jillsogw

I have a '94 Grand Cherokee laredo. I was watching my daughter learning how to park. She pulled into the parking space the jeep died. The enginge stopped, different from if you had turned off the ignition. I got in and tried to start it. At first the key would turn, but it didn't feel right. The starter did not engage either. The jeep seemed warmer than usual so i opened the hood to let it cool off quicker.

I tried to start it again and I could not get the key to turn the ignition switch.

The key I have is a copy from a copy, not a good situation. But it has worked until now. I did go home and get the "original" (copy that came with the jeep) and it would not turn the ignition either.

The jeep is stuck in park and the steering wheel is locked. I was hoping I could tow it home.

A bunch of questions:
1. How do I get the steering wheel unlocked?
2. How do I get the transmission out of park?
3. What is the best or easiest way to repair the ignition switch?

This is a 4.0 6cyl w/ auto trans.

thanks for you help.

4Doors

If the steering wheel is locked, often times it will still move a tiny little bit to one side. Try pulling the wheel that last little bit and see if the key will turn.

xjforfishing

spray a little wd40 or any other penetrant into the keyhole and gently work the key back and forth...then more wd40....just keep doing that....make sure there isn't too much pressure on the steering wheel....I had to do this to my grand daughters xj...then I got it home and changes the ignition...good luck

Hymie

See my post on the same subject – but on a 2000 Grand Cherokee (with no replies).

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/gra...t-turn-104561/

Having WD40 to hand, I sprayed a little into the lock without success. Graphite powder, specifically designed for cylinder locks, is preferable to an oil based liquid lubricant which will attract dirt and may eventually gum-up the lock mechanism.

Interestingly the workshop manual for the Grand Cherokee states that the ignition key lock is not a serviceable item – if faulty, the entire steering column will require replacement.