Cut wires to ignition because key broke and now it will not start

SHELBIE KADIVA

MEMBER
1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER
4WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Okay, my boyfriend broke the key off in the ignition of my vehicle listed above SE model. It was running just fine start every time with the broken key still in the ignition and then my dad went and took a pic to pick up the key piece and got it stuck. Now it won't start in the meantime a friend of mine. I cut all the wires to the ignition and the starter in hook the two starter wires together with the ignition wire to put a toggle switch in a push button. Help I don't have a spare key and I don't have the other piece of the key and I have no job and the security alarm system is programmed to the computer of the vehicle. I just want to drive my car please help me.

4 Replies

94 TRANSAM

MECHANIC
680 POSTS

If you take the VIN# to a dealer they should be able to cut you another key then you just need to reconnect all the cut wires. If they cant make a key for some reason you can just buy a new key cylinder and replace it. It is a fairly simple job but I would try the dealer first.

Let us know what you find out.

Rich

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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM

SHELBIE KADIVA

MEMBER
14 POSTS

Thank you for your response. Is there a dealership that is online for key possibly?

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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 1:18 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,756 POSTS

Hello,

You will need to get a new lock and cylinder from the dealer with your VIN here are the ignition switch wiring diagrams so you can reinstall it correctly and instructions on how to replace the ignition lock.

STEERING LOCK & IGNITION SWITCH
Removal
Remove steering wheel if necessary for access. See STEERING WHEEL. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Disconnect ignition switch harness connectors. If shear bolt studs are accessible, use a hacksaw to cut a slot into exposed studs. Using a screwdriver, remove studs.
If shear bolt studs are recessed or hard to reach, use a hammer and center punch to unscrew shear bolts. If unsuccessful, drill a hole in the shear bolts and remove with a screw extractor. Remove steering lock and ignition switch.
Installation
Install ignition switch. Install new shear bolts. Finger-tighten shear bolts. Ensure proper operation of steering lock and ignition switch. Tighten shear bolts until heads break off. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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