lost ignition keys
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Oshkosh, Wi
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So today I lost my key to my ignition, Probably while working the problem is I work for UPS and may have lost it between any of my 200 stops. I took my VIN to a dealership and they told me they don't have record of the key code to get the cut. Idk what to do, right now its in a church parking lot but I really have no idea how to go about this.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Oshkosh, Wi
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
ahh, yeah I have all the tools needed to do the job, would I be able to still start it without the ign. cylinder if I just remove it and put the steering wheel back together?
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Oshkosh, Wi
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
yeah, they need key codes and if they have them usually they charge more than its worth. I already have a replacement cylinder on the way. The time it will take to remove steering wheel + install a new cylinder is less of a headache than hoping they have access to that info.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Yakima, WA
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6
Get on the phone and call a couple local lock smiths. It won't be cheap but it's a lot easier than replacing a steering column or even the ignition lock. It should cost a little more than $100.
By the way, have you looked through the window to check if the keys are in the ignition or on the seat or floor?
By the way, have you looked through the window to check if the keys are in the ignition or on the seat or floor?
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
A lock smith can cut keys to a vehicle without the key code, all they need is a cylinder. I' had to have it done a few years ago. cost me 135$ IIRC.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Oshkosh, Wi
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I can get in the jeep I have the key to unlock the doors, But the key to my ignition fell off during my UPS route, I've fixed many a few steering columns its easy to do, Just wonderin if I can pop the ol' ign. cylinder out and use a screwdriver without taking apart the front half of steering column and not break anything important.
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I can get in the jeep I have the key to unlock the doors, But the key to my ignition fell off during my UPS route, I've fixed many a few steering columns its easy to do, Just wonderin if I can pop the ol' ign. cylinder out and use a screwdriver without taking apart the front half of steering column and not break anything important.
Last edited by Gorillaxj; Dec 7, 2011 at 10:27 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.oL H.O. 784 injectors, EV6 to EV1 connectors, APN header, Dynomax exhaust
Depending on your wheel, mine has the multifunction switch.
Remove horn cover, unbolt wheel hub, remove wheel with proper puller tool, unlock the steering shaft ring (depress and remove metal o-ring on spline gear {MFPITA}), unscrew the turn signal assembly, remove set screw holding cylinder in place, remove cylinder, reassemble wheel.
At the base of the cylinder is a simple key-way that you should be able to turn with a flat head screwdriver.
Remove horn cover, unbolt wheel hub, remove wheel with proper puller tool, unlock the steering shaft ring (depress and remove metal o-ring on spline gear {MFPITA}), unscrew the turn signal assembly, remove set screw holding cylinder in place, remove cylinder, reassemble wheel.
At the base of the cylinder is a simple key-way that you should be able to turn with a flat head screwdriver.


