I did two very dumb things. First, I tried to use my key as a lever to remove the lid from a pot. It broke. Second, I inserted the broken key into the ignition and attempted to start the car. The broken piece is stuck deep in the ignition. I removed the entire ignition and a locksmith came over to try and remove the broken key, with no luck. He said it was too stuck and since the key won't turn, it's inaccessible.

I'll probably continue to try and remove the broken key with the little lockpicking tools, hot glue, or whatever, but I don't expect that to work. I could keep trying locksmiths but that seems unlikely to work. So at this point, what are my options?

I assume it's near impossible to get a new tumbler given that it took about 15 months for a new key a couple years ago. It seems to me like I should be able to tape the fob to a screwdriver and use that as a key, but for now, even a screwdriver will not turn the tumbler. Would it be possible to replace the ignition with a used one, using the transponder ring from my car and the chip from my broken key fob? Could I somehow hot wire the car given that there are no skreem issues? It's a 6-speed '04.

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!

 

Is it not possible to take the tumbler apart? If so get a new key cut to the old broken key parts soldered together if necessary .
Or buy a new tumbler and key and have a new fob key cut to the new key, you can buy blank fobs and use the blank key in it cut to the new tumbler key.
Or if possible modify the tumbler to suit your old key.
Tumblers are not especially made for the Crossfire.
Do not try to hot wire the car that will ruin something for sure.

 

Thanks 180. Maybe there is hope. Any tips on removing the tumbler from the ignition assembly?

 

I believe the 'Sticky Key Fix' might have it mentioned but not sure, do a search and make sure it is the latest version (I believe it mentions it somewhere on the list/document). I'm attaching V6 but am not sure it is the final version. Good luck!


.

 

Thanks GraphiteGhost, but the pdf doesn't explain how to remove the tumbler from the ignition assembly. Is this possible since the key is stuck in position? Thanks.

 

But, it DOES allow you to take that assembly to a locksmith and see if HE can open up those tumblers (or re-code an external iggy set to work for your re-keyed blank that he/she removed from that OEM iggy). If he is a locksmith that has the ability to work on car ignition tumblers (hint) then you might be gold on this... Otherwise, a different 'iggy' key cut to an ebay iggy 'set' might have you owning two keys for the car, it seems (if I understand your whole issue). Good luck!


.

 

we can disassemble and repair/replace your ignition lock, send it in, email me for details, rob@needswings.com

 

Thanks fellas. I'm wondering if I buy & install this ignition lock switch kit and use my old fob on the same keyring, and never lock doors, will my car start up?

 

You are making things more difficult and expensive.

 

Rob at NEEDSWINGS is your best bet.

 

yes. Send it to rob. He is great and will get it done.