Hard To Get Key Out

[drase]

I can't turn the key all the way back in electric only mode AND now when I turn the truck off it doesn't want to click back so I can get the key out. When I do turn it back there is a crack like sound. Anyone know what the problem might be and how to fix it?

[onlyinajeep726]

Ignition cylinder is about to give up the ghost.  Time you replace it.

[drase]

If I get a new ignition cylinder do I have to have a new key made to fit it?

[jimoshel]

Usually the key comes with the cylinder. Try spraying the old cylinder with a shot of graphite first.

[onlyinajeep726]

If I get a new ignition cylinder do I have to have a new key made to fit it?

 

Yea, it will come with a new key.  Try the graphite suggestion that Jim suggested to get the current key out.  I'd still recommend replacing the cylinder before too long.

 

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=951083&cc=1181483

[Co-MAAAN-cheee]

I had a similar issue and very much double its the cylinder in your case. It was the shift ignition interlock. Google those three words and you find a bunch of useful info. I thoroughly cleaned the cable by spraying wd40 through the cable and problem solved.

[drase]

I had a similar issue and very much double its the cylinder in your case. It was the shift ignition interlock. Google those three words and you find a bunch of useful info. I thoroughly cleaned the cable by spraying wd40 through the cable and problem solved.[/

 

Where is the cable? Is it in the center console?

 

My search results keep pulling up the ignition cylinder where the key goes and a ignition switch on top of column under the dash. I don't see any mention of a cable.

[onlyinajeep726]

The shift lock cable he's talking about refers to those with an automatic transmission.  It connects to a lock lever inside the steering column that unlocks the shifter when the key is turned to the "unlock" position.  If you have a manual, ignore this.

[Co-MAAAN-cheee]

thank for clarifying. Btw - I clicked the link to his rig and saw it was automatic before answering.
 
Google these exact words 'ignition shift interlock cable jeep Cherokee' read the first three links
 

[drase]

Ok, this helps cause I have a automatic.

[drase]

I had a similar issue and very much double its the cylinder in your case. It was the shift ignition interlock. Google those three words and you find a bunch of useful info. I thoroughly cleaned the cable by spraying wd40 through the cable and problem solved.

  

thank for clarifying. Btw - I clicked the link to his rig and saw it was automatic before answering.

 

Google these exact words 'ignition shift interlock cable jeep Cherokee' read the first three links

 

Just to be clear did u remove the center console also when u lowered steering column when u got the cable out?

[JeepcoMJ]

Either shift lock cable issues for auto, or lockout for manual. Mechanism is in the column.

 

 

Also, partially fried ignition switches can do that...two bolts to remove from the top side of the column near the firewall. Pull it off first and see if the lock moves smoothly. If it does, that is your issue.

[Co-MAAAN-cheee]

I never removed the cable. I removed the lower part of the dash and was able to get wd40 into the column end of the cable. I did this when I was restoring the interior so I had everything except the dash out already. I also cleaned the mechanism on the shift portion of the interlock assembly.

 

You might try taking off the cowling around shifter and inspect the assembly while shifting in and out of part. There is a notch at park that a pall has to drop into before the interlock will release the key.

 

Keep in mind my experience is limited. The links I sent to you have some very experienced advice.

[JeepcoMJ]

check ignition switch first.

 

Easiest to do, likely cause

[drase]

Checked ignition switch by taking it off of column and cylinder would still get stuck from going back from Run to On. Gets stuck in On position and have to pull interlock cable on column toward me to have key go back to Lock. So don't think its the ignition switch.

 

Also, the truck will not start at all. Brand new battery in it too.

 

ADJUSTMENT - BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT

INTERLOCK CABLE

(1) Shift transmission into PARK.

(2) Remove shift lever bezel and console screws.

Raise bezel and console for access to cable.

(3) Pull cable lock button up to release cable.

(4) Turn ignition switch to LOCK position.

(5) Use a spacer to create a one millimeter gap

between the shifter pawl and top of the shift gate.

(6) Pull the cable forward and release.Ensure the

cable end is seated in the bellcrank and press cable

lock button down until it snaps in place.

(7) Check adjustment as follows:

(a) Check movement of release shift handle button

(floor shift) or release lever (column shift). You

should not be able to press button inward or move

column lever.

(b) Turn ignition switch to RUN position.

© Shifting out of park should not be possible.

(d) Apply the brake and attempt to shift out of

PARK. Shifting should be possible.

(e) While the transmission is shifted out of

PARK, release the brake and attempt to shift

through all gears. Release the shift button at least

once during this procedure. The ignition key should

not go to the LOCK position.

(f) Return transmission to the PARK position

without applying the brake.

(8) Move shift lever back to PARK and check ignition

switch operation. You should be able to turn

switch to LOCK position and shift lever release button/

lever should not move.

 

Does anyone have a pic of the interlock cable adjustment button? I don't know where it is.

[Co-MAAAN-cheee]

I have you solved the problem?

[drase]

No, I haven't. Don't know where interlock cable adjustment button is. But, truck won't start at all now either.

 

I called my mechanic and when this happened b4 he replaced the ignition switch. Going to tow it to him today. Wife needs MJ out of her garage p spot.

[drase]

It was a plastic ring in the column that had gotten stripped, my mechanic replaced it and it is fine. I did not get the exact name as I and he were both in a hurry when I picked it up. Nothing to do with shift interlock or ignition switch.