Ignition Switch

[Manche757]

89 MJ, 4.0, 5 speed.  The ignition switch is evidently going bad.  Radio, blinkers and blower fan will go off while the engine runs and doesn't skip a beat.  Move the key a little and the accessories come back on.  Since the switch needs replacing, I would like to replace both door key cylinders and have one key for the ignition and doors.  Can someone point me in the right direction to get this done?  

[Eagle]

The '89 keys don't interchange between the doors and the ignition. I discussed making my original '88 Cherokee into a one-key vehicle with a professional locksmith. The bottom line is that the door keys are "5-bit" keys (five tumblers), and the ignition keys are 6-bit keys (six tumblers). There's no good way to make one key that fits and operates properly in both keyways.

 

[Manche757]

14 minutes ago, Eagle said:

The '89 keys don't interchange between the doors and the ignition. I discussed making my original '88 Cherokee into a one-key vehicle with a professional locksmith. The bottom line is that the door keys are "5-bit" keys (five tumblers), and the ignition keys are 6-bit keys (six tumblers). There's no good way to make one key that fits and operates properly in both keyways.

 

Learned something.  Thanks for the info.  There are no 6 bit door cylinders that will fit and could be matched up?  My ignition switch needs replacing and the door cylinders are not in great shape either.  It sure would be nice to have it all work together

[Dzimm]

You could look into a kit for a GM vehicle that had the proper ignition switch. 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F352287538544

This kit is an example, the ignition switch here is the one you'd need for your 89, no idea if the door locks are the proper size for a Jeep but something that you'd have to look into.  Since it's a GM steering column, the ignition switch is shared with tons of older GM vehicles and most of the GM kits come with matching door locks, some of which may work in the MJ doors.

[derf]

I had the same issue with my J10 pickup and a couple of Grand Wagoneers.  The key sets are all stock GM parts.  Though it is possible that there is more than 1 "standard" GM door and/or ignition lock so a "standard" GM lock may not fit if it's the wrong standard.