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Re-keying the ignition

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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 01:18 AM
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mexirican's Avatar
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default Re-keying the ignition

Long story short, I lost my only ignition key. I still have the door key, but I need to start driving the jeep soon. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a new ignition in the steering column without the current key? if so, how would I go about doing it.

Thanks
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 01:21 AM
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NorCalJeep's Avatar
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From: Santa Rosa, California
Year: 1987 Comanche,1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Renix
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You are going to need a new ignition cylinder if you lost your key.
Just an example of how much they run. Scroll to ignition locks
http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-ig...herokee-xj.htm
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 07:45 AM
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What year is it
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 06:11 PM
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1990
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 11:11 PM
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Should I stay away from the Auto Zone stuff? I saw online that they have the same thing for $15.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-iu4kuZ9n85a
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 09:25 PM
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If you have AAA give them a call to see if they can give you a deal on having a locksmith come out and fix your disabled vehicle. They may be able to key your ignition to the door key.

I had someone suggest this when my ignition jammed and would not turn. Got a great deal on the lock smith fixing the ignition in the driveway.
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Old Jul 12, 2012 | 12:03 AM
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I didnt even think about that. THANKS FOR THE IDEA!!!
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Old Jul 12, 2012 | 12:58 PM
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It probably a two key car round key for the doors. Square for the ignition. If the head of your key looks like a triangle you could key it to match the doors. The auto zone stuff is fine. That other place someone posted seemed high to me. Not hard to replace yourself just need a steering wheel puller and a lockplate compressor.
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 01:52 AM
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In case anyone has this same problem, I'll talk about this a little. you DO NOT need your old key to get the cylinder out. At least I didn't. 1990 Cherokee with out the air bag. I went to Auto Zone and got the cheapest one they have (in stock!!) You'll need the steering wheel puller and the steering wheel lock remover thingy. Once you take off the steering wheel and the wheel lock. There are 3 screws holding on the blinker assembly. Take those off and locate the screw that holds in the key ignition cylinder. Once you unscrew that screw, the cylinder should slide right out. Sorry, no pics but this is pretty basic. Remember to properly position your steering wheel before you return the tools to Auto Zone. I didn't, and my wheel is about 30 degrees to off.
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 02:09 AM
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Time to make it a push button and hide a killswitch somewhere.
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 02:17 AM
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Have you tried your door key in the ignition? My jeep will start with the key from my jeep my little jeep, my buddies key and several others. You should slide it in all the way then pull back one click. Then apply some light turning force as you push it back in. If your ignition cylinder is worn enough it will work and you can atleast drive it in the mean time.
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