What Should I Do If My Car Key Snaps in the Ignition?
A broken key in the ignition is more common than you may think. On a busy day, you’re rushing to start your car, and suddenly — snap! The key breaks in the ignition, leaving half in your hand and the other half stuck inside. It is frustrating but common and can be fixed without harming your car. Whether you try to remove it yourself or call an automotive locksmith, there are ways to do it safely and effectively.
This article covers why car keys break, how to remove a broken key from the ignition, and, most importantly, how to start your car if the key is broken.
What to Do When Your Car Key Snaps in the Ignition
The moment you realize your car key broke in the ignition, it’s important to avoid making the situation worse. It happens instantly — you turn the key, and it snaps in the ignition. You’re stuck and can’t start the car or remove the broken piece. It may seem like a disaster, but it’s important to stay calm — with the right steps, you can handle this situation.
First, don’t jiggle the key or force the ignition. If you apply too much force, it can push the broken key in the ignition further inside, so it’ll be harder to remove. Instead, you can try to switch it back to the “off” position without forcing it or keep it stable to prevent damage to the internal components.
Look closely at the ignition — is any part of the broken key still visible? If a piece is sticking out, you might be able to pull it out gently with tweezers or pliers. However, if the key is lodged deep inside, it will be more difficult to remove it yourself, so you may need to call a professional.
If your car key broke in the ignition, remember — keys don’t just break out of nowhere so you can find the reason and prevent it from happening again.
Why Do Keys Break in the Ignition?
If your car key broke in the ignition, there’s always a reason behind it — something likely weakened it. For example, tiny cracks can form after daily use, so your keys become more fragile. Then you use a little bit of force, and it snaps. A bent or damaged key is also more likely to break. Even a slight bend can weaken the key, and each time you use it, the stress builds until it finally snaps.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t even the key — it’s the ignition itself. Frequent ignition issues — sticking, requiring extra jiggling, or not turning smoothly — wear down your key every time you use it.
Cold weather can also be a problem. When it gets cold, metal contracts, and the key and ignition become more brittle. If your ignition feels stiff in the cold and you force the key, it could break before you even know what’s happening.
No matter the reason, when your key breaks in the ignition, you want to find a way to remove it as soon as possible but without damage.
How to Remove a Broken Key from the Ignition
If your car key broke in the ignition, the best removal method depends on how deep the key is stuck.
If you notice that a small part of the key is still sticking out, carefully grip it with needle-nose pliers or tweezers and pull it straight out.
If the key is stuck in tight, a bit of lubricant can help. Spray a little WD-40 or graphite powder around the keyhole to loosen things up and make removal easier.
When your key is stuck further in, you’ll need a key extractor tool. If you don’t have them at home, you can find them at your local hardware store. These thin metal tools are designed to slide into the ignition, grip onto broken key fragments, and pull them out. Also, you can try a paperclip or thin wire to hook onto the key and work it loose carefully.
However, if the key is too deep or none of the previous methods work, it’s better to call a professional. A skilled automobile locksmith has the right tools to safely remove the key without damaging your ignition and save you from costly repairs.
How to Start a Car with a Broken Key in the Ignition
Now you know possible reasons why your car key snapped and different ways to remove it. However, what to do if you have no time and need to move right now? How can you start a car with a broken key in the ignition?
If enough of the metal blade is still exposed, you can try to turn it. Gently insert what’s left of the key and see if it has enough grip to engage the ignition.
Also, you can check if your car has a push-to-start function. Some cars have a backup ignition method that allows you to start the car without inserting the key. Check the owner’s manual — you may start an engine by holding the key fob close to the start button or placing it in a designed spot inside the car.
The easiest solution is to use a spare key, but you won’t be able to insert it until the broken piece is removed.
If none of these options are for you and you’re still wondering how to start a car with a broken key in the ignition, it’s time to call a professional who offers automobile locksmith services. They can remove the broken piece, provide you a new car key, or even reprogram your ignition if needed.
Summing Up
This article provides a clear and practical guide on what to do if you face a broken key in the ignition. From understanding the most common reasons why keys break to learning how to start a car with a broken key in the ignition when you’re in a rush, every car owner can understand how to deal with the situation and prevent future problems.
Whether you need to remove a broken key or want more information on car keys snapping in ignitions, call Sure Lock & Key.