What do you do when your car won’t start and you can’t find the broken key? If you’re like most people, you try to jiggle it around until it pops out. But is that really the best solution? The truth is, breaking a key off in a car’s ignition can be a tough task. Not only do you have to find the key, but you also have to get it out without damaging the car or yourself. In this blog post, we will teach you how to get broken key out of ignition in car safely and effectively.
What You’ll Need
If you have a broken key that’s preventing your car from starting, there are several things you can do to get it out. Depending on the type of key, you may need to remove a panel, break the key free, or use a tool to pry it free.
If your key is electronic, you may need to remove the battery or reset the keyless entry system.
1. If your car has a panel that needs to be removed in order to get at the key, try using a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the panel around the lock. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the door.
2. If your car doesn’t have a panel and the key is stuck in the ignition, try breaking the key free with a hammer and chisel. Be careful not to damage surrounding hardware or your car’s engine.
3. If your car has a battery and/or a keyless entry system, you’ll need to remove them in order to get at the key. For battery-operated cars, turn off all power sources before attempting this step. For keyless entry systems, press and hold down each button for three seconds until all lights turn off on the car
How To Do It
If your car key is broken, you can remove it from the ignition by following these simple steps:
1. Locate the key cylinder – The key cylinder is located on the front or passenger side of the car near the door.
2. Use a spudger or flat-head screwdriver to pry open the access panel – It may be hidden behind some trim around the key cylinder. If necessary, use a knife to cut off any plastic surrounding the key cylinder.
3. Insert a small screwdriver into the access hole and turn it anticlockwise – This will free up the handle of the key from its clips inside the ignition switch housing.
4. Remove the broken key from its housing – Be careful not to drop it down into the switch housing, where it could become stuck and require a mechanic to remove it.
Tips For Success
If your car won’t start, check the key first. If you don’t have a spare key or can’t get to your ignition, try these tips for success:
1. Check the battery. Many times, a dead battery is the culprit behind a car not starting. Make sure your battery is fully charged before trying to start your car.
2. Check the fuses. Fuses protect your car from dangerous electrical shorts and can sometimes prevent your car from starting in cold weather or if it’s been left in a locked position. Check all of the fuses in your car and replace any that are blown or cracked.
3. Try resetting the car’s computer. If none of these tips work, you may need to reset the car’s computer by removing the battery for about 20 minutes then reinserting it. Disconnect all of the cables connecting to other components in the vehicle, then use a screwdriver to pop out five screws around the central console area and remove the coverplate. Locate and press (and hold down) four buttons on each side of an electronic module (these modules are also identified by numbers), then replace coverplate and screws. Reconnect all cables and test your ignition key