CJ-7 Key wont turn all the way

Until it jams up and you cant turn off the hi-beams and everyone is flipping you the bird as you drive down the road. Other than that, the floor switch is fun.

"Jo Baggs" wrote Kate, Maybe. However, the key does turn counterclockwise to the accessory position and it does turn clockwise to unlock the steering wheel but not far enough to the ignition on detent position. If one of the spring loaded rods was bad, I wouldn't think the cylinder would turn at all.

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So, are you gonna tear into the thing or not? ;¬D

K.

It will have to wait until next weekend. Stay tuned.

Ok, I'm at a loss. I tried to check on the rod at the end of the steering column (Where the rod goes into the electrical block at lower end of column) First, How do I get the block off (if it even comes off) and what exactly am I looking for to see if the rod is lined up properly? The rod does move back and forth when the key is turned counter and clockwise. As you recall, it will not turn all the way forward to the ignition on detent.

Does anyone have a schematic?

Lastly, is it possible to put a switch on the starter solenoid; one for Acc on and another for the Starter. I think that would be much easier than taking apart the column. Of course, I need someone to tell me which solenoid terminal does what.

Thanks

Joe, my son's XJ had the same problem and the real issue was pretty odd (I seem to find lots of odd problems!). I pulled the switch cylinder out and found that the little cap that covers the pins had popped loose on one corner. It stuck up just enough to catch on a slot in the mount. Pushed it back in place, popped the edge a couple of times with a center punch to stake it and it was still working when he sold the Jeep last Spring. You have to pull the steering wheel and turn switch to get the cylinder out so you're in there anyway and a replacement ignition lock is pretty cheap if you don't trust the thing (and you don't mind a batch of mismatched keys...)..

Thanks Will. I guess I need to quit screwing around and take apart the steering wheel and see what's up. Thanks again.

Thanks Jeff. I'm off to take the thing apart. I'll let you know what I find.

I need a best guess here; should I start at the ignition switch (at the bottom of the column) or should I start pulling the steering wheel, lock plate, turn signal, etc apart?

Given that the key does turn a little, which way should I go?

Poor Jeep America doesnt know he secretly desires to gobble up bill's goo. Its ok Jeep America we think it would be funny too see your face covered in man juice. laughable.

Update. I checked the ignition switch (at bottom of column). I took it off the column and the rod was free from the switch. I turned the key and...same problem. Key only turns just shy of accessory on position. So, put back on the ignition switch (not fun with column still attached). Now time to tear apart steering wheel, lock plate, turn signal, etc. I got the key cylinder out (what a pain in the ass to wiggle that little lock key. There is no lock screw, only a lock tab). With the key cylinder out, I put the key in and turn it...it only turns about 3/4". So, I guess the key cylinder went bad.

Anyone know of a good key cylinder that will last about 50 years so I never have to tackle this miserable problem again?

Thanks

The chances of finding a key lock cylinder that will last 50 years is about the same as finding a slim good looking girl who is rich and can have 4 kids and still look the same after 25 years of marriage...like finding a winning loto ticket in the street...slim chance but not impossible. I would settle for a used but totally tricked out wrangler that is being sold by a woman for 100 dollars because her husband ran off with his girlfriend. Now that would be a find :) use a little lube on the lock cylinder once in a while and that will improve its longevity.

Ok, so I bought a new cylinder, installed it, and everything is fine now. Total cost with Steering wheel puller and lock plate release tool and new cylinder...about $100. My guess is that's a whole lot better than dropping it off at the Jeep dealer. Thanks for everyone's help.

Jo

"Glenn news" wrote

use a little lube on the lock cylinder once in a while and that will improve its longevity.

Also, do not carry a big ring of keys. Keep your keyring light, just a couple of keys (1 house, 2 Jeep) and a fob if you must.

The weight of heavy keyrings has been the death of many ignition locks.

K.

Ok, so I bought a new cylinder, installed it, and everything is fine now. Total cost with Steering wheel puller and lock plate release tool and new cylinder...about $100. My guess is that's a whole lot better than dropping it off at the Jeep dealer. Thanks for everyone's help.

Jo

Thanks sweetie! :¬D

Be careful of that "lube" - it's easy to gum up the works. The one I like best is a suspension of graphite in a very light oil/solvent sold as speedometer cable lubs. A bit messy if you get carried away but it cleans the pins and such and is not affected by cold temps.