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Can The Ignition Key Be Removed When The Engine Is Running?

There is a lot of debate surrounding this topic. Some people say that it is impossible to remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running, while others insist that it can be done.

So, which is it? Can you remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running or not? In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument and let you decide for yourself.

The key can be removed when the engine is running on some modern cars where the keyless and remote start is present. In vehicles with classic ignition, removing the car while the engine is running is not possible, because the key can only be removed in the Off position that shuts off the engine.

What Happens If You Pull the Key Out of The Ignition While Driving?

Depending on the features of your car, different things may happen. One, the steering wheel may lock in such a manner that you won’t be able to turn the steering wheel and this may cause a crash. Two, the engine may stall. Three, in some cases, the engine will continue to run without any issues.

In today’s cars, you won’t be able to remove the key while the engine is running. Even if you could do it due to flaws, your hands will be trapped in their sockets. An accident appears unavoidable once the car is still in motion.

How Car Ignition Works

Before we can answer the question, we need to understand how a car ignition works. When you insert the key into the ignition, it completes a circuit that sends power to the starter motor. The starter motor then turns over the engine, and once the engine is running, it keeps itself going.

The reason people say that you can’t remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running is that if you do, it will break the circuit and the engine will stall.

However, there are some cars that have a mechanism that prevents this from happening. In these cars, you can remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running without stalling it.

Older Cars vs Modern Cars

In older cars, it was not possible to remove the key from the ignition while the engine was running. This is because they did not have the mechanism that prevents the engine from stalling. However, in modern cars, this is usually not an issue.

Modern cars are equipped with an engine immobilizer. This system prevents the engine from starting without the correct key. The transponder chip in the key sends a signal to the car’s computer, and if it’s the right signal, the car will start.

Some modern cars do have a mechanism that prevents the key from being removed from the ignition while the engine is running. However, this is not always the case.

What Happens If You Hit the Push to Start While Driving?

Hitting the push to start button while driving has the same effect as pulling the key out of the ignition. The engine will stall and you’ll need to restart it.

Why Can I Remove the Ignition Key While the Engine Running?

Can The Ignition Key Be Removed When The Engine Is Running?

There are many reasons why you might be able to remove the ignition key while the engine is running.

The car is equipped with an engine immobilizer

This system prevents the engine from starting without the correct key. The transponder chip in the key sends a signal to the car’s computer, and if it’s the right signal, the car will start. If not, it won’t.

Many people believe that this also prevents the key from being removed from the ignition while the engine is running, but that’s not necessarily true.

The car has a mechanism that prevents the key from being removed

Some modern cars do have a mechanism that prevents the key from being removed from the ignition while the engine is running. However, this is not always the case. There are some models of cars where you can remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running without any issue.

You’ve checked the car manual and it says it’s okay

It’s important to check your car’s manual to see if it’s possible to remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running. If you can’t find this information, you can always contact your car manufacturer for clarification.

How to Turn off the Car Without a Key?

Can The Ignition Key Be Removed When The Engine Is Running?

When your car has a push-button start, you can turn off the car without a key. All you need to do is press and hold the start button for three seconds. If your car doesn’t have a push-button start, you can’t turn off the car without a key.

Key Falls Out of the Ignition While Driving

In case your key falls out of the ignition while you’re driving, don’t panic. The first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road and put the car in park. Then, insert the key back into the ignition and turn it to the off position.

Once the car is turned off, you can remove the key. If your car has a push-button start, you can also hold down the start button for three seconds to turn off the car.

When Can I Remove the Key from the Ignition?

You can remove the key from the ignition when the engine is off and you’re not in park. If you try to remove the key while the engine is running or while the car is in gear, it won’t come out.

Can I Drive Without a Key?

No, you can’t drive without a key. Your car needs a key to start the engine, and without it, you won’t be going anywhere.

How Do I Know if My Car Has an Immobilizer?

There are a few ways to tell if your car has an immobilizer.

  • If your car was made after 1995, it likely has an immobilizer.
  • If your car has a transponder chip in the key, it likely has an immobilizer.
  • If you can’t remove the key from the ignition while the engine is running, your car likely has an immobilizer.

Can The Ignition Key Be Removed When The Engine Is Running?

What Makes That Terrible Noise When You Try to Remove the Key?

The steering wheel locks as a safety precaution. In some models, it’s accompanied by a loud noise that can be annoying. The primary purpose is to stop thieves from hotwiring the vehicle and driving away.

What Happens If the Ignition Is Left On?

Leaving the ignition on will eventually drain the battery and leave you stranded. It would be best if you avoided doing this as it’ll also wear down the engine components. The car will eventually turn itself off to preserve power, but it’ll take a while. If you’re in a hurry, it’s better to turn it off manually.

Conclusion

The ignition key can be removed when the engine is running in certain vehicles that use the keyless start or the non-conventional key. In the vehicles that use the classic steel key, you cannot pull the key out when it’s in the On position.

You can still pull the key out while moving by rotating it in the Off position, but that will turn off the engine. The bigger problem is the steering wheel lock that engages when the key is not present.

The brakes will become very stiff without the pressure, making the car very difficult to stop and impossible to control. Pulling the key out in a conventional ignition lock system is a very dangerous idea and I strongly advise against it.