Key will not turn in ignition problem 76 CJ7

tyler_stephen · 01-22-2008, 03:45 PM

Hi all. Need help again. I havea 76 CJ7, automatic, 304. This is the first time this has happened, but my key will turn the ignition to the auxillary position, radio will come on, voltmeter goes up, but will not turn it further to start the Jeep. Can anyone please help me with this!! My jeep is stuck at work, and I really dont know what to do. Thanks

CJhollic · 01-22-2008, 04:20 PM

Two things come to mind, both involve a locksmith. Have one come onsite and make a key or change out the cylinder.

Thats where i would start.

Hybrid Jeep · 01-22-2008, 04:23 PM

This happens in my 76 CJ5 all the time (or at least it did).

For me it was the steering lock mechanism.. well.. locking up. What finally did it was a spray of WD-40 in where the key goes.

Try fiddling with the wheel.. turning the key... etc..

tyler_stephen · 01-22-2008, 04:45 PM

Thanks for the help. So do you think that even if it turns to the first couple positions, spraying wd40 might work? Also, if I have to get a locksmith, will he be able to change out the cylinder? That is what you are referring to where the key goes into right? Thanks

CJhollic · 01-22-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyler_stephen

Thanks for the help. So do you think that even if it turns to the first couple positions, spraying wd40 might work? Also, if I have to get a locksmith, will he be able to change out the cylinder? That is what you are referring to where the key goes into right? Thanks

Yep! He should be able to. If not a mechanic.

**John Strenk** · 01-22-2008, 05:58 PM

Well to get ya home I would disconnect the shaft on the switch were it is mounted on the steering column under the dash then push (or pull if you have tiltwheel) the switch to start the jeep. Then you can drive it home to work on it.

Don't forget to put the lock in the unlock position.

Either the rack gear in the colunm is bisted or the switch is sticking. It could also be a loose switch and you cant turn it enough to get it to the start position.

On the other hand you can put it to the ON position position. Open the hood and remove the wire on the "S" post on the starter solenoid. Then jumper the "S" terminal to the (+) on the battery. This will crank the engine over on if the switch is in the ON position you can start your jeep.

Pretty simple no? Heck I could get you started even if the Key didn't go to ON but just unlock. a little jumper in the fuse box always works to supply power to the switched section of the fuse box.

This is strictly a get you home trick unless you enjoy popping the hood each time to get around. I saw a CJ getting towed out of a gas station and talking to the owner I could of had him started the same way. Instead he had it towed to a shop were it cost him $200.00 to replace the starter solenoid.

tyler_stephen · 01-22-2008, 06:31 PM

Is the starter selonoid under the hood, or is it on the starter? I looked in my hanes manual, and it says it is attached to the starter. So how could I possibly jump that to the positive on the battery? I dont quite understand what you are talking aboutthe fuse box jumper, but if I dont have any luck tomorrow, I will definitely get more info from you. Thanks

**John Strenk** · 01-22-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyler_stephen

Is the starter selonoid under the hood, or is it on the starter? I looked in my hanes manual, and it says it is attached to the starter. So how could I possibly jump that to the positive on the battery? I dont quite understand what you are talking aboutthe fuse box jumper, but if I dont have any luck tomorrow, I will definitely get more info from you. Thanks

Only having a V8 for a short time I'm not realy sure but my schematicas always show a seperate solenoid for both the V8 and the I6 so if you have one of these on the fender of your CJ :

Then this is what your looking for.
Look for a blue wire going to one of the terminals and remove the wire. Connect a jumper from this terminal to the battery. It doesn't stay connected. You could probably use a screw driver if you had too and just touch the "S" post to the terminal going to the battery.
If it is on the starter, there still has to be a skinny blue wire running down to the starter. Just follow it down. If your desperate, you can always shave off a little insulation someplace you can get to the wire. You can also shove a jumper into the firewall plug were the blue wire comes out of the firewall. Lots of choices, lots of choises.

Don't sweat the fuse box yet if you can get the Key into the Run position. (Voltmeter ON) If you can't turn the Key far enough to unlock the steering wheel then there are othings you have to do and it aint pretty. So how far exactly can you turn the key clockwise? It should be Lock-Off-ON-Start. If you can it it a little past ON I bet the switch under the dash just needs to be adjusted.

Incase anyone is wondering, that's a picture of an electrical connection that caught on fire. See how baddly it overheated.

tyler_stephen · 01-23-2008, 05:21 AM

Makes much better since, and thanks for the picture. My key will turn to the ON position. The voltmeter needles goes up, the radio will come on, and so forth. The next turn would be to start the engine.

tyler_stephen · 01-23-2008, 04:07 PM

John, thanks for the help. I tried the WD40, no luck. I ended up having to start it the way you said, with the starter seloniod. Worked like a charm. So now, what do I need to do? Can I buy a lock cylinder from an auto parts store, and install it myself? Because I tried and tried, and have no idea how it comes out of the steering column. Do you have any idea what to do next? Thanks

tyler_stephen · 01-23-2008, 04:08 PM

Also, once I jump it the way you said, do I need to put that wire back on the starter seloniod, or can I just leave it off?

**John Strenk** · 01-23-2008, 07:48 PM

Leave it off.