my 1990 cherokee sport was doing fine all day, then all of a sudden i went to turn it off and the tumbler was extremely hard to turn. it wasnt stuck, just very difficult to turn. i tapped on it, tried it in Park, tried it in Neutral, and finally i looked at the key. the key appeared to be worn, but since it was in the middle of a turn, the pins already should have been lined up, not causing difficulty in turning at the point i am experiencing it. maybe im wrong? also, the NSS has been acting up recently, ive even had to hotwire the starter wire at the battery, but this wouldnt cause the tumbler to be stuck would it? or is the ignition tumbler itself just bad? thanks

 

Your ignition tumbler activates a rod that runs to an ignition switch that's mounted on the steering column under the dash. There are two likely causes... 1. The rod is binding on something 2. Your ignition switch has become corroded and stiff.

I occasionally have a stiff key but I've found that if I push the key all the way in, compressing the chrome turny part into the column, it will turn fine. Sometimes, you can get away with just cleaning and lubricating the ignition switch.

 

Be prepared to replace the tumbler soon. Or just do it now.

 

While it still turns and kry aint brooke off in it.

 

Yep. Git r done before it strands you. It ain't gonna magically heal itself.

Key word here is "key". It's worn? Tumblers take a beating from worn keys and key chains that weigh as much as a small dog.