Ignition switch locked

I have the dash off my cj replacing heater switch, oil gauge, ect. and today I attempted to turn on the ignition switch and it will not unlock. My son and I had to push it out of the shed to move some things and later had to push it back in. He said he turned the switch on in case we need to steer it. It worked at that time today. I now cannot turn the switch on. I press the unlock lever on the steering column and no good. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Jiggle the steering wheel?

I know on my car (2005) that frees it up.

 

:iagree:


My cj5 usually is drivin without the key, but when it does lock it is because i turned the wheel to far in one direction.

 

turning the steering wheel has not helped unlock the ignition. I am pressing the lever that unlocks it and no luck. What next????????

 

If you had a profile, maybe I/we could help Do you have access to the cylinder housing(switch)? Most cars have a pinhole on the side so you can release the core to re-key. This would then allow you to turn the switch with a screwdriver carefully. GL Mark .....update... Get a manual to do this since it is vehicle specific.

 

year make model tilt ?

 

I am not sure how to enter my profile. I have a 1980 CJ7 and it does not have tilt. Thanks!

 

the trick is going to be to determine whether it is something inside the lock cylinder or something else mechanical inside the column having to do with that lever

 

Can the cylinder be removed without tearing down the steering column?

 

no
everything from the turn signal switch up towards the wheel has to be removed for access to the retainer/screw that holds the lock cylinder in place.
This is a Chevy/GM/Saginaw column.
There are various write-ups all over the web for this procedure.

 

Thanks, any recommendation on how to search for a good write-up.

 

I personally would go to the autozone web site for there free online manual. Its perfect for this app. Follow the steps on removal, and be prepared to replace it. Ive had something inside the lock cylinder that stopped it from unlocking. Removed from vehicle and paid $25 to a Locksmith. Most wrecking yards leave the key in ignition:? So hitch a ride and go get one! GL MaRk

 

My '73 had a column from another vechicle. One day my key would not come out of the lock. I had almost resigned myself to a locksmith call or worse. Well, seems the column had features to accommodate a column shifter. The outer housing of the column would rotate and that's what had locked the key in the ignition. Something to look into. So just below the ignition section the housing might rotate.

 

I successfully removed the lock cylinder today and ordered one from my local auto parts store. Thanks!