Had a problem with the jeep starting today. Battery tested good but when I turn the key I get nothing. I cycled the gears and turned the wheel nothing. My 14 year old son says "let me try" and starts it right up... "let me see that key" Nothing... he starts it right up again.

After some grumbling I found that when he was turning the key, he was putting upward pressure on it. So if I push up on the key when I turn it, the jeep starts. This cant be good. But since we can make it start, I'm hoping its not the broken little metal piece that requires a whole new steering column?? Anybody have any ideas before I head to the shop? Thanks in advance.

Jereme

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04 Black Limited
Custom orange grill inserts, custom orange rock rails
Reese Class III Add-on Hitch
245 70 16 Firestone Destination ATs
http://www.clownthings.com/jeep

Sounds like it could be the metal actuator rod is breaking or there is too much play in the ignition barrel tumblers.

Or maybe the actual ignition switch that the actuator rod rotates is loose or has a bad connection.
I would suggest you remove the two plastic covers covering the steering column....two female Torx screws hold them from underneath.....to have a look.

Have a look at the ignition switch, the connector on it and the wires leading off it to see if there is anything loose.
The switch is held in place by one small Torx screw...usually the security type that requires a male Torx bit with a hole down the centre.

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2002 Export CRD 2.5 Sport

thanks. i'll check that out

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04 Black Limited
Custom orange grill inserts, custom orange rock rails
Reese Class III Add-on Hitch
245 70 16 Firestone Destination ATs
http://www.clownthings.com/jeep

Yep it's that metal piece, or at least it sounds like. Had 2 crds, break within a week of each other.

Good times, the piece is like 247 bucks.

$500 lighter in the wallet. They replaced the starter relay which was corroded, the ignition switch and they had a spare "cylinder case" lying around which was broken at the tip which they didnt charge me for.... just for the 4 hours of labor to do all the work.

So I'm back on the road now.

_________________
04 Black Limited
Custom orange grill inserts, custom orange rock rails
Reese Class III Add-on Hitch
245 70 16 Firestone Destination ATs
http://www.clownthings.com/jeep