The ignition key broke off today in my 1980 308 GTSI. It's in the on position and I can't move it, so I disconnected the battery for now. There is a tiny, tiny stub stickly out, but not enough for me to grab with a pair of needle nose pliers. What's the best solution? Locksmith ? Remove and replace the ignition switch? Where can I buy an ignition switch with keys, and any idea how much it should cost? Thanks
Ok try to spry some WD-40 in the key hole without touching the broken key then get a really pointed needle nose pliers, I don't think your needle nose pliers is pointed enough. Get one that is pointed enough to grab the broken stub or try using a tweezers. Good luck.
The same thing happened to me on my subaru. I was about to call a locksmith when I had an idea: I used a very small drill bit and screw remover (I don't know exactly what you call them but they are a tapered reverse thread used to remove screws after you twist the head off). Anyway, I pushed a thin sliver of something into the slot with the key to hold it steady, then carefully drilled a tiny hole in the end of the key, threaded the screw remover in the hole, and pulled the key out. I have heard that Ferrari keys are made of a tougher metal than standard but it might be worth a try. Dave
Dave again, I forgot to mention, the reason it broke off had to do with the steering lock, I had to shake the wheel with a tiny knife in the ignition to turn the key to the off position before I could remove it. Good luck, Dave
Then the best idea was posted above, a dental pick. You really dont want drill shavings in the lock if there is any way to help it. But even in the lock position, there is a spring catch holding the key in, that makes you pull pretty good to remove it. Probably two dental picks working together would be best. But buy good strong sharp ones that dont bend over and snap.
A dental pick may be an option if it's pretty well flush. But if you have access to a store with medical supplies (or a cousin in the biz), try getting a hemostat (clamp). They look like really small pliers with locking handles. They're stronger than tweezers, but have about the same precision. Radio Shack sells larger ones (poorer grade metal) as "parts holders" or "heat sinks" -- but I got some from a medical supply house for working with small electronic parts, and they've been more than 1001 uses. The surgical steel grade ones are surprisingly resiliant, too.
The exact thing happened to me in the GT4 only worse.I was buying a new battery for my car and was at the auto parts shop and left the car running with my brother inside the car while I went in.I had to check which direction the battery posts were so standing outside and reaching in through the drivers window I pulled on the bonnet release handle and lost my balance slighty and snapped the release handle and in the processsnapped the key in the ignition with the car still running.At least the bonnet opened.I bought ht ebattery and drove home.Then I disconnected the battery and the car died.with a thin screwdriver I was able to turn the key to the off position then with a scriber and some modified long nose pliers I was ableto remove the key.I ended up having the handle re cast from alloy and refitted it.
Ferrari keys are steel. Most locksmiths don't want to make duplicates because they dull their machines. How could a key break? Call a locksmith. You will have a very hard time buying an ignition lock set. If you can find a new one, you will not want to pay the price. A used one, if you can find one, will not be cheap.
What happened to me was a little different. I put the key in the ignition cylinder and tried to turn it, but it would not turn. At the time this happened, a new cylinder was about $1500 and a used one around $900. That was way to rich for my blood, so I had the cylinder pulled from car and took it to a locksmith, who for $100 repaired the cylinder. I had it put back into the car and that was about 2 years ago.
Been there, done that with my 328. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102083 Image Unavailable, Please Login
Be careful, very careful as you proceed...the ignition lock and the bar to the steering column are NLA and as mentioned about $2,500. when found... If you cannot fish it out as above you'll have to remove as a unit and take to a safe company, they did mine when a Body Shop broke mine......three guys tried to 'imprint' the lock when I lost my only set but the locksmith later said this was a hugely bad idea and repaired the cylinder for me.... "This must have come out of some old foriegn car...." "Um.....uh huh, sure did" Pull on the steering wheel gently rather than try to force your ignition, it'll free up the bind on the locking rod.
Wouldn't a magnet work? Harbor Tools has some powerful small guys...or, attach the magnet to a screwdriver and touch the in-key broke part. crazy glue on a stick?
The stock steel ones are pretty easy to find in Ilco, it's the OEM Nieman ones that are pricey, both are steel. The little hole in the wall place up the street has plenty of Ilco.......they work fine at $2 each...LOL!
