Tilt wheel kills ignition

[Dim Bulb]

I have a 1980 CJ5 with a tilt wheel steering column. I have to adjust the column or it won't start.

If I click it to a different position, it fires right up. Otherwise I get nothing.

Has anyone had this issue? Any tips?

Thanks.

 

[cglax6]

Did this recently happen, or has it happened the whole time you've had the Jeep?

Also, do you know if it's been re-wired?

Initial guess is a stripped wire somewhere or a bad connection (loose or barely hanging on) on the switch. If it was rewired at some point, could be that a wire is too short.

I have a feeling you're going to see the problem once you take a look inside...

 

[hagar]

The electrical should be fine.
Problem will be with the lock rack and rod mechanism (mechanical) that reaches down thru the column and activates the ignition switch.
It could also be an ignition switch problem/adjustment, as it is mounted to the column tube.

 

[Dim Bulb]

I'll just replace the ignition switch. It seems kind of worn out. We'll see if that helps. Thanks.

 

[ZEN357]

Possibly pinched or stripped wiring?