where is Ignition switch?

[jbaker4341]

I have a 81 CJ7 with V8 350 5.7L. When I turn the key I get nothing. I have checked all fuses, relays, checked all hot wires I could find with test light - all okay, battery good, checked starter and solenoid and they are good, everything works except when I turn the key and nothing happens. I assume at this point its the Ignition switch. I can see around the steering column but I can't see any type of switch. can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Try a fresh known good battery.
LG

 

[jbaker4341]

I used a jumper and still the exact same results

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Because the other battery is pull'n the 'juice' from the good battery.
Try just the good, known battery without jumper cables......
BTW-the ign switch is where you put the key in....
LG

 

[RiverandSand]

It's probably related to switch under the hood, in your previous post. Turn the switch on under the then try our column key. The key on the column moves a rod attached to a switch located on top of the column under the dash. It could be out of alignment.

 

[zmanmikey]

I recently replaced the ignition switch on my 82 CJ7 . The ignition switch is bolted to the top of the steering column. In order to access it easier, you need to drop the column a little bit. First remove the black plastic cover that “joins” the column to the dashboard. The there are 2 nuts (or bolts) holding the column to the dash and 2 bolts holding it on to the firewall. Remove those and the column should drop enough to give you access to the switch.

There is a rod that goes into the switch that moves the contacts when you turn the key. Make sure it’s actually moving the switch. You can remove the rod from the switch and use a small screwdriver to manually move the switch to test if it’s not an alignment issue.

 

[HackFabrication]

BTW-the ign switch is where you put the key in....
LG

Close.... But no cigar...

The ignition switch is bolted to the top of the steering column.

^^^ This.

It's a funky relationship between the ignition lock cylinder and the actual ignition switch, which zmanmikey has pointed out. There's a rack and pinion gear that actuates a rod, that moves the contacts inside the actual ignition switch. Trust me, I've autopsied my 76 CJ steering column... It's a rectangular block that a major part of your wiring harness plugs into. IIRC, it's just under where the steering column meets the dash.

And, BTW, AMC changed over the switch (actually, GM probably did, since it's a Saginaw steering column), some time in the late 70's. My 76 ignition switch is not the same as a late model CJ.

If you need to replace the actual switch, make certain you get the correct one!

 

[jbaker4341]

I lowered the steering column but I don't see any type of switch. Could mine be all electronic and no mechanical style switch? If you look in my pictures all I see is wires running down the column.

 

[jbaker4341]

I believe all my stuff/electronics is set up for a GM V8 350 engine. I have an older GM steering column. prob somewhere in the 1970'. So I don't have that mechanical style ignition switch.