broken key in ignition, need help!

[91TSIallday]

Ok i have a freind and her mom broke the key off in the ignition and now they have been "hotwiring" the car to start it. Its a 1993 Eclipse GSX and she wants to know if she needs to replace the whole ignition or what to do. I've heard in the past of going to a auto parts store and getting a tumbler key kit, im not sure what to do or if a 1991 ignition would work in a 93' And solutions to this would be great, im kinda lost when it comes to the ignition parts of a DSM thanks.

 

[SeMi380]

This just happened to a friend of mine a few days ago. He called a locksmith to get the key out then had to get a new key from the dealer since he didn't have a spare. I would say get a price quote from a locksmith and if they can do it and take the cheaper route.

 

[My1GLaser]

I would take the ignition out of the steering column and remove the key from the lock cylinder. It can probably be done without too much effort once removed.

 

[dsmtun3r98gst]

why dont they just go buy a new cylinder with keys???
they sell replacement keys at most autoparts stores, autozone, napa, kragen, thats all they need to do.

 

[caboose]

this happened to me in my eclipse aswell. i just used a very small set of needle nose pliers and pulled the broken key out.

 

[Jeff99GS]

Did you try a dental pick or something to pull the old key out?

 

[Napster]

Call a locksmith if you don't know lock cylinders, a locksmith can easily remove the key from the cylinder, ALOT cheaper than buying a new one, unless you use auto zone, As far as the key goes If she doesn't have a spare the local dealership will cut it by VIN sometimes a new key can cause problem when cut by VIN because the key is newly cut but the ignition is worn to the old key, usually a good wire wheel or dremel can make it better, sense there is no sensor in the key it should range from 5-10 bucks.

 

[gusu]

I wouldn't call a locksmith because usually they charge between 90-120 bucks.

Find something small that you can clip onto the key to pull it out. Like other people said pliers or a dental pick would work great.

 

[91TSIallday]

thats what i told her to do was to try and get the broken key out of the ignition cylinder but when i told her to ask her local parts store they said that a tumbler key kit would help the problem and fix it. So i guess it will work as soon as i find out if it worked i'll post again and let you know how the tumbler kit worked. Thanks guys

 

[ilco187]

I would take the ignition out of the steering column and remove the key from the lock cylinder. It can probably be done without too much effort once removed.

i agree with this as i have had the same problem, take it out and when the lock cylinder is out, do this key entry side down smack it on a piece of wood a few good hard times it will sometimes be forced out.