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Help. Broken key in ignition

This is going to be fun. The key broke off in the ignition. It broke off past the switch, within the ignition, that activates the buzzer.

My first thought was to put a little bit of superglue on the end of the existing key push it in and hope that it cements to the broken part. Then the thought of having a key superglued to the inside of the ignition switch crossed my mind.

I tried to pull it out using small tweezers and forecepts. No luck.

Anone know if the switch itself can be removed from the housing without taking apart the dash? I have taken the dash apart once before. After losing a quart of blood from cuts and a few hours I vowed never to do that again.

I can still start the truck by putting the other half of the key in the ignition but I know that trick will fail me as soon as I am far from help.

Reply to
grinder
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Many lock shops have a tool that will remove the broken piece. They can cut you a key by measuring the valleys on the broken piece or by key number if available. It may be in your owner's manual. HTH, davidj92

Reply to
davidj92

Reply to
Wolfgang

Good idea on the lock shop. Yesterday I spend about an hour trying to dig the broken piece out using a pick. I could read it but the "flap switch" prevented me moving it too much.

I have two other keys so I don't have to have one made.

Reply to
grinder

Don't mess around.Go to a Locksmith. Would bet he / she could have it fixed in a heart-beat. Good Luck...........

Reply to
W.T. MC GLYNN

You didn't say what truck/year you had, but on my '93, you can easly remove the tumbler by

1) putting in the key 2) turn it to ACC, 3) press the little button on the bottom of the lock (You may have to remove some plastic to access this) 4) pull out. (Since your key is broken off you may need something to pull the lock out with) With a little wiggling and pulling, the tumbler will slide right out.

Then take it down to someone who does car locks to remove the broken key.

Reply to
Eddie

THAT worked liked a champ!!! I have a '90 4Runner where the ignition is in the dash. I couldn't help myself and had to tinker a little trying to get the key out but I will take it to a locksmith.

I assume to replace the tumbler I turn the ignition to ACC and just push it back in? I bet I could start the truck right now with a pliers by turning the "key" inside the empty housing.

Thanks again!!!

Reply to
grinder

You may want to disconnect the battery right now or you will run it dead with the switch in ACC. Yes you can start the truck now with the help of pliers.

Yep. Assuming that if you started the truck witout the lock, you put it back to ACC, you turn the tumbler to ACC and slide it back in. I think it's notiched so you can't put it in wrong. Just push down until you feel the click of the button.

Reply to
Eddie

You might be able to rap the tumbler sharply downward on a hard surface and dislodge the broke off key.

Reply to
offen rong

Tried it and it didn't work. The teeth within the tumbler must be holding the key in place.

Reply to
grinder

$30 to the locksmith. Done deal. The only downside is the flapper inside the switch that activates the buzzer (when the key is in and the door is opened) is a little sticky. I think I did it while tinkering.

Thanks again.

Reply to
grinder

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