Tonight I found out that the key broke off in my ignition. I am still able to start the car, but I cannot open up my trunk of course.
How can I correct the problem? I have lost my spare key, and I don't know where or how I can get another key for the car. It's a 1998 Ford Contour SE.
I'd like to get another spare key, but seeing that my original is in two pieces, one of which is inside the ignition, I don't know how to correct this problem.
Is my car still safe to drive? How can I get a new key, and get the old piece out of the ignition inexpensively?
2006-09-23 14:01:19 · 17 answers · asked by gino2351 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
In regards to a spare key, I had it in my work bag. Yesterday when I took a friend and her two kids home (her car couldn't start) I put my work bag into my trunk so it would be out of their way, not thinking about the spare key, and fully expecting to be able to get my bag back out. So needless to say, a spare key doesn't do much good in the trunk.
2006-09-23 14:19:59 · update #1
I can't open the back seat without getting into the trunk and pushing a release button. I tried otherwise, but that's what the manual says to do to get into the trunk.
2006-09-24 15:18:40 · update #2
*I mean that's what the manual says to put down the back seat. There are no release buttons on the inside of the car, and the pop release button for the trunk doesn't work either.
2006-09-24 15:19:29 · update #3
I went to the shop and they recommended I go to a locksmith. The locksmith was able to get the two pieces (even the one that was stuck inside the ignition) and make me two new keys for my car. So now, my car is back into good order! Thanks for all your suggestions! It's going to be hard to pick the best answer, since so many of you said the same kind of thing!
2006-09-30 04:26:58 · update #4
A locksmith will be able to get the broken part of the key out and make you several replacement keys. The car is safe to drive.
Depending on the key, you may be able to get the broken piece out using a small magnet. Test the remaining part of the key to see if this is possible,
If you try to get the piece out yourself, you take a chance of doing further damage and needing to replace the lock cylinder.
2006-09-23 14:13:29 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Key Broke In Ignition
2016-09-30 11:26:56 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-12-25 14:21:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dealer should be able to cut a new key if you give them the VIN number. A locksmith can pull the remainder portion of the key out with his special little tool!!! LOL! But befor I called a locksmith I would try to pick it out with a pin and or a fish hook that is straightened slightly. I am a bodyshop owner and have been successful that way. Make sure that the ignition is in the unlock position ( same position that it would be when you normally pull the key out). You might even need to pull the lock cylinder out , turn it upside down and tap the side of the cylinder lightly ( that worked for me before too), but I guess the average person could not remove the cylinder by themselves!
2006-09-29 16:33:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is somewhat unsafe to drive the car with the ignition key broke inside. you need to go to a workshop. if the broken part is visible from outside, he can butt weld or solder a metal piece and remove the broken part. if not visible, the entire console would have to be dismantled to remove the piece. If the broken piece comes out there is no problem making a fresh key. If not, you have the choice of contacting the manufacturer or replace the lock/ignition switch. you may have to make do with two sets of keys. you know what - oldies do have some problems that you cant avoid. Moral of the story - don't screw your key too much.
2006-09-23 14:13:09 · answer #5 · answered by HMG M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try using a tweezers to grab the broken end and pull it out.
A locksmith has a tool that looks like a saw blade that hooks onto the edges of the broken key. maybe you have a tiny blade like that for a craft project that you can try.
Another possibility is to make a hook from a snapped-off piece of paperclip and try to wiggle the broken piece out.
Once you get the broken piece out bring it to a locksmith - or drive to a locksmith and ask what he will charge to get the piece out plus make the key. it might be surprisingly cheap.
2006-09-23 14:07:39 · answer #6 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can still see the key in the ignition you might be able to take a very small drillbit and drill into the old key and then use the bit to pull it out, and as far as your other key in the trunk, just remove the rear seat and climb in and get it.
2006-09-23 14:32:43 · answer #7 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you still have the key tag that came with the car the dealer can make a new key with that code try using a small hook to get the old key out if the car has a pats anti theft (chip in the key) you will need to bring it to the dealer for programing
2006-09-23 14:16:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a locksmith and they will remove the broken piece and make you a new key. No problem.
2006-09-23 15:01:56 · answer #9 · answered by callie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can still drive it like this,,but don't let anyone know the key is broken off in it,,and you may have to get another key switch put in it,,this way it will work right,,if you can get a lock smith to get the old key out of it ,,he might be able to make you a new key for it,,good luck i hope this help,s some,i own a repair shop,,and have had to replace some of these switches before,,good luck.
2006-09-23 14:10:34 · answer #10 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋