Broken key, how to remove instument cover

[barko1]

My key snapped off and I haven't been able to pick the remainder out. I think I need to take the ignition switch out to get it but not sure how to do that. I'm sure there are a few bolts up the hood but not sure what else. Is there a service diagram or something that shows how to access the key switch? Thanks

 

[BleedingOrange]

The broken off piece has to come out from the front.
Unless you are planning on changing out the keyswitch, and taking it to a locksmith, leave it where it is and try a dentists pick to get it loose and out of there.

 

[powerscol]

The center cover from the floor to the dash should come off. There are I believe 4 bolts. They could be hidden is recesses.
Hope this helps

 

[cphilip]

Strong magnet?

 

[PILOON]

One trick that works is to use a coping saw blade with the end with cross pin snapped off.
It is kind of like a fish hook with lots of barbs.
Works great.

 

[barko1]

Strong magnet?

I was hoping but the key is cheap pot metal Thanks

 

[cphilip]

I was hoping but the key is cheap pot metal Thanks

Dang it... all for the lack of a little Iron...

 

[xcgreene]

Needle nose tweezers did the trick for me a while back, amazon had a good strong set, perhaps the hardware store would have them as well?

 

[marchanna]

A dab of gorilla glue on the end of a popsicle stick. Make sure you clean the end of the key first and that you don’t get the glue anywhere else.

You can shape the end of the popsicle stick to increase the contact area or to provide more clearance.

 

[delgra]

Piloon is right on the mark. File down a coping saw blade and the job is done. I went out and bought a new ignition before I smartened up and used common sense. Any body need one?

 

[barko1]

I'll keep pickin, not grinnin. I'll try the saw blade, have tried with picks and a couple needle nose. Maybe the glue thing, hope its not bent. I got off the tractor and before I got back on I noticed something on the ground, the key ring and part of a key. Parked the tractor, stalled it, pulled off the negative terminal

 

[smstonypoint]

I'll keep pickin, not grinnin. I'll try the saw blade, have tried with picks and a couple needle nose. Maybe the glue thing, hope its not bent. I got off the tractor and before I got back on I noticed something on the ground, the key ring and part of a key. Parked the tractor, stalled it, pulled off the negative terminal

Just curious. Did you have a lot of keys on the ring?

I seem to remember hearing Click and/or Clack say that a heavy key ring can damage ignition switches in cars/trucks.

Steve

 

[8n Bruce]

Hi Just a silly thought . Is the switch in the off position , not accessory or run .

 

[smstonypoint]

Hi Just a silly thought . Is the switch in the off position , not accessory or run .

Apparently it is in the "run" position as the OP had to stall the engine.

I'll keep pickin, not grinnin. I'll try the saw blade, have tried with picks and a couple needle nose. Maybe the glue thing, hope its not bent. I got off the tractor and before I got back on I noticed something on the ground, the key ring and part of a key. Parked the tractor, stalled it, pulled off the negative terminal

Can the switch be turned to "off" to make extraction easier?

Steve

 

[Patches]

Leave the remainder of the key in the switch; use a screwdriver to operate the switch. There isn't much security in tractor switches to worry about losing

 

[lennyzx11]

One trick that works is to use a coping saw blade with the end with cross pin snapped off.
It is kind of like a fish hook with lots of barbs.
Works great.

This works. I use the coping saw blade on the "toothed" side of the key and a dental pick on the opposite side to kinda "clamp & pinch" the key.

Also squirt the keyhole with your favorite oil like pb blaster, wd 40,to make things even easier.

Oh yeah. After rereading the thread, you'll have to turn the key to OFF first. A thin screwdriver will do that.

 

[barko1]

Never thought about turning it off! Brain fart. Relaxing now but when I get motivated I'll go get it, rainy out.

 

[ritcheyvs]

If it is like typical locks, the key can only be removed in the OFF position.

Also, a spare key switch is not a bad thing to keep on hand. If you have to remove the switch to disassemble and clean, just pop in the new one' then fix the old one in your leisure.

 

[PILOON]

With the retrieved key end you should be able to to get a duplicate made.

Bring both pieces when you visit the locksmith.

LOL, my key also broke in the switch. I left it there and used a stubby screwdriver to activate the switch for quite a while until I found a replacement.
Being a Mitsubishi they wanted $40.00 plus shipping for a replacement.
Hey it worked!
(I did eventually find a generic switch for a much more reasonable $$)

 

[barko1]

So after some fiddling with a little screwdriver I did get the key to move to the off position. From there I used two dental picks, on on each end of the key and was able to pull it out far enough to where I could grab it.

It was the only key on the ring so it wasn't a case of too much weight. Have a spare, be careful jumping on and off, not sure how I broke it. Thanks for the ideas.