Can't turn ignition key on 90 Cherokee

[kshelby99]

Two days ago I was driving my xj and the blower motor cut out. It came right back on so I thought maybe I imagined it. Then yesterday when I started it up after work there was no blower motor, no turn signal, no radio. The ammeter on the dash was at 14v. This morning everything was fine - so I thought I would have the altenator checked at lunch. Then...it happened.

Put the key in, but I cannot get the ignition to turn forward or backward. I thought maybe it was not completely in park so pushed the gearshift forward and tried again. No go. Now I cannot move the gearshift out of park and cannot turn the ignition. Tried putting the 2wd/4wd shift lever in neutral, but that does not work either.

So, is this the neutral safety switch locking things up or something else?

Thanks.

[wwwildman]

That would be your ignition switch, it is located under the dash on top of sterring column. You must lower the column to change it out. It is not to hard, di my daughter's 90 about 6 months ago.
The reason you cannot get it out of park, is that there is a lock-out in the shifter that is tied to the ignition.

[AlohaBra]

Bummer, I have had to change an ignition lock before on a Wrangler.

That why I tell people not to hang a bizillion keys off of the keychain for their ignition key. After time, the tumbler gets worn out.

[kshelby99]

I pulled the steering wheel and ignition lock cylinder this weekend and it seemed fine. I will check the ignition switch tonight. I couldn't believe how much metal there was in the lock cylinder from my key wearing down though. Amazing.

[kshelby99]

Okay, just to update for anyone else that may run across this problem. I finally got the ignition switch off of the steering shaft. One of the contacts burned out internally. It even melted part of the plastic connector that plugs into it. That was preventing the key from moving the rod that inserts into the switch, thus I could not physically move the key except minimally.

Thanks for all the help in tracking this down.

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by kshelby99

Okay, just to update for anyone else that may run across this problem. I finally got the ignition switch off of the steering shaft. One of the contacts burned out internally. It even melted part of the plastic connector that plugs into it. That was preventing the key from moving the rod that inserts into the switch, thus I could not physically move the key except minimally.

Thanks for all the help in tracking this down.

Same thing happen to mine years ago when my daughter was using the Jeep.

Only difference is that hers stuck in the crank position while running. That cause a big hassle for the dealer tech to solve. They changed the starter and relay and all.

[RickKlem]

This is actualy great news, I have been working on my wifes 94 XJ for a week now . She is having the same exact symptoms and now they will not turn on. How do you get to the ignition switch mounted on the column? I removed everything up on top of the column but I could not find the ignition. I assume it is down below somewhere. Can someone please share some advise on what to remove and what not to remove? I have already broken two pieces in the upper section and I lost a spring or two so I dont need to make this any worst than I need to.

Thanks
Rick

[AlohaBra]

IGNITION SWITCH R & I (93MY)

Removal (Cherokee & Wrangler)

1) Disconnect negative battery cable. On Cherokee, remove
lower instrument panel trim panel. On Wrangler, remove windshield
wiper intermittent control module and bracket. Place ignition key lock
in ACC position.
2) Remove 2 headlight dimmer switch attaching nuts. Before
removing dimmer switch, tape 2 actuator rods to steering column to
prevent accidental disengagement from upper part of steering column.
Lift switch off lock rod.
3) Remove ignition switch-to-steering column attaching
screws. Disengage ignition switch from remote actuator rod by lifting
it straight up. Remove switch from steering column.

Installation (Cherokee & Wrangler)

1) Place key lock switch in ACC position. Move position
slider of switch to ACC position. Connect non-Black connector to
switch, then connect Black connector to switch. One connector will
interlock the other connector.
2) Slip remote actuator rod into access hole on switch.
Install switch to steering column. Use care not to move slider bar on
switch out of ACC detent position. Remove ignition switch actuator rod
securing tape from steering column.
3) Install 2 ignition switch-to-steering column screws finger
tight. DO NOT tighten screws yet.
4) To adjust ignition switch on non-tilt steering column,
hold key lock in ACC position. Gently slide ignition switch up toward
steering wheel. This will remove slack from switch. Tighten screws. DO
NOT allow ignition switch to move from ACC detent position.
5) To adjust ignition switch on tilt steering column, hold
key lock switch in ACC position. Gently slide ignition switch down
away from steering wheel. This will remove slack from switch. Tighten
attaching screws. DO NOT allow switch to move from ACC detent
position.
6) On all models, ignition switch and headlight dimmer switch
share 2 mounting screws. One mounting screw must be remove from
ignition switch. This must be done after ignition switch has been
adjusted, and before dimmer switch has been installed. Remove one
screw, but do not remove stud/nut.
7) Slip headlight dimmer switch into actuator rod and
position over ignition switch. Install screws finger tight. Remove
dimmer switch actuator rod securing tape from steering column.
8) Adjust dimmer switch by depressing it slightly and
inserting a 3/32" drill bit into adjustment hole to prevent horizontal
switch movement. Move switch toward steering wheel to remove any lash
from switch actuator rod. Tighten dimmer and ignition switch retaining
nuts to 35 INCH lbs. (4 N.m). To complete installation, reverse
removal procedure.

[RickKlem]

I checked the switch and it looks bad.

Thanks AlohaBra



RK

[romeguy1]

Does anyone have jpegs of this procedure?

[wwwildman]

Originally Posted by romeguy1

Does anyone have jpegs of this procedure?

The Haynes Manual has a good discription and illustrations. It is pretty easy to do this job, just van be frustrating since there is not much room.

Mike