Stevo1971

Good day all
I've been having an issue with my ignition. The cylinder started having some play while starting the Jeep. Obviously there are different mechanical stages in the action of turning the key.
In the beginning, when I would start it up, I had to manually turn the key back a notch or the starter would grind. It doesn't do that anymore but I still have to manually retract the key in order to get power to the dash, radio, wipers, turn signal. Also, when Jeep is off, and I turn back the key to accessory power, there is none.
Is the lock cylinder bad or the ignition switch or both?
Thanks

BwanaBob

Maybe neither. Maybe the problem is in the actuator pin that connects the
two. It is made of a casting that can crack and twist funny or break completely.

The actuator pin is not stocked by Mopar but is available from Dorman.
rockauto.com has all three (that and the ignition switch and the lock cylinder) available.

You can take the three out and inspect them easily enough. Here is a
video that shows how to do it.

If you take out both the actuator pin and the lock cylinder, but leave the ignition
switch in place, you can stick a flat screwdriver into the ignition switch slot and
check its functionality to start the Jeep, etc.

I think that, before taking it apart, I would want to know if my local auto
parts store would have the parts (the actuator pin especially) in stock in
case the pin comes out broken. Or, be prepared to use the screwdriver as
an ignition key until you get the pin.

Stevo1971

Okay thanks. I'll be looking at this tomorrow along with replacing my right front axle u joint.

Ralph77

Can't comment on what might be the problem but can tell you this. We sell a fair amount of actuator pins to the local Jeep Dealership at the auto parts store I work at. Bet it averages to one a week.

Stevo1971

That's probably what it is. I have a list of things I've needed to do. Since I have to order the actuator, I might as well replace the right front axle u joint I've been needing to work on. I'm using a ball joint kit this time from Advance. When I did the left one around last Christmas I used the hammer and socket approach and smashed my thumb pretty bad.