The stupid piddling little dumb things that can go wrong and immobilize your vehicle!!
I was at Lowe's. I bought some sealant for the foam panels. I went out and got in the Jeep; inserted the key into the ignition lock. It felt odd, sort of squishy going in. ??? I tried to turn the key. It would not budge. Of course, I did not have a cell phone with me. Frustrated after several minutes of trying and re-trying with the spare key as well as the one I've always used, I whacked the key with my fist... driving it into the lock. The key turned! The Jeep started and I went home.
Safe on the driveway I removed the key and re-inserted it. It would not turn. Whacked it in again. It turned.
There is a little "dirt flap" that moves to the side I guess, when a key is inserted. Well I guess the dirtbag flap broke off and the key pushed it into the cylibder mechanism. It takes the whack to compress it to get the tumblers to align.
Of course this is an air bag equipped steering wheel; nothing simple like pulling the wheel on an old '55 Chevy. SOB. At least I can drive it to the repair shop, even though the guys I use would pick it up with one of their tow trucks for free. If I never left town with this vehicle, never ventured into the "middle of nowhere" I'd be tempted to leave it and see if eventually the pounding would break up the little piece of crap so it was not a problem. I hope they can repair or get a new lock and re-key to use the old keys. They have computer chips in them and are not cheap. Like I am. ;)
Investigation has revealed the steering wheel does not need removal. :) And I can probably change the lock myself.... now to look further into the chipped key situation........ Video instructions found on re keying the tumblers; the replacement lock comes with a full new set that can be used to replicate anything ever used by the 99 Jeep. On mine I dopn't even have to take any parts odd to get the lock out; there is a hole provided to insert a rod or awl to release the lock. Found the parts for 51.12 including first class mail delivery... RockAuto
Don... I would suggest taking it to Bill's Lock and Key up in the heights. They rebuilt a tumbler for our 4-Runner a few years ago, vs. buying a new tumbler.
I understand your frustration
I went out to start the white beast (F250 PS Diesel) saturday to run an errand
No start -- starter spun the engine great but nothing close to a fire -- spent most of saturday charging the batteries etc etc check fuel filter, check fuses, relays
sunday more of same
finally found an electrical connector dangling down by the serpentine belts not conected to anything
took a pic and posted to the Ford truck forum -- in a few minutes they told me it was the connector to the radiator fan clutch -- sure enough the wire was shredded down by the fan
(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0532.jpg)
So today I get to talk to the shop owner that changed the clutch 739 miles ago... not happy
Hey Don, keep us posted on how things go.
I've got a '99 Wrangler of which the locking mechanism that keeps the key locked in while running has worn out....so I can check my lock box mail without shutting off the stump jumper. Kinda like that...alot....but one day....like anything mechanical, it'll go completely south...when fishing... at Miller lake.....without a cell phone
Quote from: Windpower on March 19, 2012, 05:41:29 AM
I understand your frustration
That reminds me of a problem we had years ago with our Porsche powered VW Westphalia Kombi. It developed a clutch problem and I had a local shop, German car Wunderkind shop replace it. Then we took off to yellowstone. In the wilds of Wyoming it quit running; dead like a switch was turned off. It cooled and re-started. Off we go. Stops again. repeat twice and then it would not go at all. Walked to a ranch house and called the nearest tow company. We spent the night sleeping in the camper on the flat bed tow truck. The next day he took us to the local VW / European guru. On a small farm, just out of town. The barn was filled with VW's in various stages of repair, a Citroen, a Peugeot. I told him the problem. and he scratched his chin and said 'let's go for a ride'. He mumbled something about the electrics on these things being just about bulletproof; it should not just stop like that. We did and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. Suddenly it quit dead while we bounded down a dirt two tack road. With his eyes alight the guy popped open the engine lid and started poking, pulling things electrical. "Click!" A definite audible click when he pushed on one harness connection. It started right up. never ever quit again. .... The shop that did the clutch just didn't push hard enough to engage both of the connector locks/retainers. He didn't even charge much. It was less than the tow.
Anyhow I didn't get to the Jeep today as I was busy with the remodeling. But when I went to move it the key slipped right in and turned, no problem. My present plan is to pull the lock in the next day or so, remove the tumblers and clean out the cylinder. Reassemble. :-\
Gary..... If you want to check into a replacement cylinder see... RockAuto.com (http://www.rockauto.com) Search for part# 924703 manufacturer DORMAN It fits Jeeps 98-08. $46.89 today. Yesterday 47.79
I bought things from them before. Good service and prices. Something like $15 cheaper than the best local price with the shipping but not counting the tax on the local purchase.