Key Cylinder Wont turn

chittybangbang · 08-14-2009, 06:19 PM

have an 87 and when i put the key into the ignition, the key will not move at all, the steering wheel is locked in place. have tried everything even getting new key but nothing is working. i dont have the money to hire a locksmith is there any way i can fix it cheaply???

antec · 08-14-2009, 06:22 PM

you need a new ignition tumbler
you can get it at any auto parts for around $15
it is a PITA to get to but only takes about 30 min.

chittybangbang · 08-14-2009, 06:27 PM

how do i get to the cylinder though do i have to take the steering all apart?

MJMPC · 08-14-2009, 06:33 PM

Little more info............Did it do it all of a sudden or has it been giving you trouble ?

chittybangbang · 08-14-2009, 06:37 PM

all of the sudden, it just locked up

MJMPC · 08-14-2009, 06:45 PM

Ok this might sound silly but are your front wheels in a bind like turned one way or are you on a curb ?

**Mean Max** · 08-14-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJMPC

Ok this might sound silly but are your front wheels in a bind like turned one way or are you on a curb ?

Exactly what I was thinking! The steering lock sounds bound up.

Try wiggling the steering wheel back & forth while attempting to turn the key.

Max

MJMPC · 08-14-2009, 07:02 PM

Yup............Happened to my daughter not to long ago.

blown68ss · 08-14-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antec

you need a new ignition tumbler
you can get it at any auto parts for around $15
it is a PITA to get to but only takes about 30 min.

X2. My '89 just did this about 3 weeks ago. Had to replace the ignition tumbler. Put it on the back of the tow truck and took it to my buddy's shop to fix.

chittybangbang · 08-14-2009, 07:16 PM

actually i have tried to turn wiggle the steering wheel back and forth as hard as i could but the key wouldnt budge. as for the wheels they are slightly to the right and not on a curb.

buckshot500 · 08-14-2009, 08:59 PM

My cylinder just locked up one day, Got a new one from JCWhitney IIRC. Take your time going in to the column, & memorize everything you do. Take notes if your gonna have it apart for a few days.

I remember something about having to hold the wheel on, when putting it back. There's some kind of spring that you have to overcome, while putting the C-clip back.

chittybangbang · 08-14-2009, 09:03 PM

great info but when i take the steering wheel back on, when im done, how does it go back on, does it go back on a special way and how?

**Grape Ape** · 08-14-2009, 10:01 PM

Chitty, the best advice I can give is for you to go and get the Haynes or Chiltons manual for your jeep. It will give you the directions and pictures of how to do the swap. Plus you will have it for future fixes.

chittybangbang · 08-14-2009, 10:22 PM

I already have the haynes book but it doesnt really say how to put things back excactly how their supposed to. it had to large of a gap between years that it covers.

Im just nervous about taking it all apart then not being able to put it all back together the right way.

jeepman709 · 08-15-2009, 09:22 AM

Could also be the ignition actuator rod in the column....Just had to replace my whole column.

08-14-2009, 06:22 PM	#2
antec Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 729 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	you need a new ignition tumbler you can get it at any auto parts for around $15 it is a PITA to get to but only takes about 30 min.