I have a 2000 xj with roughly 94000 miles, lift, tires, and stuff but the motor and drivetrain are all stock. The other day I tried to start it up and move it out of the barn, but my key would not turn. The battery is fine. the lights come on when the door is open and the jeep chimes when the door is open with the key in the ignition, but the key will not turn. The steering wheel is locked, but I can still turn it about 4 inches in either direction. I have tried to turn it as far as it will go and tried to unlock the key that way, but it didn't work.

I did have an 88 mj that needed a new tumbler (ignition cylinder) at one time, but I had issues with that before it the key no longer worked. The XJ has never given me any problems.

I also have a remote start on the jeep, and that will start the jeep, but without getting the key into the on position, it will just shut itself off when you try to shift out of park.

Anyone have any ideas? Or know how I can move it? I can unhook the driveshafts, but then I have no steering because the steering wheel would still be locked. Thanks

 

If you could start it with the remote in neutral and shift into drive without hitting the brake it should move. but with the steering locked I wouldn't try it.

 

make sure you are out of drive.. and in park/nuetral.. you would be suprised.. this happens.. lol

 

I cant shift it out of park. What else you guys got?

 

There is a lock out between the ignition, and the trans shifter. The actuator may have come loose, but with your XJ being so new, I wouldn't know where to look. Mine is an 87, and I know how it works, but yours is different, I'm almost sure. It sounds like an issue with the ignition to me though. I guess that would be the first place I'd start, no pun intended!! LOL!!

 

i had this ones... the ignition switch that the key tumbler moved back and forth on my 89 got jamed. that was NO FUN to fix... that switch is on top of steering column deep in the back... i really hope thats not your problome tho. good luck man

 

Try to spray some WD40 in the lock and play with the key.
If it doesn't work, desmantle the lock from the steering wheel to turn it and keep the key in the lock.

 

x2

 

could someone help me with details about taking the cylinder out of the steering column so I could get the jeep moved?

 

You have pull the steering wheel, and that year prolly has an airbag..........so I'm not sure how easy it is to disconnect them.
When my tumbler went out, I had to pull the wheel

Here's some info ;
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=943272

 

ok, then what?

 

There are different procedures for different years and different steering columns. I only have experience with the older GM columns in the Renix era Jeeps.

 

You don't need to remove the steering wheel, it's the same as the TJs, remove the plastic cover under the steering wheel and unbolt all the bolts you find around the lock.

 

Is it really that easy?

 

well it really was that easy except for the tamper proof torx bit to get the piece off before the lock cylinder. thanks to all.