76 cj5 steering column. How do you take it apart?

[Michael]

I've got a 76 CJ5 and all of a sudden when i go to start it i turn the ignition key over and it doesn't turn all the way. it turns on enough to turn on the electricity but not enough to turn over the engine?? Not sure what to do.

 

[IOPort51]

did you check the wire on the solenoid?

 

[CJ]

Hello Michael and welcome to our site!

Tilt or no tilt? Wondering if you have a swapped column...

Is the tumbler turning all the way or jamming up?

If it's not turning all the way the switch could be bad or the mechanism that engages the switch or the actual lock.

To check if it is the switch - just mark it's location, and unbolt it from the column (it's located at the bottom towards the dash. If you can get to the start position the switch is bad.

If the key still won't turn to the start position you need to pull the wheel and the lock plate (if you have one), then pull the key and check for binding in the lock or the mechanism.

 

[rushpowersystems]

Some times the ignition switch bolts will come loose. Can you turn it to the crank position and nothing happens? Can you turn it to acc. Does the off position line up? Reach up and feel the switch, its located on top of the column between the firewall and the dash. Turn the key, can you feel the switch moving? or can you move it by hand? You have too bolts that hold in the switch, if they are loose move the key to crank and adjust the switch until the engine cranks, be sure to chock the wheels and set emergency brake, after adjustment tighten the screws.

The switch is controlled by a rod that comes down from the key tumbler, remove the switch by removing the two screws and slightly lifting up, you don’t need to unplug the connector just slid the switch out to the passengers or key side of the column. Turn the key to see if the rod moves freely, using a screwdriver in the place of the rod on the key switch move the switch to see if it can access all positions, if the switch feels hot as you are doing this, or you cant move the switch on all locations its your switch.

If you need to replace the switch take the old one to the parts store and match up the mount and terminal location, there is a lot of swapping going on in old Jeeps you can save a return trip if you match it up.

if you need some visuals on the switch you can see it in my post on column swaps http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/cj-5-steering-column-swap-1995/

 

[Michael]

My steering column is a gm non tilt. When i turn the tumbler it goes far enough to turn the radio and stuff like that on. But it goes a little farther but i don't know if its going far enough to activate the starter? The wire on the solenoid is fine. The plastic part inside that the tumbler turns which pushes the metal rod is broken for sure. But that happened after it wouldn't start. So you put the tumbler in and turn it as far as it goes and then you take it out and turn it and if it turns far enough to have started it then its bad? Thanks for all the help.

 

[LongHorn]

My steering column is a gm non tilt. When i turn the tumbler it goes far enough to turn the radio and stuff like that on. But it goes a little farther but i don't know if its going far enough to activate the starter? The wire on the solenoid is fine. The plastic part inside that the tumbler turns which pushes the metal rod is broken for sure. But that happened after it wouldn't start. So you put the tumbler in and turn it as far as it goes and then you take it out and turn it and if it turns far enough to have started it then its bad? Thanks for all the help.

This isn't the answer your looking for, but it's a cheap fix.

 

[jeepman13]

if your just trying to determine if the lock cylinder isnt turning far enough why don't you just pull the electronic ignition switch off the column (2 screws) detach the rod and move it with a flat screwdriver to see if the engine will turn over.

 

[Michael]

If you use this how do you keep the column from locking up or does it? And where can you get one? Whats it called?