1998 Jeep Cherokee ignition lock cylinder replacement

[BillyB]

1998 Jeep Cherokee

A. Replacing the turn signal and ignition switch is not hard. You don't even have to take the steering wheel off. Figure on about an hour to do the job.
REMOVAL:

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the steering column opening cover.
3. If the vehicle is so equipped, move the tilt steering column to the fully raised position.
4. Insert the key in the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install

1. Insert a small screwdriver or pin punch through the access hole in the lower steering column shroud and depress the ignition lock cylinder retaining tumbler.
2. While holding the retaining tumbler depressed, pull the ignition lock cylinder and key out of the ignition lock housing.
3. Remove the three screws that secure the lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud.
4. If the vehicle is equipped with a standard non-tilt steering column, loosen the two upper steering column mounting nuts. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt steering column, move the tilt steering column to the fully lowered position.
5. Remove both the upper and lower shrouds from the steering column.

Water Shield Upper Screws Remove/Install

1. Remove the two screws that secure the switch water shield and bracket to the top of the steering column.

Water Shield Lower Screws Remove/Install

1. Remove the one screw located below the multi-function switch lever that secures the switch water shield and bracket to the steering column.
2. Gently pull the lower mounting tab of the switch water shield bracket away from the steering column far enough to clear the screw boss below the multi-function switch lever.
3. Lift the water shield and bracket with the multi-function switch away from the steering column far enough to access the two multi-function switch wire harness connectors. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt steering column, lifting gently upward on the tilt release lever will provide additional clearance to ease multi-function switch removal.
4. Unplug the wire harness connectors from the multi-function switch.
5. Remove the multi-function switch and water shield from the steering column as a unit.
6. Gently pull the water shield over the hazard warning switch knob and the multi-function switch lever.
7. Reverse the removal and procedures to install. :us:

 

[MtnBkr]

1998 Jeep Cherokee

[*]Insert the key in the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Anyone have any idea how to get the lock cylinder out if I can't get the key to turn to the On position?

 

[MtnBkr]

Nevermind, I finally found another thread discussing this... looks like I get to drill out the tumblers.

 

[ckowennos]

Is there a way to manually disable the steering wheel lock? Or can I just break it by turning the wheel really hard?

My wheels were crooked from parallel parking when the cylinder locked up on me but the day before it locked up and my wheels were 100% straight and the wheel wasn't locked. I'd like to be able to unlock the steering wheel if possible to be sure that that isn't the cause of my key not turning. Does lifting up the front end and wiggling the wheels sound like a terrible idea?

 

[BrokenSockets]

I know it's a silly question, but you have tried the key while moving the steering wheel back and forth between the lock stops, right? And tried another key? I once had a worn key that got finnicky and it felt like a locked cylinder.

 

[ckowennos]

I have tried three different keys that all used to work. Each one is worn to a different degree.

And yeah, I spent about an hour and a half on Monday wiggling the steering wheel while I was waiting for a tow truck.

Since I can't get the key out I think I will have to drill it out. If I remove the old cylinder will I be able to start the jeep with a screwdriver so that I can drive it to the parts store and buy a new cylinder? Will turning the parts with a screw driver unlock the steering wheel lock?

 

[joe_peters]

Is there a way to manually disable the steering wheel lock? Or can I just break it by turning the wheel really hard?

My wheels were crooked from parallel parking when the cylinder locked up on me but the day before it locked up and my wheels were 100% straight and the wheel wasn't locked. I'd like to be able to unlock the steering wheel if possible to be sure that that isn't the cause of my key not turning. Does lifting up the front end and wiggling the wheels sound like a terrible idea?

Got AW4?

Could be your Park Lock is keeping you from turning the key.

Try pushing in the button and jiggling the shifter while you attempt to turn the key.

 

[ckowennos]

Yeah I have AW4 its also a 98 sport with 200,000.

I tried to wiggle the shifter but nothing happened. (Im used to this from before I did the NSS rebuild)

I also popped off the cover and confirmed that both of the cables are still attached to the shifter.

 

[ckowennos]

anyone have a pic of drilling out the tumblers? another thread said to drill a hole 1/8th of an inch below the key slot.

 

[ckowennos]

Since my key won't turn I am stuck getting the cylinder out.