[86CJ7]

I just got done taking the dash off and re-wireing behind it. Now that I have everything back together the key is hard to turn. Any easy way to fix this?

 

[1274]

Mike,

Like all ignitions the CJ-7 key simply pushes a metal rod that is connected to the plastic wiring terminal located on the lower portion of the steering column. This connector controls the following positions OFF/ACC/RUN/START.

Something must be rubbing against this rod to create the friction causing the hard to turn problem. Take the cowling off that is attached to the dashboard and the steering column. See if you can see the problem.

I doubt it is in the lock cylinder. Even if it is, changing the key cylinder is not hard to do.

Good luck,
Fran

 

[Jim_Lou]

The problem is probably in the link rod, but iit's a good idea to squirt a little Lock-Eze into the lock anyway. A little blue plastic bottle or spray can at a lock shop if you can't find it in a hardware store.

 

[peteyg]

Had the same problem in my CJ7. The rod bent inside the steering column. PITA. I was in Moab when it happened, so I just went to NAPA and bought one of those universal ignition switches and wired it in at camp. I mounted it in the dash, and never had another problem. It took about 2 hours, including timeouts for beer.