My Car Key Broke In The Ignition: What Should I Do?

You plan your day and get in the car to arrive fast at the supermarket when suddenly the key breaks in the ignition…There’s nothing more stressful than that. Your vehicle won’t be able to start until the keyway is clear, so what should you do now? Is it ok to DIY some repairs?

Firstly, you should never try to get the key out of the ignition without knowing some risks first. If you are not a professional, you may worsen the damage. Removing the broken car key from the ignition may look like a simple task, but it needs proper technique.

Before calling Chandler car lockout services, check this article to see what to do when a broken key is stuck in the ignition.

Be Aware Of The Ignition

If the key broke off in the ignition, don’t worry, it won’t necessarily be damaged. Nonetheless, you can break it if you don’t act carefully. Damaging the car’s ignition is worse than harming an old lock. The ignition is a crucial part of your car, allowing it to run properly. Therefore, you should always call a locksmith to remove the broken key from the ignition before doing anything else. 

This is the best way to proceed and avoid worse damage. Trying to remove the key yourself may be more dangerous. 

If you still prefer to remove the broken key, you may consider some recommendations. Firstly, you must be careful about the things you put in the keyway. Avoid super glue methods of extraction. 

Do not force any tools into the clogged ignition either. If something doesn’t go well, try a smaller tool. You should also avoid excessive attempts of the same method. The vehicle’s ignition can be damaged if a tool is used too many times. 

Find The Right Tools For The Job

It’s always recommended to contact Apache Junction car lockout services instead of doing the job yourself. However, if you still want to try, you must find the right tools first. 

Removing the key from the ignition cylinder is not easy. If the key broke off in the ignition while you were at home, you may be able to get some items quickly.

Gathering the right materials can be more difficult if you are stranded. You can still search your vehicle for tools you can use. 

These are some of the items you need:

• Tweezers: You’ll probably find tweezers anywhere. They are perfect for pulling out broken key fragments. They should be thin enough to enter the keyway, and their opening should be wide enough to fit the key blade.
• Key Extractors: These are specialty tools, but you might find them in auto parts stores.
• Mini Hacksaw Blades: They are usually available in hardware stores. These items are used by sliding inside the ignition. Keep in mind the blade must be small and thin enough for it to work. Too many attempts using a hacksaw blade can damage the ignition, so be careful.
• Needle Nose Pliers: You can also find these tools in hardware stores. The extra-long pliers are the best option due to their thinner ends. Many Mesa car lockout services recommend these items for their convenience.
• Safety Pins: These pins are also very common in many places, including rest stops and gas stations. They work quite well as probes to pry at the key. You can use them as if they were chopsticks or tweezers.
• Paper Clips: They are available almost anywhere too. You can shape them into tweezers and probe tools to get the broken car key out of the ignition.

How To Remove The Key From The Ignition

Follow these steps to remove the key successfully:

1. Check the area to see if there are broken key fragments. Ensure they are not fully inserted into the ignition.
2. If the fragment is not fully inserted, grip and pull it from each side using pliers, tweezers, or similar tools.
3. If the key fragment is not exposed, or you don’t have the right tools to grip the key, use the wedge and slide method with mini hacksaw blades or thin profile tools.
4. Wedge the tool in the ignition keyway.
5. Turn the tool toward the key to catch it and pull it out.
6. Continue to wedge and slide your tool until you can pull the key from the ignition.

What Not to Do

When your car key breaks off in the ignition, your first reaction might be to grab whatever’s nearby and try to fix it fast. However, some DIY methods can cause serious damage to your ignition cylinder, costing you more time and money in the long run. Before you make the problem worse, keep these important “don’ts” in mind:

• Avoid using glue: Online tutorials might suggest using super glue on the broken key to “fish out” the stuck part, but this almost always makes things worse. Even a small amount of glue can seep into the ignition and permanently bond to the internal pins.
• Stay away from magnets: Car keys are typically made from alloys that aren’t magnetic. Even if a magnet did work, the ignition contains small metallic components that could be disrupted, resulting in electrical or mechanical damage.
• Do not insert screwdrivers or other large tools: Forcing a screwdriver into the ignition can crack or deform the cylinder. What seems like a simple fix could turn into a costly need to repair worn out car ignition or even a full ignition replacement.
• Skip excessive force: Pulling or twisting too hard might push the broken fragment deeper into the ignition, making extraction harder. It’s always safer to stop and contact a professional auto locksmith in Mesa if you notice resistance.

Even though it’s tempting to handle the situation yourself, the wrong move can turn a minor issue into a major repair. Take a step back, avoid risky tricks, and call an expert who has the right tools and experience to remove the broken key safely.

Why Keys Break In Car Ignitions

Keys can break in the ignition for a variety of reasons. Knowing why it happens can help you prevent it next time:

1. Human Error

Most ignition key breaks happen because of small, everyday mistakes. Some of the most common ones include:

• Turning the key too forcefully: Applying excessive pressure when the ignition feels stiff can twist or weaken the metal. Over time, that repeated strain can cause the key to snap inside the cylinder.
• Trying to start the car with the wrong key: It sounds obvious, but modern vehicles often come with several similar-looking keys or fobs. Even slight differences in shape can jam the ignition pins or bend the wrong key’s ridges.
• Ignoring resistance or forcing the ignition when it feels stuck: If you ever feel friction or stiffness, that’s a warning sign. Continuing to force the key can damage internal pins or deform the ignition slot.

These actions might seem insignificant. However, it’s important to stay calm. When in doubt, it’s always better to have a professional take a quick look. It can save you a lot of trouble later on!

2. Worn-Out or Damaged Keys

Over time, the ridges on your key wear down, making it harder to turn smoothly. This creates friction inside the ignition cylinder. If your key is already bent or has visible cracks, forcing it can cause it to snap. In these cases, a mobile auto locksmith can replace or duplicate your key before it fails completely.

3. Extreme Temperature Changes

Temperature fluctuations can affect both the metal of your key and the internal components of the ignition. Over time, these changes can cause subtle distortions in the parts involved:

• Cold weather makes metal brittle: When temperatures drop, the metal contracts. This makes it less flexible and more likely to snap, especially if you try to force a frozen or stiff ignition.
• High heat causes expansion: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can slightly expand the metal, making the key fit tighter than usual and putting stress on the ignition pins.
• Rapid temperature changes add stress: In Arizona’s climate, hot days and cool nights cause expansion and contraction that slowly weakens the key and ignition.

If you want to avoid breakage, always insert and turn the key gently, especially on cold mornings or after your car has been sitting in the sun for hours. Whenever possible, keep your vehicle parked in a shaded area to minimize temperature fluctuations.

4. Dirty or Blocked Ignition Cylinder

Dust, grease, or debris can collect inside the ignition over time, preventing the key from turning smoothly. Never spray random lubricants inside; instead, have a technician inspect and repair worn out car ignition in Mesa, a common issue caused by debris buildup and everyday wear.

5. Locked Steering Wheel

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the key at all. A locked steering wheel puts extra pressure on the ignition. Try wiggling the steering wheel slightly as you turn the key, instead of forcing it.

Contact Trusted Mesa Car Lockout Services For A Safe Solution

The previous recommendations are useful, but it’s always better to contact the experts. With US Key Service you can get many convenient automotive locksmith services, including emergency lockouts, broken key extractions, key replacement, and more. Contact us today for more information!  

FAQ Questions

Still have questions? Here are some of the most common ones drivers ask when dealing with a broken key stuck in the ignition.

What Should I Do Immediately If My Car Key Breaks Off In The Ignition?

In these situations, try to stay calm and avoid forcing it further. Turn off the vehicle, remove any visible fragments if possible, and contact a professional locksmith. Trying to extract it yourself without the proper tools can damage the ignition system!

How Much Does It Cost To Have A Locksmith Remove A Broken Car Key From The Ignition In Mesa Or Chandler?

Prices vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and vehicle type, but most professional locksmiths charge a reasonable service fee for on-site removal. In many cases, it’s far more affordable than replacing the entire ignition system.

Who Offers Reliable Emergency Car Lockout Services In Mesa And Apache Junction?

At US Key Service, we provide reliable car lockout services in Mesa and Apache Junction. Our locksmiths handle everything from emergency lockouts to ignition repair and key replacement, ensuring you’re back on the road safely and quickly.

How Long Does It Take A Locksmith To Extract A Broken Key From The Ignition?

The time it takes can vary depending on several factors, mainly how deep the fragment is and whether the ignition has sustained any damage. In most cases, extractions take between 15 and 30 minutes. However, professionals can give you an accurate estimate once they assess the situation.

Can I Remove A Broken Car Key From The Ignition Myself Without Damaging It?

It’s possible, but risky. If part of the key is visible, you may attempt gentle removal with thin pliers. However, if it’s stuck deep inside, it’s best to rely on a trained technician who can perform an ignition re-key service or extraction safely.

US Key Service
4065 E University Dr #500
Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-983-6149
Email: uskeyservice@gmail.com
Web: uskeyservice.com