Key broke...

cntchds · Feb 17, 2008

My key snapped in half, maybe in the ignition, maybe not. I can't find it anywhere though. Can Ford cut a key based on VIN or something? I have no idea where it went, but it is the vast majority gone, and I didn't realize until I went to turn on my car...

Javi · Feb 17, 2008

hopefully it didnt break on the ignition switch,good luck.

cntchds · Feb 17, 2008

Thanks. Any suggestions for how to get it out?

MeanGrn Gt · Feb 17, 2008

can u start the car? if so then it is obviously in the cylinder. i dont know about getting it out but if it is in then you will be able to take out the old cylinder and put a new on in (you have to turn the key forward to get the ignition cylinder out)

forkliftfixr · Feb 17, 2008

Yes, your local Ford dealer can cut a key based on the VIN# that is unless someone before you changed the cylinder, and you can get the part that broke out. I think a replacement lock cylinder is about $20 at your local Autozone or Advance Auto stores. Youll probably pay about the same at the Ford dealer having them cut just a key.

Youl have to take the cover off of your column, there is a little push pin that when you turn the key in the (run position I think) you push that pin and the whole key switch comes right out. You just pop the new switch back in when you get it... Hardest part is taking the column cover off, its that simple.

cntchds · Feb 17, 2008

No, I can't turn it on, and I've been on hold with my dealership for about half an hour now after being transferred six times... :nonono:

topless95 · Feb 17, 2008

If you don't have to mess w/ the air bag, I'd say replace the cylinder. If you do have to mess with the air bag, have ford cut you a key; if you are sure you have the original lock cylinder

cntchds · Feb 17, 2008

Doesn't matter. My dealership said that they only have the keys for 96 and up. Would I have to get the rest of my locks re keyed to match, or can I buy a set of them so I would have less of a hassle? I don't have the key, so how would I get the cylinder out anyway?

forkliftfixr · Feb 17, 2008

read my last post, I told you how to get the key switch out

cntchds · Feb 17, 2008

The way you described, and the way it has in my Haynes manual require you to put the key into "run" but since I don't have the key I can't use that method.

The key is definitely not in the cylinder. I have no idea where it could be...

MeanGrn Gt · Feb 17, 2008

ya u have to turn the key to run to change out the cylinder.

forkliftfixr · Feb 17, 2008

cntchds said:
The way you described, and the way it has in my Haynes manual require you to put the key into "run" but since I don't have the key I can't use that method.

The key is definitely not in the cylinder. I have no idea where it could be...

ahhhhh I missed the part where you mentioned you can not find the other half of your key... I thought it was still inside of the keyswitch.

cntchds · Feb 17, 2008

Well I have found the other part of the key.. It was under my car. Don't ask me how it got there. Anyhow, I'll bring it into a locksmith tomorrow, but I have no idea how they will put the two twisted pieces together to get a new key. We'll see I guess.

forkliftfixr · Feb 17, 2008

Just called a buddy of mine who is a locksmith...... He said there is 3 ways since you dont have the other half of the key. The first way is to take a paperclip and bend it straight and then bend a 1/8" of the tip up (so it will look like a "L" when you are done) and try to get in there and push the pins up to get the switch to turn. He said it isnt easy though. (its like trying to pick a house door lock) Your other option is to call a locksmith and have them come and drill the key switch out. He said you have to know EXACTLY where to drill though so it isnt something you can just fire up your cordless drill and do yourself. He also mentioned that sometimes some locksmiths will have what is called a master ford key, where they will be able to put the key in the ignition and get it to turn so it can be removed.

The third way....... well it will bust up everything inside your column. Its the way when people steal cars they use, and thats a slide hammer dent puller.

Sorry, wish there was a simpler way for you, and I figured if there was he would have known about it.

forkliftfixr · Feb 17, 2008

cntchds said:
Well I have found the other part of the key.. It was under my car. Don't ask me how it got there. Anyhow, I'll bring it into a locksmith tomorrow, but I have no idea how they will put the two twisted pieces together to get a new key. We'll see I guess.

A GOOD locksmith will be able to get you a key made off of your two pieces! Glad you found the other part!

cntchds · Feb 17, 2008

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate all the effort you went through calling your friend and so forth.

I'll let you know how the new key works out tomorrow.

topless95 · Feb 18, 2008

If you can't find a good locksmith, just a hire a good car thief to pop the lock cylinder out for you :rollinglaugh:

Javi · Feb 18, 2008

i can do it for you,if you are close here OK,

OnyxCobra · Feb 18, 2008

I broke the key to one of my other cars in half before, i took the two pieces in to a local hardware store and they were able to cut me a key that worked perfect. I'm pretty sure they only keep the key codes to cars for 10 years or something so you might be out of luck, I know they didn't have the code for my '94 Probe and that was like 4 years ago.