The Jeep functions, but I just can't turn the key the last half inch back to be able to pull it out of the ignition.


Here are the pics showing the inside, there's a pin piece that moves with the key rotation, and I am pretty certain it is supposed to go into the slot shown in the other picture. I'm hoping somebody has had to mess with this before and can help me understand how this slot piece is actually supposed to function. It only moves about 3/16 of an inch toward and away from the driver, and the same amount of distance the opposite direction, left to right so to speak if you were sitting in the seat. (Video of what I am trying to describe: https://youtu.be/7NhR03qiB3w ) I just don't know how this thing is supposed to function, so I have nothing to compare it to to know what is malfunctioning.

 

IDK how it functions either, but I'm sure that's the transmission interlock that won't allow you to remove the key. It has to be in Park to turn the key back far enough to remove the key. It was messed up and bypassed on my 97 ZJ so you could shut it off and remove the key with it in drive, for crap sake! Luckily the NSS still worked so it wouldn't start in gear though.

 

I agree with Dave its likely to be the trans interlock..I have read other threads, and a plastic part somewhere breaks, jamming it

I would search on here or Google/Youtube for "Trans interlock" problems

download the pre-update FSM ('95)

seem to remember repair is possible

the rod is thin and on the outside of the upper steering column in my '96