djacks1

I broke a spare key off in the ignition. Need help removing the cylinder.

Ken1997TL

You can take off the plastic housing surrounding the column with a Phillips, I've never dealt with the cylinder itself on these cars though.

KrayzieDxC

theres a diy somewhere

robinsondm

Before disassembling the lock, I'd try to pull the key out somehow. Possibly a strong magnet would work, or you might try super-gluing the other key half or a puller rod to the stuck key half.

I recently re-keyed a new ignition lock for my '98 3.2TL. However, I did it with the new lock sitting firmly in a vise, and I could take my time as the old lock was still in the car. I might not try it with the lock on the steering column, and I might seek a locksmith's opinion/quote before going too far.

Anyway, here are general instructions for disassembling the lock. The squarish cover (with markings 0, I, II, etc.) is held on by two 2mm roll pins. Removing those allows the lock mechanism to be removed. I think I had to remove two additional 2mm roll pins before I could completely remove and re-key the lock cylinder.

I removed roll pins by drilling carefully with COBALT drill bits and cutting oil -- again, with the lock clamped in a vise. Removing the entire lock requires dropping the steering column and extracting 2 headless (break-head) bolts.

If your roll pins stick out beyond flush, you MIGHT be able to extract them by inserting a push pin inside and wiggling/pulling, and/or grabbing them with long-nose pliers -- but that's a long-shot.

If you do end up drilling out roll pins, don't forget to have new roll pins and a pin punch handy, so you can put things back together!

Anyway, I hope this (my first post here) is helpful, and good luck! Regards,

KrayzieDxC

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tl-1996-1998-101/ignition-switch-install-write-up-pics-725339/

robinsondm

Unfortunately, those instructions are only for replacing the electrical portion of the switch. Easy to do, but won't help with a stuck/broken key!

TexasHonda

The two headless bolts are easily removed w/ a sharp cold chisel or awl. Apply a hammer blow to edge of smooth rounded bolt head and it will loosen quickly, remove w/ fingers. I did this on my 94 EX Accord recently. It was easy. You can replace the lock assembly or switch assy or both.

good luck

robinsondm

You're right that the headless bolts aren't hard to remove, though it's best to have some new bolts for reinstallation. I found the roll pins much more difficult to deal with.

To the OP: Any news on your problem? Did you get the key stub out somehow? Thanks.

djacks1

I have not tried anything as yet, just evaluating options. After talking to the dealer ($700), I concluded that I was going to fix this one. After talking with a mechanic at work, I've landed on drooping the whole assemble and trying to remove the key. If that fails, I'll just replace the whole assembly. Question - I have not found just the lock cylinder available in my online searches only the electrical portion of the switch?

The good thing is that this is the spare vehicle so I'm not pressured to fix it.
I'll probably tackle dropping the assembly this weekend.

Thanks all for your responses.

robinsondm

I can't believe the dealer wants $700 to fix this! I recall my wife once broke a key in her Honda Accord trunk lock, and the dealer didn't charge much to extract the key stub.

I'd still recommend asking a locksmith. Also, a Google search turns up lots of hits on this general problem, and some possible solutions. For example, locksmiths seem to have special tools for dealing with this, or you can fashion something from a hacksaw blade plus superglue, etc.

The steering lock is 35100-SW5-A02, which lists for $269(!) and comes with new keys. You can't order a lock cylinder separately. You could also get a used/junked steering lock. Either way, if you want your current key to work in a new lock, you have to remove roll pins per my original post and re-key the lock with new tumblers as I did. If you're going to extract roll pins and remove the cylinder though, you might as well try it first on your current lock.

Did I mention that maybe you should ask a locksmith? Also, I recommend a Google search (not specific to our cars) on broken key in ignition. Again, good luck.

Malayalee King

iTrader: (1)

as ppl said, if any of the key is exposed try getting in their with thin needle nose pliers, or tweezers. remember to turn the steering wheel around to make sure its not in a locked position.