1986 Jeep CJ Ignition.

[rotedog]

I was cranking my jeep and something broke causing my key to turn freely forwards and backwards and will not turn the motor over. I thought it was just a matter of replacing the keyed cylinder but now I think maybe it's something to do with the mechanism that causes your key to disengage the starter when you release the key after cranking. Has anyone had this problem? Need some help on how to fix this problem? Should I just bypass the switch and add some sort of toggle switch for cranking?

 

[superj]

so the assembly that the key cylinder goes into broke? man, that sounds like a bummer. it will probably work to do a push button starter until you get it figured out

 

[rotedog]

Yes, I think so. Do you know how to wire a push button start or can you tell me wire to find that info? Thanks

 

[PoliceMonkey161]

Before you try and bypass the ignition system, you may want to check the actual ignition switch (and the actuating linkage)on the lower steering column. If you look on the lower column, between the dash plate and bulkhead at the firewall, you will see a switch w/ a connected wire harness on the top of the tube (steering column). It's hard to get too with the dash in place, but the base is normally blue or white plastic. There will be a rod connected to the side of it (actuating rod). If you turn the key to the "start" position and release it, you should see this rod moving back and forth. It may have come lose, the switch itself may be broke (a $15 part) or in the worst case, the actuating gear in front of the lock cylinder is broken (not likely). The actuating gear is internal of the steering column and will require the tear down of the column, this is time consuming and has some intercated parts. Hopefully you'll just find a defective switch...........

 

[rotedog]

Yeah, I was hoping maybe it was some kind of linkage problem or spring but I had no idea what to look for or how it worked. Your last post is gonna help me tremendously. I'm gonna go check it right now. Thanks so much.

 

[rotedog]

I was trying to remove the shroud that's around the column and this broken part fell out. I'm guessing that this is my problem. Can I find this part and how difficult will it be to install?

 

[rotedog]

This is a picture of the entire broken piece. I need to know the name of this part so I can try to find a replacement. Thanks

 

[ndnatty]

<img src="http://www.jeepz.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=18701"/> This is a picture of the entire broken piece. I need to know the name of this part so I can try to find a replacement. Thanks

That's the ignition actuator.
http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu36/jimdubose/1978cj-5jeepcolumndiag.jpg

 

[superj]

Glad someone else knew. I was about to tell you that you were in trouble

 

[PoliceMonkey161]

<img src="http://www.jeepz.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=18701"/>

This is a picture of the entire broken piece. I need to know the name of this part so I can try to find a replacement. Thanks

It's a GM Tilt Wheel ignition actuator rack, as the photo link shows. You can get the repair kit made by Dorman at Advance Auto or Auto Zone or you can search Ebay.

 

[rotedog]

Well, I found the replacement part but I have spent the better part of two days trying to get these pivot pins out of the steering column. Got one out but broke a screw off in the other one, I was using an "ease out" to remove the broken screw and it broke off inside the pin also. I have tried every possible drill bit I can find to try and drill out the broken piece but nothing will seem to cut it. Does any one have any ideas? I am completely stumped on how to get this pivot pin out.

 

[rotedog]

If anyone can tell me how to wire up a simple toggle switch ignition I would really really appreciate it. At this point I don't care if the radio and other things have power or not I just to need to be able to crank it and drive. This is my only way to work and back and I have to get it running today.

 

[JacksonB]

Well, I found the replacement part but I have spent the better part of two days trying to get these pivot pins out of the steering column. Got one out but broke a screw off in the other one, I was using an "ease out" to remove the broken screw and it broke off inside the pin also. I have tried every possible drill bit I can find to try and drill out the broken piece but nothing will seem to cut it. Does any one have any ideas? I am completely stumped on how to get this pivot pin out.

I did the exact same thing with mine. Got the first pivot pin out no problem, then broke the screw in the second, then tried to drill it out and broke off the bit.
Did you ever have success in removing it or setting up a push button?