# Key broke in ignition

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [January 14, 2008, 8:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395 "2008-01-14T08:14:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![stevedevo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@stevedevo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stevedevo)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2008, 8:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395/1 "2008-01-14T08:14:44Z")

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Hi. Help!! I have a '89 toyota corolla and I broke off the tip of the key in the cylinder. Chilton’s says to turn the key to accessory to remove the cylinder but if I use the remainder of the broken key or a new key, I can’t turn the ignition. What are my options? Thanks. Steve

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**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2008, 11:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395/2 "2008-01-14T11:10:12Z")

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Locksmiths have tools to remove broken keys. Otherwise, you might have to take the lock housing off, turn it upside down, use WD40, and tap the housing on a piece of wood to (maybe) get the piece to come out.

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**Author:** ![cappy208](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cappy208/32/31_2.png) [@cappy208](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cappy208)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2008, 12:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395/3 "2008-01-14T12:27:36Z")

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if you cant get the key to turn to start the engine (to take the car TO a locksmith) then call a locksmith. i had this done about 8 yrs ago i think it cost 75.00. but there was really no alternative.

i mean no practical alternative. i ain’t going to take apart the steering column to get at this.

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2008, 12:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395/4 "2008-01-14T12:32:40Z")

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Your local locksmith is the answer. I have been successful using a modified hacksaw blade (dad was a locksmith and did teach me a few tricks) but I doubt if I could get it out if only the tip was left in there. I am sure he could have however.

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**Author:** ![Lorenzo1950](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecb155/32.png) [@Lorenzo1950](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lorenzo1950)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2008, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395/5 "2008-01-14T17:34:30Z")

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One thing I can remember is that the more keys you carry on your keychain and the more weight added to the cylinder could have a negative effect. I have heard of the cylindar itself breaking down due to the extra weight of too many keys.

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**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2008, 7:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/key-broke-in-ignition/9395/6 "2008-01-14T19:38:28Z")

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I think the key removal tool goes down the little channel in the key. Try this: use a paper clip. Use a file to roughen the paper clip. Slide the paper clip down the side(s) of the broken key. Lift out.  
If it works, tell us.