm Thank you so much!!!

[@austinyvette3366]

thank you, 08 equinox same issue. sometimes like to think it like to pick its own parking spots because when car pointing down hill key releases lol. Will be doing this because this issue is driving me insane lol. thank you for the tip and clear video.

[@SerenoOunce]

When this happens I install a momentary push switch to energize the solenoid. Problem typically isn't the solenoid itself but the switch contacts in the shift mechanism which send power to the solenoid. A proper repair involves a lot of labor and can get get costly. Mounting the switch costs a couple bucks, takes about 15 min and retains the safety feature. You can usually verify this is the issue by moving the shifter in and out of park a few times and eventually the key will turn back all the way to remove it.

[@lanitaykelley8838]

2016 Equinox 3 Oct '23 11:02p CST was sitting in grocery store prkg lot unable to remove key frm ignition. Bless God for YT and ALL of you that care to share your experiences with solution . Many GREAT Thanks.

[@TheLumjack1]

I have a 2011 Acadia with this same problem. But with this video I was able to fix mine. It’s just a little different but same concept. Thanks for the help.

[@acronus]

My mom's 08 Torrent was doing this, and this video was a HUGE help. Thank You! (subbed)

[@edwinherrera-nieto-]

I have a 2005 equinox and it happens every once in a while, what I do is I turn the key back on and off and that works for me. Thank you for explaining why it does that though.

[@wilfredomartinez9870]

Thanks for the heads up, save me some money, good video.

[@sebygems3244]

I had the same problem, I contacted a mechanic who told me to buy the whole new part $ 170 dollars, the mechanic charged me 80 dollars to install it, but it didn't solve the problem, he showed me the plunger and so on I survive every time I parking and the key doesn't come out. Thanks to you Friend, I can solve the problem for free and thank you. I have seen that this problem happens to many in this type of vehicle. Tell me why this happens in this vehicle.

[@TEssex]

Thank you so much! We were in a bind! We are feeling like official graduates from KZbin UNIVERSITY! 🎓🎓 #Classof2022🎉!

[@alexandermanning5794]

Please don't downplay this is a fix my man thank you for the video subscribe and thumbs up rock and roll my friend

[@michaelstrangefranke7002]

Thank you very much for that quick fix I am stuck in a parking lot with my 07 equinox that I just bought and this must have been happening to the previous owner because when I took it for a test ride he already had it started and he told me don't bother shutting it off. So I gave you a like I wish I could give you more and I subscribed again thank you

[@TowMan127]

Thanks for the video. Someone reached out to me on my channel and I didn’t have the answer and I found your video so I shared your link. 🤜🤛

[@keitjkegley5774]

My 08 is doing the same thing and your video was very helpful

[@joshua9848]

Awesome, I finally got the damn key out of my wife’s 07 equinox. 😀

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Good deal!

[@lyndorce5556]

This help me out alot!! I have a 2009 Chevy Cobalt.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

That’s good news! Thanks for the feedback!

[@diamondmrs.yogiii2028]

New subscriber ... You're a life saver!!! I have been struggling with this since I got this car and I've tried everything nothing would work #Thankful #BlessyourHeart

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thank you! I’m glad the video helped!

[@jeremeykelley387]

Very happy with this video !!!!!helped me when I was in a pinch .

[@geraldlizano7534]

Before disabling the unit make sure the push button on the stick gear shift is not stuck that was my cause luckily no need to disassemble.

[@timberli-iloveshortycrowel5287]

Awesome video!! Fixed my Envoy right up!! LIFESAVER!!

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Awesome!

[@L0673G54]

Thank you I appreciate that it helps

[@DaPete107]

Thank you so much. I will give this a try next time I drive it. It happens every time. Sometime lsd it unlocks fast. Other times a few minutes. Let's give this a shot. Thanks you so much for showing us all. God bless you man.

[@superchefpat]

you just saved me some money!!! I thank you very much for the video.

[@Sahdowlegacies]

Awesome video I will say thanks and that this also worked for,my 2006 Chevy cobalt so much thanks for revlieving the stress,of a battery dying in the middle of nowhere

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks for the info on it working for the Cobalt. I'm glad it helped!

[@sonnylipton2463]

Exactly what I was thinking, and the zip tie was the one thing I hadn't come up with. Great idea!

[@HD-nf6vs]

Thank you! I have a manual transmission ‘98 Nissan frontier this is happening with. Some differences since I don’t have auto park, drive etc but some exploratory surgery is warranted;)

[@pinkbunni303co6]

Thanks for this video! Save my car from being stolen!!

[@Purpleroses]

WOW. WHAT A GREAT VIDEO. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT

[@ArizonaRE]

Thank you! My son's car has been driving him nuts with this issue. Using your method I had it taken care of in less than 5 minutes. Only safety issue I see is that if someone inadvertently leaves the car in gear or neutral, they could get out of the vehicle with their keys thinking it is all safe and the vehicle could roll away. I told my son to use his parking brake at all times anyway. Good fix until we can get the correct parts and fix it at the shifter.

[@AGBAK]

Great video Champ. You saved the day 👍🏾

[@DannyVegas]

Oh my I have been searching for a video to help with this...That said I dont know what the real issue is. In the shifter or in the ignition switch. But hay it is a 11 year old car.

[@marquianawhite1335]

Yessss this works hall within 5-10 seconds

[@marquianawhite1335]

Y’all

[@ryansnyder2877]

Thank you again for such a great video I did this to my daughter's car tonight and it's working perfectly it was so aggravating that the key was always stuck in ignition it was almost time to sell it haha thank you again for such a great video

[@jamesgarces4226]

Kool I was stuck lastnight and got it out. Thank u

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Good deal!

[@robertshockley7339]

My Wifes 2015 Trax has the same issue,of course its out of warranty. Thanks for the video

[@judelafrance6162]

Thanks a lot for this video. God blessssss you !!!!!

[@larrytrujillo7320]

Thanks for the info. My 07 Chevy Equinox key would not come out and it would make me frustrated. I would have to sit in the car for at least 2-4 minute before it would time itself out, and the key would finally come out. The problem only happened on and off, sometime it happened, sometime it don't.

[@toomuchtalk2006]

The dealership said it was my key. Cut me one new key and charged me for two new keys. Obviously this did not fix the issue and they're stupid. Thank you so much for this fix. I was ready to set this car on fire.

[@leayshahunt4474]

What's the proper fix?

[@toomuchtalk2006]

@@leayshahunt4474 remove the little hatch under the steering column and reach your finger in there, pull back the spring and it releases your key. I guess to properly fix this, you'd replace that mechanism.

[@aarr1647]

Had the same problem and my dealership was even more stupid. They insisted it was the battery! They put a new battery and as the problem is intermittent, it didn’t happen at the dealer shop. Really made me angry that they made me pay money on something totally unrelated. I’ve be been using this trick of pressing the pin through the hole for years now. Works fine.

[@edgardodejesus7200]

Thanks for tip,I have equinox same model and year…much appreciated!

[@irisfigueroa2511]

Thanks I just took my key out so easy . This happened before and I have to take it to live Tele towing charge me $50 a tire which is just around the corner and they charge me closer to something almost $300 and said it was something and they had to take the whole starving, real loud and everything they say manual this is safety feature underneath the steering wheel craziness.

[@GertD7StarMtrxAlchem]

Funny how I have a 2012 impala LT and I have to have and I happen to have that problem now so yeah that’s really helpful this week and I’m gonna end up doing the same thing you’re doing to that impala my girlfriend had to figure it out she had to show me how to press that thing that you were Trying do you know plunge and saw your key can come out

[@JackieBrownXO]

Thank you soooo much for this information! Its a handle little move you have taught me and it works! Thanks again!😊

[@jimmyishere]

I used to have a crazy ex that would do weird things like reach over and shut the car off in traffic as i was driving, trying to take my keys. Good thing this safety feature was there but now its giving me trouble

[@deltat9295]

So first off wanna thank you so much, this video save me from a night of hell!!! Truly thankful. Is this problem common or not. I just got my equinox back from a shop and ah few days later this happen. Normal wear and tear or shop did it?!!🤷🏽

[@deltat9295]

Now I just hit that button to get my key out everytime. Pretty annoying, definitely gonna have to fix it

[@Tomsfoolery.]

It’s normal on these vehicles. Most likely not the shops fault.

[@faauihunkin7168]

Awesome helpeful...thanks so much. My brother didn't know and he does mechanics work on vehicles so I followed your instructions making him looking stupid 😂

[@user-eu4fg8ki1n]

Thank you so much

[@Tomsfoolery.]

You're welcome!

[@hippybecca]

Omg thank you I have the exact car and this has been a frustrating issue.

[@shenasmith8996]

Thanks for the video. Super quick fix!

[@roselandep.p9551]

Thnx a lot guys Yall save my life bro thank

[@caraclement891]

THANK YOU!

[@Myselfglam]

Thank you!!! It worked in seconds.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

That’s great!

[@davidgrytten645]

Great video

[@Purpleroses]

Thank You SOOOO MUCH

[@mr-xp8le]

Thank you so much. my chevy equinox 2010 key was stuck and i pressed a black plunger and my key came out. Battery dead.

[@leifsinclair9368]

Thank you very much.

[@joes1494]

Thanks it worked !!!!

[@johnzaragoza6572]

my key came out by 3:14 thanks!!

[@bodaciouswoman4045]

Thank you, ladies we can do this 😉

[@DC-8-8-8-]

😄😄

[@jamespearson5495]

Wow you just saved my ass brother thank you 😁

[@cesardeluna4560]

Thanks brother for the help

[@MrCaine6969]

my 2017 Colorado has the same problem,

[@otisstewart73]

Thanks a lot. We did this but can't get the covers back I place. Any tips?

[@thomascaro9845]

Hell yeah it helped, what a pain in the rear!!!

[@rudedawg5087]

My wife's 2015 Camaro exhibits the exact same issue in that the ignition will turn off the engine but sticks in that position not allowing it to turn to the off position so the key can be removed. her Camaro does not have the access hole so when the ignition sticks we're stuck until something finally releases and allows the ignition to turn to the off position.Also hers has the 3 7mm bolts but there in another smaller screw on the left side of the panel also, does that need removing as well? Btw, using a zip tie for the fix is ingenious, thanks.

[@chicagomike]

Having this issue now with 2003 Saturn car runs great but this issue sucks. Very intermittent. Put in new switch mechanic did and did not work. Got new key made from the code. Not helped. Three mechanics and no one can help me. I thunk it’s the switcher and some cable. Saturn was notorious for this and it was recalled. If you can think of anything else thanks a lot.

[@TheMarkyGs]

great video No BS just to the point ! Thank you

[@silentbob151a]

my 2013 equinox had the same problem but has a different bottom cover no access hole but I was able to get in there and find the switch, thanks

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Good deal! Thanks for watching!

[@Am-xv6km]

How did you get in without the access hole??

[@ahmedhamayel]

Thank you very much worked for me buddy

[@Tomsfoolery.]

That's great!

[@sharonskiehar8470]

Well that was informative but you said an easy fix what is the actual real fix and roughly what should it cost? My garage tried a new park/brake switch but that was not the problem

[@sweeta1250]

Thank you.. This is so annoying. You are a life saver. 👍👍

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks!