Someone tried to steal my 95 Grand Cherokee with a screwdriver. I replaced the ignition but found that the sliding bracket, behind the ignition, was loose. Detached from the cable that controls the shift and brake lock. The steering wheel is also locked. Is the column repairable or do I just need to replace it? Note. I am unable to turn the key because of the wheel being locked. Any suggestions?

 

I wanted to say make sure you disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable, and fully discharge your airbag capacitor.. whenever you are working on or near the steering column.

It is very dangerous if you do not.

 

Thanks for that advice.

 

Try turning the steering wheel as you attempt to turn the key. Sometimes it will relieve the pressure on the locking mechanism enough to free it. Rock it back and forth both ways. You can eliminate the trans lock if you wish.

 

Good advice for anyone who has actually stolen a zj too.

 

I don't think most car thiefs read. IMHO

 

Or write. IMHO

 

That was the solution. I replaced the ignition switch, got the steering wheel loose, started right up. Shift lever and brake are working. Not sure if they lock now, but that's not a problem. Thanks

 

To my amazement, this worked! Thanks

 

I didn't know whether or not the ZJ's had electronic-locking steering columns or not, but I do know that, on our older BMW, it will sometimes tell us that the ELV is blocked, and to move the steering wheel (it happens if we have the steering wheel turned when we park it). I know that, on the ZJ, the ignition lock won't allow the key to be removed if the Jeep isn't in Park, and won't allow it to be started if you're not in Park or Neutral. When you turn the key to the 'On' position (the position right before 'Start'/'Run'), you'll hear a "click", and the key will "sink" slightly into the ignition cylinder to unlock the steering column, so that would lead me to believe that it is mechanically-controlled.

-Vince