Re: zj broken key lock
 

The shaft would move only a little, just enough to move the switch to
different positions. Travel would only be about 1/2 an inch. If the
shaft bends rather than moves, the ignition switch could have broken,
preventing the shaft from moving. This is what happened to my SE. The
switch had melted and collapsed internally, and when I took it off it
fell to bits. Put the key to the "On" position, and try manually
moving the shaft and see if you can feel the switch change positions.

If it is the the key cylinder, I've not done this job, but had one
replaced by a locksmith on another vehicle. He came out to me, and
fixed it in the parking lot of my office. He was done pretty quickly,
and I recall that it wasn't terribly expensive, something like 80
bucks.

Good luck.


Curtis wrote:
> have not looked yet feels as metal shaft is not being pushed at all.
> empty when i turn the key. fraserwag@yahoo.com wrote:
> > Have you looked at the ignition switch? I've had to do twice on my SE.
> > Not too bad to do, just hard to get to the components. The ignition
> > switch is on top of the steering column. under the dash. There are
> > two nuts that hold it to the column. You will have to remove some
> > covers, etc. to get to it, and will have to lower the column a bit ( a
> > few bits and pieces hold this in place).
> >
> > The switch itself is mechanically actuated by a metal shaft when the
> > key is turned. Take a piece of tape, and tape this metal shaft to the
> > column before you remove the old switch. If it falls out, it can be a
> > pain to reposition it relative to the key cylinder
> >
> > Once you've got the tape in place, remove the two plastic wire
> > collections that come out of the switch. On my jeep, they kind of
> > overlap, but just press the tabs and they should come out. You can
> > then unbolt the old switch and remove. Take a look at the old switch.
> > You will see a hole in it that the end of the metal shaft you taped to
> > the column goes into. Be sure the new switch is set to the same
> > position.
> >
> > Install in reverse order, and you're done. Good luck.
> >
> > S.
> >
> > Curtis wrote:
> > > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.

Re: zj broken key lock
 

The shaft would move only a little, just enough to move the switch to
different positions. Travel would only be about 1/2 an inch. If the
shaft bends rather than moves, the ignition switch could have broken,
preventing the shaft from moving. This is what happened to my SE. The
switch had melted and collapsed internally, and when I took it off it
fell to bits. Put the key to the "On" position, and try manually
moving the shaft and see if you can feel the switch change positions.

If it is the the key cylinder, I've not done this job, but had one
replaced by a locksmith on another vehicle. He came out to me, and
fixed it in the parking lot of my office. He was done pretty quickly,
and I recall that it wasn't terribly expensive, something like 80
bucks.

Good luck.


Curtis wrote:
> have not looked yet feels as metal shaft is not being pushed at all.
> empty when i turn the key. fraserwag@yahoo.com wrote:
> > Have you looked at the ignition switch? I've had to do twice on my SE.
> > Not too bad to do, just hard to get to the components. The ignition
> > switch is on top of the steering column. under the dash. There are
> > two nuts that hold it to the column. You will have to remove some
> > covers, etc. to get to it, and will have to lower the column a bit ( a
> > few bits and pieces hold this in place).
> >
> > The switch itself is mechanically actuated by a metal shaft when the
> > key is turned. Take a piece of tape, and tape this metal shaft to the
> > column before you remove the old switch. If it falls out, it can be a
> > pain to reposition it relative to the key cylinder
> >
> > Once you've got the tape in place, remove the two plastic wire
> > collections that come out of the switch. On my jeep, they kind of
> > overlap, but just press the tabs and they should come out. You can
> > then unbolt the old switch and remove. Take a look at the old switch.
> > You will see a hole in it that the end of the metal shaft you taped to
> > the column goes into. Be sure the new switch is set to the same
> > position.
> >
> > Install in reverse order, and you're done. Good luck.
> >
> > S.
> >
> > Curtis wrote:
> > > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.

Re: zj broken key lock
 

The shaft would move only a little, just enough to move the switch to
different positions. Travel would only be about 1/2 an inch. If the
shaft bends rather than moves, the ignition switch could have broken,
preventing the shaft from moving. This is what happened to my SE. The
switch had melted and collapsed internally, and when I took it off it
fell to bits. Put the key to the "On" position, and try manually
moving the shaft and see if you can feel the switch change positions.

If it is the the key cylinder, I've not done this job, but had one
replaced by a locksmith on another vehicle. He came out to me, and
fixed it in the parking lot of my office. He was done pretty quickly,
and I recall that it wasn't terribly expensive, something like 80
bucks.

Good luck.


Curtis wrote:
> have not looked yet feels as metal shaft is not being pushed at all.
> empty when i turn the key. fraserwag@yahoo.com wrote:
> > Have you looked at the ignition switch? I've had to do twice on my SE.
> > Not too bad to do, just hard to get to the components. The ignition
> > switch is on top of the steering column. under the dash. There are
> > two nuts that hold it to the column. You will have to remove some
> > covers, etc. to get to it, and will have to lower the column a bit ( a
> > few bits and pieces hold this in place).
> >
> > The switch itself is mechanically actuated by a metal shaft when the
> > key is turned. Take a piece of tape, and tape this metal shaft to the
> > column before you remove the old switch. If it falls out, it can be a
> > pain to reposition it relative to the key cylinder
> >
> > Once you've got the tape in place, remove the two plastic wire
> > collections that come out of the switch. On my jeep, they kind of
> > overlap, but just press the tabs and they should come out. You can
> > then unbolt the old switch and remove. Take a look at the old switch.
> > You will see a hole in it that the end of the metal shaft you taped to
> > the column goes into. Be sure the new switch is set to the same
> > position.
> >
> > Install in reverse order, and you're done. Good luck.
> >
> > S.
> >
> > Curtis wrote:
> > > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.

Re: zj broken key lock (or possibly ignition switch)
 

Thanks for the tips guys - made it home with the screwdriver starting
method. The switch just feels off to me so I'm going to take a look at
it tonight - but yeah it could be a sensor as well - see about 1 in 10
starts I had to put it in neutral (auto) to start, so possibly a relay.



Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.



Lon wrote:
> Curtis proclaimed:
>
> > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.
> >
>
> If you are sure that it is the key switch, get a good set of torz bits
> and replace it. You'll need a long handle torx to get the shroud off
> the steering wheel, then remove the old switch and put in the new. The
> time consumption will be getting the shroud off, then once you've got
> the new switch, getting the flag lined up. Haven't seen the after
> market manuals, the Factory Service Manual gives the tips on the
> positions you need to set the switch to in order to get the old one out
> and the new one in. Time consuming but not difficult, or get a dealer
> to do it, but be prepared for a labor charge.
>
> Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.

Re: zj broken key lock (or possibly ignition switch)
 

Thanks for the tips guys - made it home with the screwdriver starting
method. The switch just feels off to me so I'm going to take a look at
it tonight - but yeah it could be a sensor as well - see about 1 in 10
starts I had to put it in neutral (auto) to start, so possibly a relay.



Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.



Lon wrote:
> Curtis proclaimed:
>
> > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.
> >
>
> If you are sure that it is the key switch, get a good set of torz bits
> and replace it. You'll need a long handle torx to get the shroud off
> the steering wheel, then remove the old switch and put in the new. The
> time consumption will be getting the shroud off, then once you've got
> the new switch, getting the flag lined up. Haven't seen the after
> market manuals, the Factory Service Manual gives the tips on the
> positions you need to set the switch to in order to get the old one out
> and the new one in. Time consuming but not difficult, or get a dealer
> to do it, but be prepared for a labor charge.
>
> Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.

Re: zj broken key lock (or possibly ignition switch)
 

Thanks for the tips guys - made it home with the screwdriver starting
method. The switch just feels off to me so I'm going to take a look at
it tonight - but yeah it could be a sensor as well - see about 1 in 10
starts I had to put it in neutral (auto) to start, so possibly a relay.



Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.



Lon wrote:
> Curtis proclaimed:
>
> > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.
> >
>
> If you are sure that it is the key switch, get a good set of torz bits
> and replace it. You'll need a long handle torx to get the shroud off
> the steering wheel, then remove the old switch and put in the new. The
> time consumption will be getting the shroud off, then once you've got
> the new switch, getting the flag lined up. Haven't seen the after
> market manuals, the Factory Service Manual gives the tips on the
> positions you need to set the switch to in order to get the old one out
> and the new one in. Time consuming but not difficult, or get a dealer
> to do it, but be prepared for a labor charge.
>
> Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.

Re: zj broken key lock (or possibly ignition switch)
 

If you had too shift to N to start then your start/nuetral safety
switch is failing. Same thing happened on my 93 XJ. Look here for
info on rebuilding it: http://www.dirtdevils.org/briantechtippage.htm


Snow...

Oh and it still costs about $300 to buy a new one from the stealer...


Curtis wrote:
> Thanks for the tips guys - made it home with the screwdriver starting
> method. The switch just feels off to me so I'm going to take a look at
> it tonight - but yeah it could be a sensor as well - see about 1 in 10
> starts I had to put it in neutral (auto) to start, so possibly a relay.
>
>
>
> Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.
>
>
>
> Lon wrote:
> > Curtis proclaimed:
> >
> > > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.
> > >
> >
> > If you are sure that it is the key switch, get a good set of torz bits
> > and replace it. You'll need a long handle torx to get the shroud off
> > the steering wheel, then remove the old switch and put in the new. The
> > time consumption will be getting the shroud off, then once you've got
> > the new switch, getting the flag lined up. Haven't seen the after
> > market manuals, the Factory Service Manual gives the tips on the
> > positions you need to set the switch to in order to get the old one out
> > and the new one in. Time consuming but not difficult, or get a dealer
> > to do it, but be prepared for a labor charge.
> >
> > Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.

Re: zj broken key lock (or possibly ignition switch)
 

If you had too shift to N to start then your start/nuetral safety
switch is failing. Same thing happened on my 93 XJ. Look here for
info on rebuilding it: http://www.dirtdevils.org/briantechtippage.htm


Snow...

Oh and it still costs about $300 to buy a new one from the stealer...


Curtis wrote:
> Thanks for the tips guys - made it home with the screwdriver starting
> method. The switch just feels off to me so I'm going to take a look at
> it tonight - but yeah it could be a sensor as well - see about 1 in 10
> starts I had to put it in neutral (auto) to start, so possibly a relay.
>
>
>
> Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.
>
>
>
> Lon wrote:
> > Curtis proclaimed:
> >
> > > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.
> > >
> >
> > If you are sure that it is the key switch, get a good set of torz bits
> > and replace it. You'll need a long handle torx to get the shroud off
> > the steering wheel, then remove the old switch and put in the new. The
> > time consumption will be getting the shroud off, then once you've got
> > the new switch, getting the flag lined up. Haven't seen the after
> > market manuals, the Factory Service Manual gives the tips on the
> > positions you need to set the switch to in order to get the old one out
> > and the new one in. Time consuming but not difficult, or get a dealer
> > to do it, but be prepared for a labor charge.
> >
> > Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.

Re: zj broken key lock (or possibly ignition switch)
 

If you had too shift to N to start then your start/nuetral safety
switch is failing. Same thing happened on my 93 XJ. Look here for
info on rebuilding it: http://www.dirtdevils.org/briantechtippage.htm


Snow...

Oh and it still costs about $300 to buy a new one from the stealer...


Curtis wrote:
> Thanks for the tips guys - made it home with the screwdriver starting
> method. The switch just feels off to me so I'm going to take a look at
> it tonight - but yeah it could be a sensor as well - see about 1 in 10
> starts I had to put it in neutral (auto) to start, so possibly a relay.
>
>
>
> Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.
>
>
>
> Lon wrote:
> > Curtis proclaimed:
> >
> > > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.
> > >
> >
> > If you are sure that it is the key switch, get a good set of torz bits
> > and replace it. You'll need a long handle torx to get the shroud off
> > the steering wheel, then remove the old switch and put in the new. The
> > time consumption will be getting the shroud off, then once you've got
> > the new switch, getting the flag lined up. Haven't seen the after
> > market manuals, the Factory Service Manual gives the tips on the
> > positions you need to set the switch to in order to get the old one out
> > and the new one in. Time consuming but not difficult, or get a dealer
> > to do it, but be prepared for a labor charge.
> >
> > Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.

Re: zj broken key lock (or possibly ignition switch)
 

Not that I reccomend this or even suggest it be done other then in an
emergency situation to get you home when your stuck in the middle of
nowhere, but for trouble shooting procedures you can jumper the
connection on the safety switch harness and see if it starts. Just be
warned that while the connector is in this configuration the vehicle
can start in any gear... even reverse. Every time I took my XJ to the
shop I had to remind the guys that it would start in gear.... :)

Snow...


Curtis wrote:
> Thanks for the tips guys - made it home with the screwdriver starting
> method. The switch just feels off to me so I'm going to take a look at
> it tonight - but yeah it could be a sensor as well - see about 1 in 10
> starts I had to put it in neutral (auto) to start, so possibly a relay.
>
>
>
> Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.
>
>
>
> Lon wrote:
> > Curtis proclaimed:
> >
> > > key goes to on position no turn over. able to start with screwdriver at
> > > selinoid. how bad is it? of course on vacation. thanks.
> > >
> >
> > If you are sure that it is the key switch, get a good set of torz bits
> > and replace it. You'll need a long handle torx to get the shroud off
> > the steering wheel, then remove the old switch and put in the new. The
> > time consumption will be getting the shroud off, then once you've got
> > the new switch, getting the flag lined up. Haven't seen the after
> > market manuals, the Factory Service Manual gives the tips on the
> > positions you need to set the switch to in order to get the old one out
> > and the new one in. Time consuming but not difficult, or get a dealer
> > to do it, but be prepared for a labor charge.
> >
> > Sure it is the switch? There is a chain of sensors from the
> > transmission [auto], clutch [manual], thru the switch that inhibit
> > start. Easy to jumper the start relay to find out.