Hi, I have a 99 Cherokee Limited, automatic. Someone tried to start the car without a key, using a flat bladed screwdriver, and now I cannot turn the key in the ignition. I have tried to bump the key and turn it, using short hammer blows, but to no avail. Thru search, I have learned that I either need to drill it out, or take the ignition cylinder out, then essentially break the tab that holds the key cylinder in, to get it out. I cannot find a step by step for removing the ignition cylinder, except for an older model cherokee. Does anyone out there have advice? Thanks!

 

should find it here...http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowledge-base/index.htm

 

You should try to remove the shrouding then remove the plastic trim ring around the cylinder or immobiliser coil if it has one. If it just has the trim ring around it. It will have 3 tabs holding it in. and it pops right off. Once you get that off with the key all the way in the ignition put some vise grips around the very outer lip of the lock cylinder should be able to rock it forward. There is a sidebar in the lock cylinder if that doesnt work let me know ill send you a pic of where to drill it.

 

Forgot the retainer that holds the lock in is on the bottom and can only be pushed with the lock in the on position. Square lookin retainer.

 

Right, I cannot get the key to move to the on position. Can you show the pic of where to drill it?

 

If you have AAA do give them a call. Since the jeep can not move you should be able to get a good rate to have a locksmith come out to you to fix the lock.

Also there is a known issue with the 99 ignition lock cylinders where they will jam due to poor quality tumblers, so you want to get it replaced anyway.

Mine jammed in the driveway and had a friend recommend calling AAA and I was very pleased with the price. This allowed me to keep the same key.

 

Right where I put the blue mark start there with an 1/8 bit. What you drilling is the black bar in the other pic. That has to drop down to rotate. It will be on the side closest to you.

 

There's a few ways you can go about this. Either do what Mattnkc74 said or you can drill a small hole where the side bar is and pick the ignition while putting pressure on the bar. That's a little more complicated but very effective.

Also, like Jeep3200 said, call AAA or any other road side service you might have. You're usually covered for a certain amount for locksmith services. I'm a locksmith and AAA covers $60 for basic and $100 for plus members.

If you're going to drill out the side bar, make sure to not go too far. After it is turned you can poke the key retainer which is usually on the bottom and the ignition will slide out.

 

Im a locksmith in kc and have repaired a lot of these. They very rarely need replaced. What generally happens is dirt builds up around the wafer causing the wafer to stick and not drop down that causes the sidebar in the above post to hang up. Sometimes a bur will form on the tumbler from the key sliding in the wafer and will cause the same problem but that can be filed down.
Either way they are almost always repairable. Its a common problem on a lot of dodge cars and trucks 98 up dont care whether its a neon,stratus or any jeep the cylinders are all the same up to some of the late 2000s then they vary slightly.