Key stuck in ignition switch upside down...cant get it out

[willard]

Now you will NEVER put that key tooth down or carry a paper clip wih your car keys 

[RusTy/SE]

 

The add at the page bottom promotes learning more about 'Bump Keys'

[elevenssc]

The paperclip I used is now in the ash tray...hopefully NEVER to be used again...

[4Cruizn]

All good advise . . glad it worked out for ya!   

[Jaunty]

YES!!!  I had exactly the same upside-down ignition key problem with my 71 Plymouth Scamp, and I am SOOOOOOO grateful for the paperclip idea.  IT WORKS!!   Thank you!!!!!!!!

HA-LA-LU-YIA!!!!!!!  The paper clip trick worked!!!!!   

Thanks Willard and Chryco Psycho for the paper clip info!!

For future reference, use the small paperclips.  The big ones were too big and didn't fit in the switch next to the key.

What a relief...   I had visions of spending time and money I dont have tearing out the steering column and replacing the tumbler and key.  ( I really dont like changing perfectly good parts when I dont have to...)

Thanks a bunch!!!

[walkAbout]

Hi,
please write a book about the don'ts and never do's. Brought mine to the painter today. When he wanted to bring the car inside he inserted the key upside down (I know now) and he was like doesn't turn and doesn't release too.
Then I tried, and after a short pull I got the key back, BUT the key broke and the tip is still in (~3/8"). Now I want to come from the inside. Can I push the broken key tip out somehow from the inner side? With a thin needle or something like that? Or is the switch closed from the other side?
I guess I have to pull the buzzer lever first to release the ignition switch.

Been already there inside 3 years ago when I repaired the lock mechanism. Now a new challenge.

Thanks for all written here so far.

Thomas

[walkAbout]

Hi,

another try. "Cannot access attachments upload path!" when attaching pic. The same for avatar, hmm.

For the records, I couldn't find a how to quickly:

I've been successful removing the ignition lock. But there is no way/opening to push from the inner side. At the end the only possibility I saw is coming from the "key in lever". There is a small metal plate at the bottom which is pressed by the housing. I removed it carefully, then the lever comes out and the broken key can be pushed from the opened "key in lever" side easily. Pic not uploadable.

I will put paperclips in the car too. Lessons learned.