Broke ignition key off in ignition

[wildmanscout]

When this happened, I was 350 miles from home, but luckily, the key turned with the rest of the broken key and I got home. Now it doesn't turn. After searching, I read about superglue, dental picks, and cylinder removal. The glue and the picks didn't work so now I'm into the dash far enough to press the "button" that should release the lock cylinder, but it won't come out. Ideas??

PS, also nothing in the FSM as far as I can tell.

[peepers]

I would call a local locksmith.

[ToyotaDon]

The release button will only work with the "key" in the ACC position.
Try wiggling that broken key as much as possible, it may have slid out a little bit, and not be lining up with the tumblers. Then you could get it to turn again. You'll have to return it to the LOCK position to get the piece of the key out.

[wildmanscout]

Thanks, Donal, good info. I'm still wiggling and probing but can't get the key to move.

[e rock]

Got a dremel and a really tiny carbide bit? I'd try to drill into the key shaft at an angle so that you can use a dental pick to pull it out. The brass is fairly soft, but it'll take a really steady hand.

(note: I've never actually done this)

[Hilux]

Any part of the key OUTSIDE the slot?

I once went to help a moron who had "broke a key off inside". So when I got there with my squer(sp?) stakes and super glue and found the tinniest part was outside the slot. I just used toenail clippers to pull the key out.

I have removed the tumbler from my 91 Hilux and let me just say, EASY! Now IDK if a Cruiser is even remotely similar but I wouldn't be surprised. There is what appears to be a small block off (once everything was removed so I could see it) for a screw on the strong arm that holds the tumbler. But in my case it was a spring type lock. I could push it (with a file tip IIRC) and either rotate the tumbler or just pull it out I don't remember it was so long ago.


Personally I'd get some squer stakes and some good supper glue. I have a feeling you aren't letting it set long enough for it to stick.

[Hilux]

pics man, pics

[wildmanscout]

Thanks, everyone! It's fixed now. Local locksmith picked the lock to get it to ACC position, then pulled the cylinder to get out the broken piece of key. He used a dremel to drill the key end and an "easy out" to pull it. He thanked me for having the lower dash removed for him as he estimated it might have taken an extra 45 minutes to extract the key if the cylinder were still in the car! Cost $70 including two spares cut on the spot. Paul