I had one of my other XJ's that had that problem. On mine I had to pull the key out just a little before it would turn. You might want to give that a try if you haven't already.
Good Luck!

 

That's how mine was until I replaced my ignition cylinder for $17

 

Where did you get it. Advance auto has them for $37

 

Auto zone it's made by smart lock and it might have been $27 I'm not sure
Could be more if u don't have a renix

 

Well the lock cylinder is $61.00 for a '96 model. How hard is it to get the lock cylinder out of the ignition switch.

 

I believe there is just a release button under the column

 

I have the whole switch off. I just need to figure out how to get the lock cylinder out. I would post a pic of it but the ap on my iPhone won't let me post it.

 

Finally got it.

 

Does yours have the big box on the right side with the lock cylinder made into it?

Never mind... just saw the pics....

Sending you a PM.....

 

What I sent assumes the key will turn. You may have to replace the switch as well. Sounds like that may not be a bad idea anyway.

 

That's what I was thinking. That's not what I was wanting to see or hear.

 

Sadly I have read this post a bit late, but to help other people who find this on a search.

If you have AAA consider giving them a call. I had this happen and had a friend suggest that I do this since I had AAA. For something on the order of $30 through AAA I was able to get a locksmith to come out and replace the ignition cylinder. This was an option as the car will not start and this counts as a road service item.

Fortunately I did not use the hammer trick to get it moving as this would have voided the AAA reduced cost. The Locksmith needs to be able to do this to get the cylinder out of the column. You can only do this once or possibly twice, according to what I was told by the locksmith.

There are a number model years that have ignition cylinders that have weak tumblers that are known to fail. I do not remember the years, it is at least a couple of years on either side of 1999.

The replacements have much better brass tumblers that will last much longer.

Good luck with your repair.

 

I have AAA through my insurance and I didn't even think about that. Although I was sitting in my drive way when this happened so that was the last thing on my mind. Lol. Thanks for the info. I wonder if they would reimburse some of the money for it. I had to change out both lock cylinder and the ignition switch. Which was $100 for both.