Hey all, Im getting an 89 cherokee for really cheap that the key is stuck in the ignition cylinder and you cant turn it far enough forward to start it or backward to get the key out. Any ideas? Went on youtube and a couple people had a similar problem buy they could get the key out and fixed it by hitting the key with a hammer. Let me know if this could work! Thanks in advance!!

 

I would be looking into replacing the tumbler for the switch, or looking to see if there is any binding or a sticky rack inside the column.

Either way, you're looking into removing the wheel and lock plate. Pretty easy and cheap job, 3 hours if you haven't done it before and using a wheel puller and lock plate pusher.

 

Alright thanks, if i do try the hammer thing will it break anything outside of the lock cylinder? If not i will try it first!

 

This here is a load of info on your column>> http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27192

 

is it an auto? Check around the shifter to make sure nothing is stuck in there. I had a very similar problem on my 89 cherokee. Key wouldn't turn all the way back, and moved forward funny. it was caused by a piece of plastic in the shifter area gumming up the works. Pull the handle off by yanking up on it, then pull the plastic around the shifter off by doing the same. Spent two weeks screwing around with the thing, Replaced the cylinder, ignition switch, and a few other things, and it ended up being that stupid piece of plastic...

 

Thanks! And its a standard

 

I replaced the ignition cylinder and that was the problem, shes on the road now and il upload pictures tonight?