Is A Early 97 Ignition Key Cylinder Different Than Later 97?

PattonD

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Due to my stuck key, I am about to order the Ignition Lock Cylinder for my 97 TJ. The Dorman unit for the 97 is OOS for most places, so I went to check at RockAuto. They indicate my June 96-built TJ may need a different MOPAR unit, but I didn't see that callout on any dedicated Jeep supplier sites. Do I need to get the below, or are the 97's the same?

It does say to exclude full-length floor consoles, but I am not sure what that means.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,1997,wrangler,4.0l+l6,1185285,ignition
MOPAR 4746667 Black Plastic Info Before 7/17/96 launch; Half Metal Doors with Locks; Exc. Full Length Floor Console

04746667_0001__ra_p.jpg
 
According to my list of quirks of the 97 model (see my signature) the answer is yes, they are different for 97s and 98s.

Let us know what you learn and I'll update that thread.
 
According to my list of quirks of the 97 model (see my signature) the answer is yes, they are different for 97s and 98s.

Let us know what you learn and I'll update that thread.

Based on RockAuito, This looks like one of the things that early 97 MAY be different from later 97 and not carried on to 98.

The good news is, if correct, the 95,96,97 XJ's used the same part. Will let you know.
 
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I never was able to get the key to get back to the release full off or starter position, but I was able to get it to accessory and pull the cylinder.

Now, is this a different lock than later TJ? How do I get the key out? And can a new lock be rekeyed to accept the original keys so it can match the rest of the Jeep.

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There's a button on the steering column that normally releases the key. I'm not sure how it connects to that cylinder but I see what appears to be a button in the first photo in your second post. Did you try pushing it to see if it releases the key?
 
That button is the release for the cylinder, though I did try it. I sent a pic to Wolf Security that Mac listed above, he confirmed the 97 lock is different, and is getting the correct part for me and matching my key off a pic of the spare. Very reasonable pricing!

He also gave me the option to rebuild mine, but I would rather get the new part.