Ignition Key Problem

[professional6]

thanks it was the relay. quess what? i went xmas shopping today and when i tried to start the jeep the key wouldn' turn at all. i think it's the switch, can i hot wire it if it's in park and still drive. ineed to get it home.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by professional6

thanks it was the relay. quess what? i went xmas shopping today and when i tried to start the jeep the key wouldn' turn at all. i think it's the switch, can i hot wire it if it's in park and still drive. ineed to get it home.

No No No.
Unless you live straight ahead from where you are parked and figure out some way to put it in gear.
The steering wheel will not turn and will not shift into gear on modern ones with the wheel lock.
Sometimes shaking the steering wheel back and fort will let the ign switch turn on.
Try that first.
Then tell us what year make and model and engine and transmission it is.

[AlohaBra]

I think you mean the key won't turn...meaining the tumbler is worn or the key is bad.

I have done ignition locks...usually they go bad when the owner hangs too many key off of it. You will need to replace it or get a locksmith to fix it and fit a new key (so it matches the doors).

Note: I have moved your post to this new thread.

Merry Xmas..

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by professional6

thanks it was the relay. quess what? i went xmas shopping today and when i tried to start the jeep the key wouldn' turn at all. i think it's the switch, can i hot wire it if it's in park and still drive. ineed to get it home.

As per Priviate e mail.
This will get you back to your consolidated post

Originally Posted by professional6

4.0- automatic
when i put the key in the switch i can't turn it at all.

Go back to the jeep forum.
Your post as been consolidated into a new one.
Re post back there so ever one can help with it.
And as I said in my post there try moving the steering wheel to right ad left.
A lot of times they get in a bind and lock/bind up.
Post back if that helps or does not help.
Also try a spare key and or a little wd-40 in the key tumbler and wiggle key some.

[Stick89]

If the key won't turn at all....try pushing the shifter and try to turn it at the same time...sometimes the shifter doesn't go all the way to the stop....Only other thing is the keyed cylinder is fubared...In which case you will need......
A steering wheel puller and a lock plate compressor....If you have or can get hold of a Haynes manual there is a step by step on removing and replacing the keyed cylinder.....

[wwwildman]

Originally Posted by Stick89

If the key won't turn at all....try pushing the shifter and try to turn it at the same time...sometimes the shifter doesn't go all the way to the stop....Only other thing is the keyed cylinder is fubared...In which case you will need......
A steering wheel puller and a lock plate compressor....If you have or can get hold of a Haynes manual there is a step by step on removing and replacing the keyed cylinder.....

Stick is right, but my daughter's 90 cherokee did the same thing and it turned out to be the ignition switch. One of the wires had overheated and the melted plastic had seized the switch so it wouldn't move. Fixed the wire and replaced the switch. It workds now.