91 Cherokee ignition stuck.

[ringoanny]

I just purchased and drove this Jeep for 2 hours the key cylinder got stuck and will not turn forward. I removed everything to get the old cylinder out and purchased a new one. The new one does the exact same thing will not turn forward. The paddle in the column that inserts into the ignition cylinder won't turn forward with pliers either... Any help would be appreciated..

 

[SteelHeadz]

Hard to tell where to start troubleshooting. Try to wiggle the steering wheel while turning the ignition and see if the steering wheel lock has any effect on the issue. If not, the ignition tumbler could be the only other issue I can think of..

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[ringoanny]

No luck. This is really confusing me..the small paddle inside the column won't even turn with pliers..

 

[SteelHeadz]

That column looks like an old GM steering column like what I have on my 81CJ7. The actual electrical switch is down below the steering column housing/tube. A rod links the switch up towards the ignition key tumbler mechanical gear that is attached to that paddle you are referring to. Process of elimination dictates that if I was you, I would remove the 2 small screws holding the electrical switch onto the tube and carefully remove it. Try to turn the ignition where the paddle attaches to. If it still doesn't turn, the problem will be inside the column whereas the gear to the tumbler cam might be damaged or seized.

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[ringoanny]

Thanks. I'm gonna take A look. Can u describe what this switch might look like or have a pic

 

[ringoanny]

Is it possibly the square silver box? Or is it deeper in.

 

[greg92jeepxj]

The silver square box pictured on your lower dash panel is the headlamp delay module . Btw , the black plastic box is the wiper delay module. The ignition switch that SteelHeadz wants you to temporarily remove for test purposes is along the steering column . You will have to climb into your favorite contorted upside down position and get comfy ( don't forget a flashlight ) . Look on the steering column where it goes down toward the firewall . On the top of the tube you will find a switch with 12 & 14 gauge wiring plugged into it. You should find two small screws securing it to the column. Before you loosen it , try to mark its position so it stays in adjustment . Scribe marks on the corners where you can find them later upon reassembly. Btw , do not OVERTORQUE the mounting screws as the threaded holes WILL strip ! Please use restraint . As SteelHeadz wanted you to do , now remove the ignition switch so the link rod is free to move independently. You will not have to remove any wiring but if you fear shorting any connections , it's always safe to disconnect the battery negative. Now as previously prescribed , see if the ignition lock cylinder will rotate. If it does not :???: , reassemble the ignition switch as the problem is in the upper column as SteelHeadz posted. It's been a while so I totally welcome SteelHeadz to lead should I miss direct. For the next procedure , you will have to peel the steering wheel back off again ( sorry) and be prepared to go deeper. Hope you have a lock spring compressor to get the snap ring and lock plate off. You may have to climb back under and pop off the turn signal and wiper switch harness connector from the steering column tube. Should have mentioned that when you were working on the ignition switch. You want to try to give slack to the turn signal switch assembly so as not to damage any wiring. Trying to avoid total removal of wiring harness for you as it can be VERY tedious . You just want some slack. Carefully disassemble all parts noting where to reassemble later including the ignition lock cylinder. You are going to remove the steering column upper housing to get a good look at the cam gear and related parts SteelHeadz spoke of in his post to you . This is where we must find what the problem is. I couldn't personally say if you'll luck out and find a stuck ignition switch and simplify this repair but it's likely the cam gear or rack that engages with the link rod to the ignition switch is damaged. Hope not because I think this requires further disassembly. That will require unloading the tilt column spring ( not too scary) and removal of the tilt column pivot pins. You will need the right tool to extract the two pins as using a cheap screw with a make shift Rube Goldberg puller ( like I'm famous for) will undoubtedly break off. I own one after proving that theory correct and you'll have to get one off a tool truck or online . If lucky , maybe a good mom and pop parts store will carry one like I was fortunate to find since pep bays , autozone , advance etc. will not likely have one. Don't think I'd trust their tool quality anyway. Mine is an OTC part # 7889 if you need reference.
Lets hope for the best and your repair does not go this far but the experience is fun as always.
Post back your findings and hoping I made SteelHeadz proud . He's the man , I'm just working up to shining his shoes . Lol

 

[greg92jeepxj]

This is what the tool looks like should you want to start a search for it.

 

[ringoanny]

Thanks man. But found the issue. this wire was stuck in the gear. It looks broke and what is it?? And is it needed.

 

[greg92jeepxj]

Great ! Happy you did not have to dig deep at all ! Been a while since I tore into a column but I think that is the spring that pushes the lock pin into the lock plate to lock the steering wheel when lock cylinder is in lock position to remove the ignition key. My best advice is to visit a recycler ( formerly called junk yard ) and get this piece and maybe any thing else you feel you'll need to do this repair . This is also a great way to see how a functioning ignition lock works to make certain your column will return to good working order . Please verify all works right with this spring removed . I believe the only issue this spring malfunction will cause is not letting the lock pin engage the lock plate but verify the ignition lock will disengage properly back to run from start position. The ignition switch is supposed to spring back to run position but make certain . Also check that the cam spring on the lock cylinder side is working right. As SteelHeadz posted , this looks like a GM type column so you should find this in a number of vehicles around your jeeps year , later or earlier too. Probably too many to name but for example an S-10 blazer will have the same or similar column . You get the idea . Let us know how you did . Thanks for your reply .

 

[SteelHeadz]

Or you might be able to check on a local dealer and see if they can locate it on their parts diagram and check if that spring is still available.

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