QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1990 jeep wrangler 4.0 6 cylinder. It has been sitting for two years, and we started the engine but now the key is stuck in the ignition. The key release button is not working. Any advice?
ANSWER: Hi Howard:
Glad you got the truck started after all these years.
When you say the key release button is not working, please explain. Is there a button on the lock itself, or are you referring to a trip lever mounted on the column that you need to push down to release the key?
Once I know this answer I can help you
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QUESTION: yes the trip lever on the column below the key it will not trip and releas the key
ANSWER: Hi Howard:
The trip lever actually allows the actuator rod on the left side of the column to move upward. If it truly is jammed, you can help it by using a slim screwdriver, prying the obstruction away between the upper and lower cover on the left side (in the space below the turn signal lever)and helping the rod come up towards you when you turn the key.
If on the other hand the lock cylinder itself is jamming and it's not the trip lever, I can give you instructions for its removal, but I need to know if it's a tilt or non tilt column; they are different.
Let me know if this helped you at all
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QUESTION: no that did not help
the key is stuck in the on position so i have been disconecting the batery and letting out the clutch with my foot in the brake to stall the jeep. thats how ive been getting around?? no $85hour shop rate for me right now
Answer
Lock cylinder
OK, Here is the procedure for removal of the ignition lock cylinder along with a picture for you. (I hope that's the problem. Often it's deeper than that!)
You will need 2 special tools to complete this job. A steering wheel puller and a lock plate compressor.
To replace Ignition lock cylinder:
• Remove horn pad attaching screws.
• Pull pad reward, then turn horn lead insulator in counterclockwise direction to disconnect horn lead.
• Remove steering wheel attaching nut and retainer
• Using suitable steering wheel puller, remove steering wheel.
• Using a suitable tool, compress lock plate and remove snap ring.
• Remove lock plate, canceling cam, upper bearing preload spring, thrust washer and signal lever.
• Remove turn signal lever or actuating arm screw, if equipped, or on models with column mounted wiper switch. Depress hazard warning button, then unscrew button.
• Pull wire connector from bracket on the bottom of the column and wrap upper part of connector with tape to prevent snagging the wires during removal. Remove wire harness cover.
• Remove retaining screws and remove turn signal switch, then remove buzzer contacts.
• Remove lock cylinder key warning buzzer contact and the lock cylinder retaining screw and lock cylinder.
To install:
• Align cylinder key with keyway in housing, then push lock cylinder assembly into housing until fully seated.
• Install lock cylinder retaining screw.
• Install buzzer switch, turn signal switch and steering wheel.
Here is a website that offers more detail for a similar column
http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/steering.html
