Remove Broken Ignition Key
If your key breaks off in your automobile ignition do not despair. You may be able to remove it yourself and save the cost of a locksmith's fee. If you are fortunate enough to be at home when this occurs there are just a few items that are needed to remove the broken piece.
If the car is running when the key breaks do not attempt to turn the ignition off. Drive it home or to the kind of automotive parts shop that loans customers their tools.
To remove the broken key from the ignition of an automobile you will need a pair of small needle nose pliers, a hammer, and a one and one half inch socket from a socket wrench set.
It is possible to use a smaller socket or a short piece of pipe. The main requirement is that the socket or pipe will fit against the ignition switch trim or housing. It should leave enough room for the broken key to back out.
Make sure the ignition is in the off position. it can be turned to the off position by placing the broken large portion of the key against the portion stuck in the ignition and gently turning it while pushing in. This may take a few attempts, but with a little patience it can be done.
There may be a button that has to be pushed when removing or turning the key. This button is usually located on the back of the steering column opposite the ignition switch. A helper may be needed to push the button while someone else is attempting to remove the broken piece of the key.
Place the socket over the ignition and hold it firmly with one hand. Tap the back of the socket with the hammer. This may take more than one attempt. The helper may be needed to hold the button in while the socket or pipe over the ignition is being tapped with the hammer.
The action of tapping the socket with the hammer will cause a reverse action on the broken key and cause it to back out of the ignition. The broken piece will back out of the ignition just enough to grasp it with the needle nose pliers.
Grip the broken key, using the small needle nose pliers, being careful not to push it back in. Pull the broken portion of the key out of the ignition.
