CJ-7 Key wont turn all the way

"Jeff Strickland" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Ok gang,
>>> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned to the
>>> first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine start detent. It
>>> almost feels like the rod inside the steering column is jammed up
>>> somehow. Anyone have instructions on how to install a new key cylinder
>>> and/or get at the rod that turns inside the column?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>
>> 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
>>
>
> The ignition switch is held on with a single 5/16-head screw (one of those
> self-tapping, sheep metal screws).
>
> Personally, I do not think the switch itself is the problem. You'd be
> lucky if it was. I think the linkage between the ignition lockset and the
> ignition switch has broken.
>
> The rod only fits one way. It comes straight down the side of the steering
> column and has a 90-degree bend at the very end that fits into a slot on
> the switch. The switch has detents for each position, except START, where
> it has a spring loaded return to the ON position.

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

"Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
...
> Ok gang,
> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned to the
> first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine start detent. It
> almost feels like the rod inside the steering column is jammed up somehow.
> Anyone have instructions on how to install a new key cylinder and/or get
> at the rod that turns inside the column?
>
> Thanks

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?

im surprised that the coward trolls 24butt and punk fraud and williams
nemesissy and cujoke havent jumped on this thread yet

maybe its because their clearly defeated having been outed as queer
punks

they know they cant refute hughes because he gives actual advice
instead of sniping and flaming

i know punk fraud cant help flaming because hes funny like a three
dollar bill but still

"Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
...
> Ok gang,
> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned to the
> first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine start detent. It
> almost feels like the rod inside the steering column is jammed up somehow.
> Anyone have instructions on how to install a new key cylinder and/or get
> at the rod that turns inside the column?
>
> Thanks

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

"Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Ok gang,
>> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned to the
>> first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine start detent. It
>> almost feels like the rod inside the steering column is jammed up
>> somehow. Anyone have instructions on how to install a new key cylinder
>> and/or get at the rod that turns inside the column?
>>
>> Thanks
>
> 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.
>

"Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
...
> Ok gang,
> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned to the
> first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine start detent. It
> almost feels like the rod inside the steering column is jammed up somehow.
> Anyone have instructions on how to install a new key cylinder and/or get
> at the rod that turns inside the column?
>
> Thanks

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

"Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Ok gang,
>> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned to the
>> first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine start detent. It
>> almost feels like the rod inside the steering column is jammed up
>> somehow. Anyone have instructions on how to install a new key cylinder
>> and/or get at the rod that turns inside the column?
>>
>> Thanks
>
> 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
>

So, the lockset itself was broken? I woulda guessed the linkage.

"Jeff Strickland" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Jo Baggs" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Ok gang,
>>> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned to the
>>> first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine start detent. It
>>> almost feels like the rod inside the steering column is jammed up
>>> somehow. Anyone have instructions on how to install a new key cylinder
>>> and/or get at the rod that turns inside the column?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>
>> 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
>>
>
> So, the lockset itself was broken? I woulda guessed the linkage.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


That's the second one of these I've seen in like a month where it was the
lock cylinder rather than the rack. That's the only reason I was thinking
"lock cylinder" when I saw the op.

--
Old Crow
'82 FLTC(P) 'Mistress Pearl'
'87 FLTC 'Crosseyed Mary'
'61 F-100
BS#133, SENS, TOMKAT, SLOB#13, MAMBM

Old Crow wrote:
> "Jeff Strickland" wrote...
>> "Jo Baggs" wrote ...
>>> "Jo Baggs" wrote...
>>>> Ok gang,
>>>> I need help. I went to start my 86 CJ-7 today. They key turned
>>>> to the first detent (accessories on), but stops at the engine
>>>> start detent. It almost feels like the rod inside the steering
>>>> column is jammed up somehow. Anyone have instructions on how to
>>>> install a new key cylinder and/or get at the rod that turns inside
>>>> the column?

>>> 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.

>> So, the lockset itself was broken? I woulda guessed the linkage.

> That's the second one of these I've seen in like a month where it was
> the lock cylinder rather than the rack. That's the only reason I was
> thinking "lock cylinder" when I saw the op.

Got me wondering what is failing in the cylinder. Some had a cast
tab on the back that wore out or sheared if it was turned against
a locked steering wheel.

--
DougW

"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.