The key broke and the broken part is stuck in your ignition. The steering wheel is locked, and you can’t move your car. You’re irritated, you’re late for a meeting, and all you want is to get out of there with your car and your sanity intact. What should you do?
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to get a broken key out of your ignition without damaging your car. First, try using a pair of tweezers to gently pull out the broken piece. If that doesn’t work, you can use a small screwdriver or nail to carefully pry the broken piece out. Be sure to use a gentle touch, so you don’t damage the ignition cylinder.
If you’re still having trouble getting the broken key out, you may need to call a locksmith. A locksmith will have the tools and experience to remove the broken key without damaging your car. However, calling a locksmith can be expensive, so it’s worth trying to remove the broken key yourself first. With a little patience and care, you should be able to get the broken key out of your ignition and get back on the road.
Safety Precautions
Attempting to remove a broken key from the ignition can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous task. Before proceeding, it is crucial to take the following safety precautions:
1. Ensure Vehicle is Parked Safely
Park your vehicle on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while you are working. Additionally, turn off the engine and remove the keys from the ignition (if possible). If the key has snapped in the ignition, use a spare key to unlock the steering wheel.
2. Disconnect Battery
Disconnecting the battery will prevent any electrical shocks or sparks that could ignite fuel vapors. Locate the negative battery terminal and loosen the bolt securing the cable. Pull the cable off the terminal and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact.
3. Use Appropriate Tools
Gather the necessary tools for the job, including pliers, needle-nose pliers, a small screwdriver, and a flashlight. Avoid using excessive force or sharp objects, as these could damage the ignition system or cause injury.
4. Protect Your Hands
Wear gloves or use a cloth when handling the broken key fragments to prevent cuts or abrasions. Additionally, be cautious of sharp edges on the ignition switch.
5. Avoid Driving with Broken Key
Never attempt to drive a vehicle with a broken key in the ignition. This could cause the ignition to lock up, preventing you from steering or braking safely.
Employing a Tweezers
Tweezers, those versatile tools found in every household, can be your savior in this situation. Their precision tips and delicate grip make them ideal for extracting broken key pieces from the ignition. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Gather your tools. You’ll need a pair of tweezers with a fine tip, preferably angled for better access. If you don’t have tweezers, needle-nose pliers or a thin wire can also do the trick.
2. Secure the tweezers. With the ignition switch in the “off” position, insert the tweezers into the keyhole and gently wiggle it around to locate the key fragment. Once you feel it, grip the piece firmly with the tweezers.
3. Extract the fragment. Slowly and carefully pull the key fragment out of the ignition switch. Be patient and avoid jerking or twisting motions, as this could damage the ignition mechanism or break the remaining key portion. If the fragment is lodged deeply, try using a thin wire to hook onto it and gently pull it out.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a flashlight | Illuminate the keyhole for better visibility. |
| Lubricate the tweezers | Dip the tweezers into a lubricant to reduce friction and make the extraction easier. |
| Don’t force it | If the key fragment is stuck, don’t apply excessive force. It’s better to consult a locksmith for professional assistance. |
Trying a Coat Hanger
If you find yourself with a broken key stuck in your ignition, you can try using a coat hanger to remove it. To do this, you’ll need a wire coat hanger that is at least 24 inches long. Here are the steps to follow:
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Straighten out the coat hanger as much as possible.
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Using a pair of pliers, create a small hook at the end of the coat hanger.
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Insert the hooked end of the coat hanger into the ignition and gently try to hook the broken key.
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Once you have hooked the broken key, carefully pull it out of the ignition. Be patient and gentle, as you don’t want to damage the ignition.
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If you are having trouble hooking the broken key, you can try using a small magnet to help guide the hanger toward the key.
Here is a table summarizing the steps to remove a broken key from an ignition using a coat hanger:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Straighten out the coat hanger. |
| 2 | Create a small hook at the end of the coat hanger. |
| 3 | Insert the hooked end of the coat hanger into the ignition and gently try to hook the broken key. |
| 4 | Once you have hooked the broken key, carefully pull it out of the ignition. |
| 5 | If you are having trouble hooking the broken key, you can try using a small magnet to help guide the hanger toward the key. |
Utilizing a Hacksaw
If the key is broken off at a relatively shallow depth, a hacksaw can sometimes be used to cut a small notch into the remaining key shaft. Once the notch is deep enough, you can insert a small flat-head screwdriver or other similar tool into the notch and carefully pry the key out of the ignition.
Materials Required:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Hacksaw | A small saw with a thin blade |
| Screwdriver | A small, flat-head screwdriver |
| Cloth or Gloves | To protect your hands |
Steps:
1. Insert the hacksaw blade into the shallow notch in the key.
2. Carefully cut a small, straight notch into the remaining key shaft.
3. Insert a screwdriver or other similar tool into the notch.
4. Gently pry the key out of the ignition.
5. Use a cloth or gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges on the broken key or hacksaw blade.
Preventing Future Incidents
Even after you’ve successfully removed the broken key from the ignition, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips:
Inspect your ignition regularly
Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as loose or missing parts. If you find any problems, have them fixed as soon as possible.
Lubricate the ignition
Using a graphite lubricant can help keep the ignition working smoothly and prevent the key from getting stuck.
Avoid using excessive force
When inserting or turning the key, don’t force it. If it doesn’t go in easily, try wiggling it gently or using a lubricant.
Have a spare key
Keep a spare key in a safe place. If your key breaks, you’ll have a backup to get you on your way.
Consider keyless entry
Keyless entry systems can eliminate the need for a physical key, which can reduce the risk of it breaking.
Inspect your key ring
Too many keys or heavy items on your key ring can put extra strain on the ignition. Remove anything unnecessary.
Upgrade to a stronger key
If you’ve had multiple keys break, consider upgrading to a stronger type of key, such as a reinforced or titanium key.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
9. Using a broken key extractor
Broken key extractors are specially designed tools for removing broken keys from locks and ignitions. They come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different key types. To use a key extractor:
a. Insert the extractor into the ignition
Insert the extractor into the ignition and turn it back and forth to grab hold of the broken key. Ensure that the extractor is securely engaged with the key to prevent it from slipping.
b. Twist and pull
Once the extractor is firmly attached to the broken key, gently twist and pull the extractor to remove the broken key from the ignition. Use a steady, controlled motion to avoid damaging the ignition or further breaking the key. If the key is stuck, try spraying a lubricant, such as WD-40, into the ignition to loosen it.
c. Remove the extractor
Once the broken key is removed, carefully pull out the key extractor. Inspect the key and ignition for any damage or debris. If necessary, use a flashlight or magnifying glass to check for any remaining key fragments or foreign objects.
| Key Type | Extractor Size |
|---|---|
| Flat keys | Small extractor |
| Transponder keys | Medium extractor |
| Fob keys | Large extractor |
Conclusion
Removing a broken key from your ignition can be a frustrating experience, but it’s definitely not impossible. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to safely and effectively extract the broken key and get your car back on the road. Just remember to take your time, use the right tools, and don’t force anything. If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to call a locksmith for assistance.
10. Use a Key Extractor
A key extractor is a specialized tool that is designed to remove broken keys from ignitions. Key extractors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for the type of key you have broken. To use a key extractor, simply insert the tool into the ignition and turn it until the key is gripped. Then, pull the key extractor out of the ignition, and the broken key should come with it.
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How To Get A Broken Key Out Of Ignition
If you’ve ever broken a key in your ignition, you know how frustrating it can be. You’re stranded, and you don’t know how to get your key out. But don’t worry, there are a few simple steps you can follow to get your key out of the ignition and get back on the road.
Step 1: Stay calm. It’s easy to panic when you break a key in your ignition, but it’s important to stay calm. If you start to panic, you’re more likely to make a mistake and damage your car.
Step 2: Assess the situation. Take a deep breath and look at the broken key. If the key is broken off flush with the ignition, you’ll need to use a different method to remove it. However, if the key is sticking out of the ignition, you can try to remove it using a pair of pliers.
Step 3: Remove the broken key. If the key is sticking out of the ignition, you can try to remove it using a pair of pliers. Grip the key with the pliers and gently pull it out. Be careful not to damage the ignition or the key.
Step 4: If the key is broken off flush with the ignition, you’ll need to use a different method to remove it. One option is to use a key extractor. A key extractor is a small tool that is inserted into the ignition and used to grip the broken key. Once the key extractor is gripping the broken key, you can pull it out of the ignition.
Step 5: Another option for removing a broken key from the ignition is to use a locksmith. A locksmith will have the tools and expertise to remove the broken key quickly and easily.
People Also Ask About How To Get A Broken Key Out Of Ignition
What should I do if I break my car key in the ignition?
If you break your car key in the ignition, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Then, assess the situation and try to remove the broken key yourself using a pair of pliers. If you’re unable to remove the broken key yourself, you can call a locksmith.
How much does it cost to replace a car key?
The cost of replacing a car key varies depending on the make and model of your car. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a replacement key.
What are the symptoms of a bad ignition switch?
The symptoms of a bad ignition switch can include difficulty starting your car, the engine stalling while driving, or the key getting stuck in the ignition. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should have your ignition switch checked by a mechanic.
