pilotblake Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 Ok so when I got my truck legit title and all the key wasn't needed in the tilt column the PO installed. I figured this was an ignition switch issue and dismissed it as so. Well just a few minutes ago I pulled the steering wheel and ignition switch to install my new one. When i put in the new switch and key I couldnt get the key to turn all the way to the off position for the switch to release the key. When I try to turn the key all the way to the off lock position I can see it push out on the lower section of the column plastic oposite the key side. I need to get this thing back together before I forget how it all came apart. Any quick ideas would be great. Thanks in advance. I would like to think this is something that can be fixed, not a fubared column. I am starting to see why the other key was overriddden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 Automatic or manual? With the automatics, there is an interlock to the shifter so the key can't be removed unless the shifter is in Park. If it's a manual, there's a push button on the right side of the column, forward of and below the key, and the key can't be turned all the way Off and removed unless that button is pushed. It's sounding like perhaps the previous owner might have either messed up the interlock, or possibly swapped in a different column and not reconnected the interlock. Check out this current thread: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18411 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotblake Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 It "was" a manual with the 2.5. After a little research I believe you have stumbled on my problem. Having said that, will I need to drop the column to find this rod? I put the steering columm back together enough so I would remember the basics, and will make a fresh start on it again in the morning. edit: I just went out and checked under the dash. There is a plastic deal with wires coming out and a rod that goes up the column. I tried to pull the rod, and it seems to move but I do not think it is still allowing the key to completely go into the locked position. Like I said above I will take what ever more ideas I pick up here tonight and go out in the morning and tear into it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 If it was originally a manual, then there should be a push button on the right side of the steering column, near the key. I'm describing it badly and I'm sorry, but after 21 years and over 300,000 miles (combined vehicles) the motion of turning off the key and pushing the release button has become so automatic that I honestly don't remember exactly where it is. And it's dark and raining, so I'm not going out there tonight to take a photo of it. If there's no pushbutton, the previous owner must have swapped the steering column. You wrote that it "was" a 2.5L with a manual tranny. Is it now an automatic? If so, he may have swapped in the column from a donor vehicle along with an engine and drive train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akula69 Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 Don has a lot of good points, but there is also one more possibility...the ignition switch itself. The action of turning the key moves a small rod that runs down the column (this would be a second rod - seperate from the one in lotgod's thread). This rod had a 90 degree bend at the end that engages a small 'shuttle' like device inside the ignition switch. If this 'shuttle' cannot move freely it can sometimes keep the key from turning all the way off. I lightly coated the areas I could reach on mine with dielectric grease during the last replacement. The rod can also be bound if the column has been lowered and not replaced correctly. I learned (the hard way, of course!) the igition rod has to be along the top of the column when it is re-installed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotblake Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 It would appear as though this column came out of an automatic. I know what you are refering to with the side mounted button, not necessarily on jeeps but other manual vehicles. I have a new ignition switch/tumbler and key, the only thing I can see is that it appears something is pushing against the oposite side of the steering column plastic closest to the dash. I turn the key hard towards the off position and the plastic opposite the switch side pushes out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WBKrazy Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 not 100% sure, but i beleive that the ignition switch is adjustable... the switch may not be adjusted to the right spot, but i think if you loosen up the 2 nuts that hold it on the switch can slide back and forth on the column, so it may be too far forward and not allowing the lock cylinder to turn all the way back... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotblake Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 I will be heading out here in alittle bit, but There has to be a connection between the key not turning all the way to the off position and the plastic bulging out at the same time. It will come down to fix or break worse I feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 It will come down to fix or break worse I feel. We'll hope for the former. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 I will be heading out here in alittle bit, but There has to be a connection between the key not turning all the way to the off position and the plastic bulging out at the same time. It will come down to fix or break worse I feel. Of course it is... one of the rods in the column is not moving correctly and when you try and force the key-back it tries to bend and forces the plastic out in the process. The questions are which rod and why.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotblake Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 Well I cannot tell what the issue is for sure without pulling more of the dash/column apart to see what is binding. It looks tampered with on the inside, and with no real knowlege of how things should be I am at a loss. I got my new key installed and if i turn the key hard to the locked position and pull the key out it stays locked. A temp fix until I grab a new column to replace this one with. There was one unknown part that I found that I couldn't figure out until i had it reassmbled. When I checked the blinkers and the brights I found where my misssing part must have came from. I now doesn't click in for the brights so....back in i go :doh: . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildman Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Here's a zip file that might help you with the steering column and ignition switch - http://www.lunghd.com/Downloads_and_Lin ... Switch.zip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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