How to Handle a Key Broken in Your Car Ignition

Key broken in your ignition? Get professional extraction and replacement from Morayfield Locksmiths. Expert automotive locksmith services throughout Moreton Bay region.

A key breaking in your ignition is alarming, but proper response prevents further damage and gets your vehicle operational again.

1. Stop Attempting to Start the Vehicle

Immediately stop trying to turn the broken key or start your vehicle. Continued attempts can push the broken piece deeper into the ignition cylinder, making extraction more difficult and potentially damaging the ignition mechanism. Leave any visible portion of the broken key undisturbed, as even slight movement can worsen the situation. Put your vehicle in park (automatic) or neutral (manual) if you had not already done so, and engage the parking brake.

2. Do Not Attempt DIY Extraction Methods

Resist the urge to use tweezers, needle-nose pliers, or glue to extract the broken key. These methods rarely work and often push the broken piece deeper or leave adhesive residue inside the ignition that creates additional problems. Household tools lack the precision needed for this delicate work, and forcing them into the ignition alongside the broken key can damage the delicate pins and tumblers inside the cylinder, turning a simple extraction into expensive ignition replacement.

3. Call a Professional Automotive Locksmith

Contact an experienced automotive locksmith immediately for safe extraction. At Morayfield Locksmiths, we carry specialized extraction tools designed specifically for removing broken keys from ignition cylinders without damage. Our technicians have extracted thousands of broken keys during our 30+ years of service, giving us the experience to handle even difficult extractions where the key broke flush with the cylinder face or deep inside the mechanism.

4. Provide Detailed Information to Your Locksmith

When calling for service, explain exactly what happened: whether the key broke during insertion, turning, or removal; whether any portion of the key remains visible; and whether you have a spare key. This information helps your locksmith bring the right extraction tools and prepare for potential key replacement if your spare is also worn. Mention your vehicle’s make, model, and year, as some vehicles have ignition systems that require specialized approaches.

5. Understand the Extraction Process

Professional key extraction typically involves inserting specialized tools alongside the broken key piece, engaging its serrations, and carefully sliding it out. Sometimes locksmiths must remove the ignition cylinder for better access, especially if the key broke deep inside. Once extracted, your locksmith will inspect the ignition for damage and test operation with your spare key if available. If the broken key was your only key, we can cut and program a replacement on-site for most vehicles.

6. Prevent Future Key Breaks

Keys break due to wear, metal fatigue, or forcing a worn key in a sticky ignition. After extraction, have a new key cut from your vehicle’s code rather than copying your old, worn keys. If your ignition felt sticky before the break, have it serviced to prevent another incident. Avoid carrying heavy keychains that stress your ignition key through constant weight and movement while driving. Regular key replacement before visible wear appears prevents the inconvenience and expense of broken keys.

Professional Tip from Morayfield Locksmiths:

Keys typically break because they were already worn and weakened, making the break predictable though the timing surprises you. During extraction service, we examine your spare keys and honestly tell you whether they also need replacement before they break. Our 30+ years of experience has taught us to recognize keys that are approaching failure. We provide same-day service throughout Moreton Bay, arriving in clearly marked vehicles with all necessary extraction tools. Call us at 07 5495 5000 or our emergency line at 0413 007 967. We will provide accurate time estimates and upfront pricing so you know what to expect.