New Jeep, no key

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Bareass
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Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2018 12:21 pm

New Jeep, no key

Post by Bareass »

hey all
I just picked up a 78 Cherokee S 360, auto, that has been stored in a barn for the past 25 years. The PO couldn't find the key, so i can't unlock the steering wheel, or turn the electrics on to lower the rear window or test anything.
I did some searching and noticed that a lot of people are replacing their ignitions because they can start it without a key. Now, this might be a strange question.... how do i make mine do that :lol:

I'd like to get mine to be able to turn on acc. and maybe even try to bump the starter, while I wait to order the new ignition switch. Any ideas?
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Stuka
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by Stuka »

It has to be unlocked to start without a key. Sounds like you will need a key made.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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tgreese
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by tgreese »

Locksmith. New ignition switch won't help, since you can't remove the lock cylinder without a key.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
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Topic author
Bareass
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Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2018 12:21 pm

Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by Bareass »

i meant lock cylinder.

i need a new lock cylinder, but would like to be able to turn it without a key while i wait to get a new one ordered and installed
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tgreese
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by tgreese »

The cylinder won't come out without the key. You can yank the old cylinder out with a slide hammer, but you'll probably break the switch part too. Once you yank the cylinder out, you can turn the switch with a screwdriver. You'll probably have to take the top of the column apart, and buy more parts, to repair the lock if you break it.

Just go to or call a locksmith to the car and have her/him make a key. This is easy for them. Then you'll have a key that works and you won't be tempted to break the steering column.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.
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kansasboy001
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by kansasboy001 »

At the bottom of the column you can unbolt the ignition switch and remove it from the column with the wires still attatched. You then can take a small screw driver and put it in the hole where the actuating rod goes and move the switch. All the way forward or back is start i cant remember.
1983 Cherokee Laredo. 360/ 727/ np228/ Junkyard 7427 TBI/ Msd ignition
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Stuka
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by Stuka »

kansasboy001 wrote:At the bottom of the column you can unbolt the ignition switch and remove it from the column with the wires still attatched. You then can take a small screw driver and put it in the hole where the actuating rod goes and move the switch. All the way forward or back is start i cant remember.
Won’t help him with a locked steering wheel though.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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babywag
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by babywag »

Stuka wrote:
Won’t help him with a locked steering wheel though.
Just remove the steering wheel, and remove the lock plate, then reinstall the wheel. Column will no longer "lock" w/o plate.
-Tony
'88 GW (aka Babywag)

XSapper
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by XSapper »

I have a J20 that starts without a key. It goes into the lock position and I am wondering if it is going to be a problem getting the old lock cylinder out to replace it.
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Stuka
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Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by Stuka »

Sure, but I don’t think he wants to have a hot wired Jeep forever. It will get it driving, but he still ultimately needs a lock Smith.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

XSapper
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Location: Northeastern, KY

Re: New Jeep, no key

Post by XSapper »

Stuka wrote:Sure, but I don’t think he wants to have a hot wired Jeep forever. It will get it driving, but he still ultimately needs a lock Smith.
Yep, I agree. You can't leave it parked outside for fear of someone stealing it. That's where I am at with the J20. I need to get ignition switch cylinders and door locks ordered.
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