JSmith0055

when i bought my xj the key had slight trouble turning (i had to fiddle it to get it to turn) but sometimes it gets really bad, for ex: the other day it took me literally 30 mins to get it to turn... bad lock cylinder???

Catmechanic

Go to the Jeep dealer and get a new lock cylinder. If you don't have the key code they can look it up from your VIN & set the cylinder up to match your existing key and door locks.

My 01 had an aftermarket lock cyl when I bought it, original lock cyl was in the center console. Long story short, cylinder wouldn't turn and I had to drill it out. Luckily it was in my garage. Took orig cylinder to locksmith & had it checked out, they said it was good to go. Used that one for 6 months and then it locked up, not in the garage this time! Took the cordless drill & drilled that one out (Dang I'm getting good at that!).

My point is get a new cylinder while you can still get the old one to turn. They're much easier to replace that way. To replace the lock cylinder remove the shroud from the bottom of the steering column, turn the key from lock position to next position, there is a latch pin on the bottom of the column push this up with a small screwdriver or punch and pull cylinder out of column. To install new cylinder reverse above process. It's that simple.

Good luck!
Jim S

96Cherokee113

Could just be the steering lock. Try jiggling the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key.

popo8

Also, if the steering lock does not help, sometimes the cyl wears out faster than the key or vice versa.... I know that some of my previous vehicles I had the issue, took rouch sand paper to the teeth (just a little) and the dulled teeth worked better...

in fact alot of our stolen foreign cars are recovered with the ignition in tact..... we have since learned that worn down keys of the same make will act as a skeleton key.... thats on foreign stuff, but my 2c

JSmith0055

yeah i tried turning the sh** outta the wheel, nothing, brakes, nothin, but "catmechanic" you think it will bee too exspensive going to a jeep dealer? i seen a used lock cylinder on ebay for $15 or a new one for $50... try to fix mine? or replace?

mycherokee

I got the same problems man. My lock clyiner is screwed up. I can start and turn off the jeep without a key. Also my steering wheel dont lock. I got some problems with my steering column I think. I would love to fix it. But I really think it will be a big pain/big money dump to get it working right. Any ideas? Its really hard to turn off BTW. I have to turn it real hard.

JSmith0055

lol my trick is i leave the key in the jeep, in a turned position (not enough to leave electrical on) then i use the power locks

Catmechanic

JSmith,

It was about $100 at the Jeep dealer, but cheaper than having to have it towed home or to a shop to repair it, plus the cost of buying the cylinder to fix it. As far as a used cylinder on E-Bay, why isn't it still in the Jeep doing it's duty? Aftermarket cylinder, been through that with mine. Didn't last long.

I had my dealer cut a couple new keys while they were at it just to be safe, all is working well.

Hope this helps,
Jim S