Key falls out of ignition while driving!

[Citat3962]

Yikes!

So I was driving on the highway yesterday at about 70 MPH when I reached down to scratch my knee and snagged a finger on the key ring... MY key just fell out!!

OMG! OMG! OMG!

if that ignition turned to off the steering column would lock and if I can't brake fast enough I'm in serious doo doo..

So what would cause this?

Worn out ignition Switch?

The teeth on the key are VERY worn..
I'm thinking that is the issue..

So in that case I would be replacing the ignition switch and key...

I've heard there is an "armored" steering column to help prevent theft... it has a metal collar around the wiring for the ignition..

What years can I get the column off of?

Is it just a metal guard I can install on my column or is it a whole different steering column?

In that case I'll hit up Jeeps Unlimited and get the whole sheebang at once..

 

[Brendan_91XJ]

I have two sets of keys for the XJ, the ones I use daily (which can be pulled out of the ignition while on) and a relatively new set that does not get used too often. these can not be pulled out while the vehicle is on.
The only problem i see for you is that getting a new key made at this point could be difficult.

 

[Yucca-Man]

What year is your XJ? If you've got the earlier ones with the two-key system (one for doors, and one for ignition) this is relatively easy to fix, as all you need to do is replace the ignition cylinder and key. I did it several years ago in my 89, and it's not an entirely horrible job. If you've got the later Chrysler column though things get a little more dicey since the ignition and the doors all operate from the same key - changing the ignition cylinder means you have to get it cut to match your keys first and I'd strongly recommend doing that with new keys, not a worn out one.

There were a few threads about 10 days ago that discussed changing door locks and I believe also talked about replacing the ignition cylinder. Good luck.

 

[Citat3962]

Sweet...It's a 91. I have door keys and an ignition key.

So I'm thinking I can just try to find a column at the yard with the armor and a key... and just swap it out..

anyone know if its just an armor plate that's on the chrysler column or a whole different column?

 

[Yucca-Man]

With a junkyard column you're dealing with the unknowns of another key that may or may not work. With a new ignition cylinder you know it's a key with sharp lands and grooves (or whatever they call 'em).

Check out http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=52589 - replacing the cylinder took me about an afternoon to do, using the wrong tools.

As for the armor, I think I know what you're talking about but that might be best for a new thread. You're looking for a sleeve that wraps around the column and prevents cracking it to hot-wire, right?

 

[tchase]

Sweet...It's a 91. I have door keys and an ignition key.

Does this seem odd to anyone else? I know my '91 only has single chrysler style key.

 

[Lou]

Does this seem odd to anyone else? I know my '91 only has single chrysler style key.

91...Single key aswell. It seems 91 was a transition year -- old and new living together like cats and dogs.

 

[DDCxj]

My 91 also only has one key, which I can take out at any given time. I kinda liek it though. Its nice in the winter when you stop at the mini mart to get a soda you can take the keys out, leave it running with the heat on, and lock it and not worry about locking yourself out.

Dean

 

[Eagle]

Sweet...It's a 91. I have door keys and an ignition key.

So I'm thinking I can just try to find a column at the yard with the armor and a key... and just swap it out..

anyone know if its just an armor plate that's on the chrysler column or a whole different column?

You will not find an armored column in a junk yard unless you are VERY lucky, because the armored collar is an aftermarket item and very few people bought it.

And you do not need a steering column. Go to Pep Boys and buy an ignition lock cylinder for $12 (might be up to $15 by now), rent the "lock plate puller" and the steering wheel puller, and just replace the cylinder.

 

[Citat3962]

Drat!

I was hoping it was a common change made by chryco..

Well I guess I'll keep my eys open for one..

I live in Downtown denver and I get the impression since I've been broken into 3 times in the 6 months I've been here...Some kind of theft deterrant would be beneficial.