Removed Key Stuck In Ignition... Write up

Jmila1901 · 03-09-2008, 07:36 PM

If any of you remember, 5 months ago i got my key stuck in the ignition, i just ended up getting a spare key for the door and left it at that... I started a thread asking how i could fix the problem but honestly, i didnt feel like spending more time and money on the XJ...

Old Thread.... http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/key-stuck-ignition-how-do-i-replace-ignition-switch-473344/

Well today, i got up and was bored so i took apart the dash for the hell of it, after poking around a bit i found this....

The ball found its way out of the socket...

I pushed the socket end with a screw driver while pushing the ball in with another and....

Fixed, i got the key out!.... Thats how its done! At least in SOME cases

Feel free to ask any questions!

BWR · 03-09-2008, 08:16 PM

good write up...

Now, the hard question. Dont you wish ya' just poped the dash the same day the key stuck rather than waiting allllllllllllllllllll this time?

LOL! Dont feel too bad-- I've done much the same with a wiring issue that amounted to a couple of months and what amounted to a connector coming out

Jmila1901 · 03-09-2008, 08:42 PM

Ehh, i just didnt feel like going through the trouble lol... I knew i could fix it, i just didnt have a real need to do it. In the last year i dont think ive driven the car more than 4k miles... Ive made my WJ the Daily

derry · 07-11-2011, 01:59 AM

Regarding not being able to get one's key out of the ignition, in our case, a Grand Jeep Cherokee 2000. There's a fabric substrate covering the shift release button. This fabric can be accidentally dislodge, causing inference with the electronic circuitry, which signals the ignition lock, allowing the key to complete the turn (tumbler turn), allowing the key to be removed. This circuit is critical, as it prevents the steering column from accidentally and incidentally lock during normal operation. All you do, is never listen to anyone suggesting that you apply force on any component abnormal forces. Such forces only can lead to catastrophic failure, perhaps now requiring the immediate assistance of the same person suggesting that you damage it in the first place. Job security for the puny-minded. God bless us all.

07-11-2011, 01:59 AM	#4
derry Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Answer to getting your key out Regarding not being able to get one's key out of the ignition, in our case, a Grand Jeep Cherokee 2000. There's a fabric substrate covering the shift release button. This fabric can be accidentally dislodge, causing inference with the electronic circuitry, which signals the ignition lock, allowing the key to complete the turn (tumbler turn), allowing the key to be removed. This circuit is critical, as it prevents the steering column from accidentally and incidentally lock during normal operation. All you do, is never listen to anyone suggesting that you apply force on any component abnormal forces. Such forces only can lead to catastrophic failure, perhaps now requiring the immediate assistance of the same person suggesting that you damage it in the first place. Job security for the puny-minded. God bless us all.