Sluggo

I have a 96 Jeep Cherokee Country, 4.0 L, ^ cly, Auto transmission.

Believe I have a broken ignition lock cylinder. There is no tension /resistance when turning the key to attempt starting - and then the Jeep will not start. Accessories work fine so ignition switch should be OK.

Can I replace this cylinder while ignition switch is still mounted - or do I need to remove the switch to access the cylinder release pin? I don't have the tamper proof Torx bits so hoping I don't need to remover the switch. Any other hints appreciated.

Thanks

Jeff

Bustedback

You can in fact replace the cylinder without removing the switch. You have to put the key in the run position and there is a release button on the under side of the cylinder. Push that button in and you should be able to wiggle the cylinder out. You can buy the cylinder kit from the dealer and code it yourself so you won't have to have a different key. You have to grind the butt end of the cylinder off so you can remove the core. Then you start at one end and pop the brass tumblers out and read the number on them one at a time and install the new tumblers with the same number in the same location in the new core. It's easier than it sounds, but a locksmith will do it for you for a small fee if you're not comfortable recoding the cylinder.

Sluggo

Thanks. I'll try it tomorrow. Looks straightforward.