Spinnakerblue89

I wonder about that too, that would require I remove the steering column, right?

Andy, when the the ignition switch was out, I could easily turn the key tumbler all the way either way and remove the key no problem. I've even got it where I can do the same with the switch bolted in, but I am cautious since when I turn the key in the tumbler, the actuator rod barely moves at all. I can freely spin the gear in the column with a flat head and it will move the rod no problem, but nothing really happens when I insert the tumbler and turn the key. Been extremely busy with work, moving, and servicing my '88 Ranger, so my time is limited and haven't had much time to fool around with the MJ over the last week.

Ignition switch is on (the front screw was a bear, for some reason), but when I turn the key in the tumbler while it's in the column, it hardly budges the actuator rod at all. Less than a centimeter of movement, maybe. That hardly seems right.

Well I finally got the part in and was installing it and discovered that the actuator rod from the MFS to the headlight dimmer on the left side of the steering column has popped out... Does this mean I have to tear it apart even more?

Will do, Cruiser!

Interesting, so is there a good replacement spring I should look for? While I have the column lowered, I'm just going to throw in a new ignition starter switch (came in less than 24 hours through RA), as one of the pins on the old one is looking just little perturbed by heat, but not exactly burned either. Might as well do the swap while it's open.

Woah! I did mention that the PRNDL cluster is entirely devoid of the indicator, so there's no ACTUAL indicator as to what gear I am in except for the conveyance of motion. The guy who I work for used to be a Jeep/Eagle tech back in the early 1990's and did suggest to try adjusting the shifter cable, but he reminded me that he hasn't been near an MJ since the mid-90's. There is that.

See I'm missing the indicator, but I feel for each gear. Having said that; I can tell you that it is in the correct gear. When I feel that I am in reverse, I go in reverse; D for drive, etc. There's no ambiguity there.

I'll give the ignition switch a look. I got rained out yesterday so had to quit early with the garage already occupied.

I was able to find a manual for 1990 and also got a Chilton while I was in town today. Should I suspect the linkage?

I tried messing with the lifter any way possible and still nothing could get the key to return to the off position.

On the shifter, I noticed that the indicator needle is MIA and that when I shift, it feels all "soft" unlike any other column shifter I've ever used. It's slightly reminiscent of a 2000 F-150 that I had that had a linkage bushing go out.

Well I can ascertain that mine does not, perhaps that may be of use to someone else someday that has the same issue. I went ahead and removed the lower dash panel to look at the underside of the steering column- removed that infernal emissions timer! Just need to know how the ignition switch is adjusted and will hope that's all I need to worry about.

Yeah there is no aforementioned lever, I have the AW-4 automatic tranny. Are you suggesting that I drop the steering column and tinker with the ignition switch? How does one do this?

The truck is in park, however, the indicator needle appears to be missing so I am unable to tell how much into park it truly is. If the lock lever is the silver wing-like part on the outside of the cylinder, yes I am depressing it. I should also mention that this is a non-tilt column. By the way, thanks for the quick response.

This site was recommended to me when I bought my truck, and although I'm on other forums, I figure this is the best place to get a little guidance with repairs when need be. I spent last year bringing a '93 ZJ back to life and I'm nearly done (body work is all that's left). So I'm somewhat familiar with the 4.0 and all that jazz. My MJ has the ubiquitous 4.0 and the AW-4 transmission with an on-the-column shifter. That brings me to my questions... Key is stuck in the cylinder, will turn over the engine but will not reset all the way back where the key can be removed. I have searched for solutions and have a new cylinder with keys, and have removed everything to get to it. But even the new cylinder does the same. So having that in mind what is my next logical step? Where do I look now for a solution? Have a bit of a ticking noise coming from the engine bay. Could it be in the manifold? I will read up on Cruiser's Renix tips.