Key broke off in ignition switch

[rkkepner]

I have a 99 RS, key has broken off in switch, about an inch of the key is still in the switch, and ofcourse, have tried ALL kinds of thing to get it out, from putting super glue on key end, to trying to use picks to get it out, anyone have any suggestions?

[mattocs]

tweezers or needle nose pliers? That sucks. I hope this turns out well for you.

[rkkepner]

tried all those, the end is in there, can't really get a hold of it with tweezers or even picks.

[Strakes]

2 ideas:

 

Have you tried epoxing the end of the broken off key to the other piece or another thin metal key-like object? Use sparingly so that you don't get the keyhole bonded shut.

 

Or...call a locksmith. I bet he/she would have the proper extracting tools.

[TheBrian]

Wow, that sucks.

 

I have two questions which won't bring you closer to solving your problem.

 

1. How did this happen?

 

2. Can you start the car using a key that's in two pieces?

 

 

Seeing a locksmith sounds like a good idea. As an absolute last resort, you could replace the lock with a new one. But then you'd have to carry around seperate keys for the ignition and door locks.

[Tiny Clark]

What strakes said, put a very thin layer of 5 minute epoxy on the other half, making sure it is clean, stick it in, let it set for a half hour, and gently pull it out.

[bjwirth]

 

2. Can you start the car using a key that's in two pieces?

 

i was wondering the samw thing.

 

any way, i would AVOID using glue. if you get some glue on your tumblers, your lock will get fudged up. just pay the $$ and get a lock smith. would you rather get a new ignition and carry 2 keys around??

[Scottbaru]

But then you'd have to carry around seperate keys for the ignition and door locks.

My Sub came (used) with two Subaru keys: door key marked "-X", and ignition key marked "-Y". Not normal?

[cookie]

If you have friendly local dentist ask for an old pick. They come in handy for all sorts of things. The hard part is when the key broke off because of a defective tumbler. That can lock them in pretty well. Try a pick while gently jiggling the steering back and forth to take up play.

[felipe01forester]

My Sub came (used) with two Subaru keys: door key marked "-X", and ignition key marked "-Y". Not normal?

My grandmother's Mercedes 240D had a separate key for ignition and locks. Also, all the GM cars are like that too. The square key for the ignition, and the round key for the locks.

[Spazz698]

Actually it was very common to have separate keys in domestics until the last 6-7 yrs or so. Every one of the american cars I've owned had 2 keys (well except one, but that was due to the fact the ignition was broken and the previous owner lost the key) But I've never encountered a subaru with 2 keys.

 

 

 

You could find someone who knows how to pop out ignition tumblers (just the part the key goes in, and preferably you want someone who can do it w/o damaging it) and you can get it out that way. Usually there's a slit/hole/some kind of tiny opening that you can stick a paperclip thru and you can just push it out. Chances are it'll be a locksmith tho...

[Scottbaru]

Actually it was very common to have separate keys in domestics until the last 6-7 yrs or so. Every one of the american cars I've owned had 2 keys (well except one, but that was due to the fact the ignition was broken and the previous owner lost the key) But I've never encountered a subaru with 2 keys.

I hope this car came this way, I don't want to find I can't get new keys cut from the VIN. I bought it in Feb, no history, but it looks lightly used and well maintained. The keys have different shape heads and the different "-X" & "-Y", but same Subaru logo and decorative pattern on them.