What to Do If Your Car Key Breaks in the Ignition or Door Lock
You insert your car key, turn it—and snap. Half the key is stuck in the ignition or the door lock, and now you can’t start your car or even unlock it. It’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a driver, especially when you’re in a hurry or out in the Phoenix heat.
Don’t panic. In most cases, a broken key can be safely removed and replaced without damaging your vehicle. Here’s what to do first—and how Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm can help with fast, mobile service throughout Phoenix.
Need help now? Explore all our services on the Phoenix auto locksmith page.
Why Do Car Keys Break?
Even strong metal keys wear down over time. Add Arizona’s extreme temperatures, frequent use, and older ignition systems—and you’ve got a recipe for key failure.
Common reasons keys break include:
- Key is worn, bent, or cracked
- Forcing the key into a tight ignition or frozen lock
- Cheap aftermarket keys with weak metal
- Ignition cylinders that are dirty or worn down
- Trying to turn the key too quickly or with added pressure
First: Don’t Try to Force It Out
One of the worst things you can do is try to pull the broken piece out with pliers, tweezers, or a paperclip. Doing this may:
- Push the key deeper into the lock
- Bend internal components of your ignition
- Break your key further, making removal harder
- Void insurance or service coverage
Leave it alone and call a professional instead.
What a Locksmith Can Do
A mobile automotive locksmith can:
- Extract the broken key without damage
- Cut a new key on the spot
- Repair or replace the ignition or lock if needed
- Rekey the system to match your old or new key
We use specialized tools designed for safe removal of broken keys from both ignitions and door locks—no drilling or part replacement unless absolutely necessary.
Do You Need a New Key?
Yes. If your key broke, it’s likely worn down or compromised. We’ll cut a new, precision-matched key using the broken one as a reference or from the vehicle’s code. We can also:
- Duplicate smart keys and transponders
- Program push-to-start fobs
- Provide extra copies to prevent future lockouts
Will You Need Ignition Repair?
Not always. If your ignition is still smooth and responsive after the key is removed, you may be fine with just a replacement key.
However, we recommend inspecting the ignition if:
- The key broke multiple times before
- You feel resistance when turning
- The ignition has ever jammed or failed to start
- You have an older vehicle or high mileage
If the ignition is worn or damaged, we can repair or replace it on-site and match it to your existing key.
What Does It Cost in Phoenix?
Here’s what most Phoenix drivers pay:
- Broken key extraction: $75 – $150
- Key replacement: $90 – $200 (depends on key type)
- Ignition repair/replacement: $150 – $350
We always provide transparent pricing and same-day service—usually within 30 to 45 minutes of your call.
Can You Drive With Half a Key?
No—you should not attempt to drive with a partially broken or weakened key. Even if it starts the engine, it could snap again at a worse time—like while driving or refueling. Fixing it now is safer, cheaper, and more reliable.
We Fix Broken Keys Across Phoenix
Our locksmiths are mobile and serve all areas of Phoenix, including:
- Downtown Phoenix
- Arcadia
- Maryvale
- Ahwatukee
- South Mountain
- Biltmore
- Camelback East
- North Mountain
- And surrounding communities
No matter where your key breaks, we’ll get to you quickly and get you back on the road.
Call the Trusted Broken Key Experts in Phoenix
Don’t let a broken key ruin your day or cause expensive damage. Let our Phoenix locksmiths extract it safely and make you a new one—on-site, fast, and affordably.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
Call now: (602) 854-2766
Book online: https://affordablesecurityphoenix.com
Related Service Page
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Visit our main page here: Automotive Locksmith Phoenix, AZ