So, one day I went to start my jeep and when turning the key, the starter wouldn't engage and the key would not "spring back" to the "on" position. Changed the ignition switch and the barrel lock cylinder and upon turning the key, the rack and sector gears skipped. Been in and out of these forums for the past 10 years. All of you have provided great advice that was a simple google search away. Now, however, I am unsure as to what the issue may be. Some back story first.

1990 Jeep Cherokee Renix (closed system) I6 242. When I bought it 10 years ago, the key would not go into the "lock" position, except on hot days. key would come out whether in lock or not. Sometimes I had to push forward on my shifter (automatic) in order to be able to turn the key to lock, although it was intermittent/didn't work all the time. When the issue happened 2 months ago, I of course went into the steering column to replace the Ign switch and the barrel lock cylinder, via the information that I read here. I got a drop dead self imposed course on resetting my rack and sector gears so the barrel lock cylinder would line up to the "lock" position properly. Upon dry testing after, there was a binding on top of my column directly behind the rack gear. To be clear, my jeep has an ignition actuator rod that shares a coupling with a cable that runs all the way to my transfer case, which I believe is a part of my shifter interlock system. I've read that there was a recall on some years xj regarding this. Then, I saw the forum where Cruiser54 posted the link to Bleepin Jeeps "My car won't shift out of park" video. Tried everything Bleepin Jeep did with the pressing down on the shifter lever while turning the key. No more binding behind the rack gear when I do that. I can also see down into my shifter column since the protective plastic that keeps foreign objects from falling down in there is gone. I can see the pin gear that is supposed to align for the shifter interlock system to engage when shifted into park. looks to be about 2 to 3 mm off. Further notes, based on what I've read here in the forums before. When the issue happened, I still have acc and on power to fuel pump, radio, lights, etc. Steering column is resecured to the dash after the ignition switch install however I have not closed up the top of the steering column being as I have to reset my rack and sector gears (AGAIN!!!). Dash is still apart and the next step I was considering taking was removal of my shifter column shrouds to get down in there and really look around. However, somewhere in the back of my mind I keep hearing "adjust you shifter interlock first, dummy" although I don't know why, maybe something I've read here in the forums nagging me that I don't completely remember.

I'm not a mechanic, however I am handy with tools and these forums have never failed me. Finding diagrams, exploded views, etc. has been a nightmare. As many have stated, I know more about my jeep than I ever desired to know. Like the 231-J transfer case or the Saginaw non-tilt steering column in my jeep. (from what I read, these Saginaw's were in late model chevy camaro and corvette and some of them have "known" issues). My late brother was quoted as stating that there are 5 auto manufacturers under my hood ( he was the mechanic of the family) and so far, his statement hasn't been incorrect. I've done alot to this Jeep over the last decade thanks to these forums and I just want to enjoy my jeep again. My unfamiliarity with my vehicle as well as the different "models" makes this even more "fun"

I have indeed gone to cruiser54.com and downloaded the .pdf pertaining to my jeep. I own a Haynes manual that covers 1984 thru 1991 (before the H.O.). As I've learned over the years, most times it is something simple/overlooked that fixes these jeeps. She worked and drove just fine for years and years with minor maintanence and replacement of this or that sensor or cleaning tps, refreshing grounds, etc. It is my hope it's something easy that I have over looked for I rather doubt that I am experiencing and issue that no one has ever experienced before. On a humorous note, maybe I should respond to those phone calls that are "concerned" about my factory warranty on my 32 year old jeep, lol

Any help, input, links to diagrams/exploded views, input via personal experience, detailed questions, all are welcome at this point. Again, maybe I am missing something (easy or hard) that I have overlooked or didn't think to check.
put.

Thanks in advance for any/all input.

 

What are the rack and sector gears?

As for the the no start and key not functioning as it should, problem is in the key switch system, which also includes the automatic tranny gear shift mechanism.

 

The rack and sector gears on my jeep link the barrel lock cylinder (what you put your key into) to the ignition switch via the ignition actuator rod and are located in the upper steering column. Barrel lock cylinder "plugs" (for lack of better description) into the sector gear and the rack gear is mounted on the ignition actuator rod leading to the ignition switch. Simply (the way I understand it), the rack and sector allow the key position to be communicated to the ignition switch.

I'll start looking into/up information regarding the key switch system and the transmission gear shift mechanism.

 

Tilt or non tilt ? I have a pdf of tilt rebuild noting the sector gear alignment, I can't find my non tilt instructions. There is a spring down there that also might be looked at.

 

non-tilt, no shift selector on the steering column. From what I've read/researched, most probably a saginaw steering column. I believe I know of that weird looking spring that you may be refering to for the tilt steering column. Those were the first results I found. However, upon tearing apart my steering column I realized they were different.

 

I had to tear my non tilt down to put in a intermittent wiper module about 15 years ago, so it's not fresh in my head or the outdated links I have saved. Yup GM saginaw is what you have. Those gears were a pain to get right, but if memory serves me isn't the spring back action from the column mounted switch ? in the wrong hole ?

 

In my research of the saginaw column, I found this diagram. I hope the photo uploads

 

This diagram matches mine very closely minus the shift bowl shroud. rack gear is long straight toothed gear that mounts to the end of the ign actuator rod. the spring for mine is inside the upper column housing where the rack gear slips into to meet the sector gear. When you take the steering wheel off you can see the square opening of the rack gear housing containing the spring after removal of the turn signal apparatus.

 

That diagram might be outdated for what we have ? See if this vid has what your looking for. It has a good visual of gears and rod hook up and its non tilt. Much easier to have on the bench, can't imagine doing that in vehicle. I know I had to get access to bottom of the 2 halves to remove screws so I yanked the column. If I find my old rebuild diagrams for an 80's column I'll post it up, but this vid looks awful familiar.

 

Here is a link I had. I think this use to be free is why I saved it. Have a look around.

https://www.steeringcolumnservices.c...le-pontiac.php

 

You should check the actual ignition switch located at the base of the steering column. The key cylinder pushes/pulls the rod and the rod slides the switch into the different position as shown in the diagram you posted.. Often, they overheat and get a bit melted that can cause the binding you're experiencing.

 

Almost completely identical. The diagram I posted earlier was the only one I could find for the Saginaw at the time and I was happy for it after a few days of non stop tilt column search results lol. Only difference is I have a third component that shares the post bolt with the dimmer/ignition switch (the first of two bolts/screws he uses when remounting the dimmer/ignition switches) with a cable that goes through my firewall to my transfer case. I believe it has something to do with my shifter interlock system from the previously mentioned bleepin jeep video "my car won't shift out of park". That video is what lead me to believe that my issue wasn't in my column but was causing an issue with my column, if that makes sense.

 

I bought and installed a new ignition switch just to be on the safe side. :-)

 

You should find a second rod which is for the dimmer switch. Number 9 is the ign switch. Number 7 is the dimmer. Number 6 is the dimmer rod. When you put your switch back together, make sure the dimmer rod is located properly. Make sure you take pics before you remove anything!!! (sorry for the emphasis)

 

yup, that dimmer and ignition switch sharing the same mounting bolts made it fun to swap out and replace with the column still installed lol. As I mentioned before, I also have a cable that runs to my transfer case sharing with #9 but still researching what that is. Thanks for that diagram, the one I found was cut off and didn't show everything your does.