Car Stolen Ignition Broken – How To Fix It?

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After your car survives the theft attempt, you must feel delighted to reunite with it. But what if the tempering of the ignition has led to some damage?

What to do if the car stolen ignition broken? While tempering with the ignition during stealing, it can break, or only the ignition parts can get damaged. If the tumbler is broken or key pieces are left inside, you can repair the ignition. But, if the cylinder is broken, you would need to replace it.

Well, you can fix the broken ignition by yourself. In order to do so, you need to follow the right sequence of procedures, which is given below. Now, let’s dig into it!

car stolen ignition broken

The Possible Damages And Fixes For Car Stolen Ignition Broken

Below are the possible damages that can occur to the ignition during the theft attempt, and their fixes are added.

Possible damagesFixes
Key pieces broke in the ignitionPull out the key pieces
Ignition cylinder brokenReplace the ignition cylinder
Ignition tumbler brokenReplace the tumbler

How To Fix The Car’s Stolen Ignition Broken?

After regaining the car, the owner would need to fix the damages. As ignition is crucial, you can not just neglect it. Now, Let’s go through the possible repairs you can do on your ignition.

1. Key Pieces Broken Inside The Ignition

Tempering with the ignition while trying to steal the car can leave some broken pieces of key in the ignition. You would need to remove the pieces, or else it would be hassling to start the car.

Fix

Well, if the key piece is broken inside the ignition switch, you would need to get the key out of the switch. You can follow the below steps to pull out the broken key.

Step 1

Gather tools such as screwdrivers, safety pins, paper clips, and tweezers. Well, you would need any of these tools to pull out the key.

Step 2

Make sure the ignition is off. And disconnect the battery connections.

Step 3

Now, insert the tool and take a grip on the key.

Step 4

Try turning or pulling out the key. After a few attempts, you might be able to pull the key out of the ignition.

2. Ignition Tumbler Broken

The tumbler is part of the ignition assembly. When you insert the key in the ignition, only the right key gets the proper position, and it’s due to the tumbler.

Consequently, when the right key is inserted and turned, the ignition starts. If the tumbler is broken, no longer the key will turn the ignition on. In that case, you can replace the tumbler instead of replacing the ignition lock.

Fix

Follow the below steps to replace the tumbler.

Step 1

Disconnect the battery connection and turn the ignition off.

Step 2

Remove the covering above the ignition lock. You would also need to remove the other associated coverings that are holding the lock. Use a screwdriver to unbolt the panels as well.

Step 3

Next, remove the panels and locate the switch.

Step 4

Remove the top cover from the ignition switch by unscrewing the bolts.

Step 5

There is a small hole in the top or below the cylinder. Press it, and the ignition switch will come out.

Step 6

Now, take out the switch and push the tumbler with a needle. And pull it out from the other side.

Step 7

Take the new tumbler, put it in the ignition switch, and push it inside.

Step 8

Now, put the ignition switch in place in the ignition assembly. And try out the key if it’s turning around.

Step 9

Put the coverings and panels in place again with bolts and nuts.

You can follow the YouTube video to learn the details of the process.

How To Replace The Broken Ignition Cylinder?

Generally, the ignition switch does not go bad quickly. However, tempering the ignition switch can cause severe damage to it. Either you can repair it or replace it. You can also solve key turns without resistance problems by replacing the ignition cylinder.

Replacing the ignition switch is a simple and quick process that is given below.

Step 1

Disconnect the battery. Start by removing the cables from the negative terminal and then move toward the positive terminal. Now, remove the cable from the positive terminal to disconnect the battery.

Step 2

Remove the front and top coverings holding the steering and unscrew the whole part. You would need a T20 screwdriver and socket to unscrew some of the bolts. Slide the panel out if required.

Cautiously remove the bolts and identify the ignition switch.

Step 3

Put the key in the ignition switch. Use a stick or needle, put it in the hole located on the topside, and pull out the ignition switch.

Step 4

Now, take the new ignition switch and place it in the ignition assembly. Try turning the key to check if it’s working fine.

Step 5

Finally, put the coverings and panels in place and secure them with bolts. Now, do slow circles to calibrate the car and check it.

How Urgent Is An Ignition Switch Replacement?

It is always recommended to change the ignition switch as fast as possible if it’s broken. Sometimes, you can get away without fixing the ignition switch. But you can not use the car in the long run.

The ignition switch may be broken due to wear and tear. Also, a theft attempt can leave the broken key in the ignition. During tempering with the ignition switch, the switch might get damaged completely.

Apart from that, there are several cases of accidents due to driving with faulty ignition switches.

In that case, you would need to replace the switch if the repair does not work. Otherwise, the engine will not start, power issues will be observed, and the car will lag.

How Much Does An Ignition Replacement Cost?

In order to replace the ignition switch, you would need to first know about the expenses. The replacement of the ignition switch varies depending on the model of the car.

  • Nevertheless, the ignition switch costs between $50-$200.
  • Only parts may cost between $100-$300.
  • The labor cost is between $80-$100.
  • Overall, the replacement cost of the ignition switch lies between $150-$400.

People Also Ask

Let’s go through some of the frequently asked questions by you.

FAQ Gear Head New

Can I start my car without fixing the ignition?

Yes, you can start the car without fixing the ignition. But it can be dangerous and can cause possible damage to the car. And later, you might need to spend more on the ignition. That’s why it’s better to go to the manufacturer.

How long does it take to replace the ignition switch?

It generally takes about half an hour to replace the ignition switch. It’s always recommended to seek advice from professionals if faced with difficulty while replacing the ignition switch.

Is the ignition switch covered under warranty?

Yes, in most cars, the warranty covers any damage and loss of the ignition switch. You can further get the information by checking the warranty and manufacturer’s manual.

Final Words

Overall, the car stolen ignition broken needs to be fixed quickly. Otherwise, starting the car would become troublesome. Also, you can not handle the car for a long time without fixing the broken ignition.

However, you can replace the switch by yourself without any hassle. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to seek the help of professionals if the damage is severe. Also, remember to check out the key after fixations to see if the ignition is working fine or not.

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