So I am not a part of one of those car blogging problem/answer sites so I figured I'd blog about my findings so that I could potential help another Google or Internet user who found themselves in the same trouble I was in.
So I came home from work and atemped to turn of my 2000-2005 style VW Jetta. Only to find the key would NOT release from the off position. Eeeeeek, I was panicking because I work the next few days. Don't wanna miss out on hours and spend a fortune!
To make a long story short, I tried various things people on Google searches sites said to do. Didn't work. BUT with the idea of a friend from back home along with help from my sister, combined with the idea of a Google search. ALL was fixed!
So the friend from back home said to disconnect one cable (negative or positive) of the battery. Did that. Then try to get the key out. Nothing happened. Reconnected the battery and after having to re-tighten the screws nothing happened. BUT then I told my sister to do what someone of a search site said, which was to take the car's shift bar (It's an automatic) from Park down to Drive 3, a few times (over and over). She did so, went back to park, and what do you know the key was no longer stuck! I was amazed!
Thanks to family, friends (from a distance/back home), and Google searches, the problem was fixed.
If my story has helped you fix the same or a similar problem, please leave me a comment to I can tell my sister and friend from back home, THANKS!
thank you so much! I got the same problem today and you saved me! :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem, glad the solution worked for you as well : )
DeleteYes! Worked for my 2011 jetta, this has been a reoccuring issue! Also pushing the key inwards while turning often helps
ReplyDeleteGlad it worked for you too!
DeleteWhat is drive 3?
ReplyDeleteOn the shift bar below Neutral and Drive, there is the 1, 2, 3. Those are what I meant when I said drive 3. Normally used for up steep hills/to gain speed.
DeleteThank you very much...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I have a VW Passat and it worked!
ReplyDeleteYes! Saved me in my new used Cabrio.
ReplyDeleteJust worked on my mom's 2013 VW, not even the dealership knew this trick.
ReplyDeleteThis worked perfectly on my 2011 Jetta TDi Sportwagon! Thank you! Until I found your solution on this blog, I thought I was going to be calling the VW dealer today.
ReplyDeleteUnfortanely this did not work for me. My key is stuck and the dealer told me it is going to cost me $634 for a new ignition switch and if they cant save the key another $180 for a new key. I am hoping to have someone I know do it because that just seems like highway robbery. I just bought this car used and haven't even had it a month. So glad it worked for everyone else and you didnt have to spend that kind of money. Truely a blessing :-)
ReplyDeletebtw I have a 03 VW Passat
DeleteSooo... Unfortunately this didn't work for me. I have a Jetta 2013 and it doesn't have drive 3. Just drive + and -. Straightening the wheel did release the key, though I only tried that twice since it happened so maybe it's just coincidence.. Does anyone know if replacing the ignition switch would fix the issue??? I've only had this car for a few months. It's my second car, forced to get a newer model cause my old one just died and I thought having a newer model would be more reliable and worth the investment :/ no warranty unfortunately. Volkswagen wanted to bill me 560$ to fix it
ReplyDeleteIt's probably more like a solenoid connected to the transmission. A local mechanic or an automotive electrical shop will probably diagnose for a small fee and a lower fix fee.
DeleteYou will have to eventually replace ignition switch. A big problem with VW, several videos out there on how to do it. about 8hr job
DeleteWow. You saved me. Thank you! I only had to shift to 3rd once! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDid it 3 or 4 times. Worked just like downtown! Thanks. Blessings to you & yours.
ReplyDeleteStep-daughter comes in a panic,that her2001 jetta key was stuck, after trying to disengage it without any luck,grab cell to google problem your solution was breathtaking after key release following the shift down then return to park thank you.
ReplyDeleteI recently got my license so when the key got stuck I panicked thinking oh my gosh what have I just done! But I whipped out my phone and googled the problem because I figured I wasn't the only one. Don't know what I would've done if I hadn't found this post!
ReplyDeleteHi! I have the same problem. I ended up going to the dealership and thy're charging me a fortune! But I have a 2007 Jetta 2.5 which doesn't have the Drive 3. How do you think I can solve this problem?
ReplyDelete2012 Jetta, key got stuck and could not turn the car off. Called AAA, was put on hold while they called a locksmith who said it was a common problem and for 120.00 he could try, however, no guarantee. So off to the local dealer at 5:45 PM on a Wednesday evening in L.A. Meanwhile, my wife finds this post and forwards it to me as I am arriving at dealership. This model has the auto/standard transmission, I tried the 1,2,3 in standard mode to no avail. So I pull into service dept which has just closed. Lucky for me, I see an employee of the dealership who appeared to be end of watch and I asked if he knew of any way to get key out. He was kind enough to assist. He hoped in passenger seat and directed me to put on parking brake, he engaged shift handle from park to "S" three times, turned off car and key came right out. Great service at VW dealership in Glendale,CA.
ReplyDeleteI have an 03 Jetta wagon. Tried every trick on line to pull out the key. Then tried this. Took me 4 times with the handbrake on. Then the key came right out.
ReplyDeleteI just had this happen to me. This post was a life saver! Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteThe cable needs adjusted. Here is the procedure https://www.2carpros.com/questions/volkswagen-jetta-2002-volkswagen-jetta-key-stuck-in-ignitoin
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ReplyDeleteThere is wear on the key and burrs on tip file both sides with a jewelers file where dimple marks are from pin only fro t and back of key till flat again ...key will slide in and out
ReplyDeleteThank you so much bro I can’t believe it was this easy. I don’t think you understand the bliss that I felt when the key slid out after moving my shifter like an idiot for 5 seconds.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! I have a 2013 Jetta- the key has been stuck in ignition for 3/4 months now! We've been having to pull a relay to turn car off and then disconnect the battery! Such a pain in the rear to do this every time we go somewhere!! But this worked!! Along with suggestions in the comments...We are saved!!! Thank you so much!!
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ReplyDelete