Key broken in ignition

[millarg]

Looking for advice & help in getting a broken key out of the ignition of my 78SC.

Can't reach with pin-nose pliers?

Failing this, how does the complete ignition come out of the dash? Are special tools required, initial inspection looks as if it is riveted in!

Thanks in advance

Glen

[pete3799]

Try a paper clip or similar to work it up out. Maybe 2 one top and one on the bottom to
pinch and pry it up.
If this fails, do a search on "ignition switch" here, as this is discussed in detail in several threads.
Good luck.

[diverdan]

Lots of WD40 or Lock-Ease, thin tweasers or strait pins. The head can sometimes hook on the broken key. Good luck. Oh yeah make sure the steering wheel lock is not pressured by the steering mechanism.

Dan
Dan

[sancho]

Without pulling the ignition out and apart, which is a big job itself, try using a strong magnet and something to move it around a little...
good luck

[scott540]

I got one out using a small jigsaw blade, the teeth grabbed the key but it wasn't in very far or tight. Good luck

[ossiblue]

Try as many of the above techniques as necessary--and invent your own--to fish out the key. Removing the lock requires drilling out the heads of the break-away bolts (look like rivets with the heads off). It can be done but try to keep it as a last resort. New bolts to reinstall can be purchased through Pelican, I believe, if it gets that far.

Please, let us know how you make out. I'm sure there are other techniques members can provide. Good luck.

[cdrik915]

That happened to me.

I just put a bit of Cyanocrianolate (glue) on the broken part and re-introduce it to stick the other broken part in the ignition switch , waiting 30 seconds.

I pulled carefully and......

And that has worked.

[Scott Douglas]

I just recently replaced the electrical portion of my ignition switch on my SC.
Here's a picture of what you're looking at...

I don't believe the rivets at 1 and 7 o'clock need to come out, just the bolts need drilling. If the key is in the tumbler I think the steering lock mechanism won't hinder or bind the whole thing up from coming out.
I was able to drill out the bolts (did the rivets too, DOH!) and get it out without much problem. Didn't even remove the steering wheel (MOMO Prototipo) to do the drilling. The bolts are pretty soft so it's easy drilling, relatively speaking.
The rivets are just holding the plate in place around the switch as the dash has a much bigger hole in it.
Hope this helps some.

[pete3799]

I had good luck getting the bolts out with a prick punch.
Place the punch a 6:00 position and hammer straight into it creating a dimple.
Then angle the punch (towards drivers door) and tap it around to loosen it.
I had to drill out the two rivits to gain enough room for the switch to be removed.
I reused the bolts by grinding a slot in them and turning them in with a screwdriver.