Keys Optional?

[Ruckus45]

So I just found out that my keys are a mere option for starting it up. Do I just need to change out the ignition? Dont want anybody stealing my baby now - even thought they prob wont be able to drive it!

 

[Purple77CJ7]

You should be able to change out the ignition switch. Need steering wheel puller and a steering push-puller to remove snap ring.

 

[Jawbox]

I just did this on my '81 last weekend. It doesn't take long, though getting that snap ring off can be a bit of a pain. Once you get down under the turn signal switch you can just depress the little tab and it pops out.

If you want to use your original keys you need to get the Jeep lock cylinder and bring it to a locksmith to have it rekeyed. According to the locksmith I talked to the cheap GM aftermarkets are sealed. I didn't care, so now I have separate keys for the ignition and the steel doors.

I did find that, with my original key, I could work in a little lubrication turn the key all the way back to the locked position, remove the key and get it to lock. It just wasn't all the reliable. If you take the key out in any position than the lock, it will start without the key. (Changing the key cylinder was the only reliable fix for me)

 

[Ruckus45]

Right on, Jawbox did you use that steering wheel puller and steering push-puller Purple77CJ7 talked about? If so, anyone in the Charlotte, NC area have those?

 

[Jawbox]

Right on, Jawbox did you use that steering wheel puller and steering push-puller Purple77CJ7 talked about? If so, anyone in the Charlotte, NC area have those?

Yes, for 50 bucks on a credit card I rented the kit from the local auto parts place. As long as I brought it back in 48 hours, they just credit the card when you're done.

 

[CJ7WAYNE]

I was driving down the highway one day and hit a decent sized bump that knocked my keys out of the ignition! I freaked out for a second until I realized the jeep was still running like a champ. Now I start my jeep and remove the keys before driving so I don't have to worry about them falling out through the drain plugs. It was the first thing I checked when I bought the lady's TJ. I guess its pretty common for jeeps to have removable keys while in drive.

Anyone else have this luxury?

 

[cerrajero]

you should not be able to pull the key out once turned....at all
that includes all years

 

[CJ]

My CJ key is worn out enough that I can pull the key also. I just start it and clip the chain to the steering column.

 

[cerrajero]

the next thing will be no key needed to start
once the key isnt needed to start
then the switch is gone
its up to you whether you want this
if not replacement is a must

 

[CJ7WAYNE]

I will replace it when I absolutely need to. I like the no key option.

 

[ched76]

I was able to change out my cylinder\key with out any pullers. Although it might have been a lot easier with them. Just need an extra set of hands my 9year old was happy to help.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

All the way back in the mid 80s, a classmate of mine, she had about an 80 CJ5 , we used to steal it at lunch on a regular basis. A bunch of us had Cjs, we all knew that keys where optional on most jeeps. So, its been going on for a long, long time !

 

[cerrajero]

and its geographical i guess
around here you need locks ,razor wire, motion sensors, alarms and a demented unfed German trained guard dog with a name like Scar
then it MIGHT be safe
but the best way for your ride to be safe is not to have a ride
hell the Jehovah witnesses won't even come around

so it may seem unusal that "no key needed" is ok with some folks

cerrajero / snake plissken

 

[Busted Knuckles]

and its geographical i guess
around here you need locks ,razor wire, motion sensors, alarms and a demented unfed German trained guard dog with a name like Scar
then it MIGHT be safe
but the best way for your ride to be safe is not to have a ride
hell the Jehovah witnesses won't even come around

so it may seem unusal that "no key needed" is ok with some folks

cerrajero / snake plissken

Yeah, that was funny about the dog and all ! Ive got a 94 Ford F450 sitting at the bottom of my lane with the "keys" optional feature, another common vehicle with that problem (1990s Fords). Nobody bothered to take it yet, not unless they steal someone else's credit card to fuel the beast !

 

[CJ]

The last notch in the key / tumbler keeps the key from being removed. After many years the key / tumbler gets worn. This allows the key to be removed.

As for several keys working in the ignition, again - that is what happens from years of wear.

 

[Old Dog]

Iknow the feeling, I've had my keys fall out going down the trail before.

 

[CJ7WAYNE]

I lost mine on the trail ONCE! Now I have a big yellow floating keychain like you use for boats and jet-ski type vehicles. Now I can find it easy whether its on the ground or in muddy water! I mostly keep it out of the ignition once its running though.

 

[AOrangeWIP]

This was the first thing I did to my jeep...It had the no key needed to start feature which scared me to death. I wouldn't drive it anywhere if I had to leave it unattended. When I pulled the ignition lock cylinder, I fiddled with it for quite some time before realizing that there was a small piece of metal flashing covering the hole that the tab is in. I had to knock the flashing out and then push the tab for the lock cylinder. Once I figured that out it was a breeze.

 

[cerrajero]

The last notch in the key / tumbler keeps the key from being removed. After many years the key / tumbler gets worn. This allows the key to be removed.

As for several keys working in the ignition, again - that is what happens from years of wear.

true but not necessarily the last notch
on mine there are 2 notches that keep it from coming out
(from left to right 654321) #5 and #3 are higher
those are keeping the key in
each tumbler is pushed down by a spring roughly 25/1000 of an inch in diameter and maybe 1/8 inch long then each tumbler has notches on the side that once lined up a bar collapses into the notches allowing the ignition to turn


probably didnt want a class on locks huh?
sorry