99xj. lock is jamed. do i drill it out axially, like everybody seems to be doing, or can i drill out the sprung latch (that engages when you insert the cylinder) from below? seems simpler. it woud bugger up the square hole, but that can be fixed with some steel filled epoxy, i guess.

thanks

 

A lot easier to just disassemble and remove/replace the lock cylinder.
When I did mine, I picked up the replacement at Auto Zone for app. $80.
Remove the 2 halves covering the column and then the screws from the bottom of the metal housing.
Watch as things come apart and then put the new one in.

It looked complicated, but once you get into it, its pretty simple. Lots of video's for guidance.
Good Luck!

 

i cant remove it because its jamed. (cant turn the key.)

 

Note from DJ
Try wiggling the steering while turning the key.

 

You may want to take the steering console housing apart and find the Park Lock cable and inspect it. They can work their way out of alignment/adjustment.

Not a professional mechanic, just hang out under the shade tree...

Hope this helps

 

That was the reason I replaced mine. Happened the day AFTER I drove my wife to the beach on Christmas Day as well. Which could have ended badly but my XJ has impeccable timing!

As DJ suggested, try moving the steering wheel to remove tension and if that fails, replace the cylinder. If you are dead set on drilling, nobody can stop you! Take pictures as that should be entertaining!
Mine would not turn with the original 21 year old key or a new one cut off the old key. There may be some of the security Torx screws in the "metal" portion of the steering column, so be prepared.

I have never drilled a lock cylinder and in a bunch of stolen vehicles I have seen, not one of them was drilled either.

 

I have replaced, fixed, removed/installed a lot of ignition cylinders. I have never needed to drill one out. I have never seen it done. I have never even heard of it needing to be done.

But by all means take pictures or even better, upload a video to youtube.

 

i need to drill, its a long story, i had it out a couple of times. i asked on "just answer" and he said to drill. still not sure. drilling the latch from below seems easier, or trying to remove the whole thing and do it on the drill press.

 

Taking out a few screws and replacing the lock is unacceptable because why?

 

Don't drill from below. There's a reason everybody drills axially.

 

no idea what you are saying. you mean take out the whole "box" and drill it out the cylinder on the drill press? i have been debating that, but im afraid to mess up something im not avare of.

 

I would recommend that you get a Factory Service Manual, such as one from Pacific Manuals, or search Youtube for a video on how to replace the key cylinder.

If you are going to use a drill, it would be comparable to taking a sledgehammer to the steering column as it will cause irreparable damage.

Just cheap advice....

Hope this helps

 

I mean there is no reason to drill out the lock. Take the column apart and put in a new lock that works and you have the key for it. Not at all difficult. Won't damage anything. Will be like new when complete.

 

you guys seem not to be getting it. the cylinder is jamed. key cannot be turned. so impossible to take it out the usual way.

 

I notice the post update XJ demand key in lock in "on" position is needed to remove ignition switch (as per FSM)

pre-update models ('96 and earlier), allow the ignition switch to be removed without this step