Jeep Wrangler TJ Performance PCM Tuning

How can I get the center console to unlock?

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JeepsR4Me19

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I bought a jeep that I think the ignition cylinder was changed so the key is not the same and the console is locked. I need to open it so I can remove the console to do some cleaning and floor prep.
Not calling a lock smith. Just if anyone has s trick or something. I also dont think this is anything secret as its a soft top with a plastic locking console so we not educating criminals divulging info
I know I can break it, but I want to try to get into it with minimum destroying.
 
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What model year? Later TJs (like my 2005) had a mostly plastic lock assembly with exception of the locking cylinder and tumblers. The lid on mine was attached at rear to a piano hinge with 2 screws into metal speed nut fasteners (IIRC). If you force that end open, cost to repair would likely require a full used lid from same model series. Unless skilled at picking such simple locks, drilling out the tumbler might work but the locking plunger would still need to be retracted to release from the console. These lock pics are from a donor console lid purchased for my mine (no key furnished, so swapped in my original) which shows that construction.

Edited to correct hinge screw count plus show what you can't see from topside on the later console style.

20260815_115606.webp 20260815_115617.webp 20260815_115701.webp

20260829_103748.webp 20260829_103825.webp 20260829_103835.webp
 
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its a 98. I tried my lock picking lawyer tech on it, but think that dude magic or something as I can not get any thing to happen. Its in MINT shape too so I dont want to drill, but I will
 
Not sure about a '98, but I just did some modifying on the inside of the console of my '06, making a handy dandy place to carry my pistol.
Mine is held on by 3 bolts. 2 in the back under the rubber cup holder, 1 under the front one. Take those out, remove the console (unhook wiring if you have a subwoofer) and you may be able to open it by prying the latch open with a straight screwdriver from the inside. If you aren't keeping anything of value in there, use some backwoods engineering to keep the latch open and let the lid use gravity to stay closed.
YMMV
 
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there are bolts inside under that arm rest. May just drill it. I dont really care about it being locked or not. Jeep is filthy and I got to clean it
 
Nah, Im drilling straight down thru the key hole.. Nothing gonna get hurt. Just thought someone might have a secret bendy tool that I could snake under there to click that lock open.
 
06GEEP said:
Not sure about a '98, but I just did some modifying on the inside of the console of my '06, making a handy dandy place to carry my pistol.
Mine is held on by 3 bolts. 2 in the back under the rubber cup holder, 1 under the front one. Take those out, remove the console (unhook wiring if you have a subwoofer) and you may be able to open it by prying the latch open with a straight screwdriver from the inside. If you aren't keeping anything of value in there, use some backwoods engineering to keep the latch open and let the lid use gravity to stay closed.
YMMV
Click to expand...

My ‘98 has a waterproof tub insert, so I don’t think the lock could be accessed from below. The insert can be unscrewed with the lid open, but his is locked.
 
Can you use the VIN to find the original key cut? I would imagine a good Locksmith could do the job cheaper than a dealer.
 
Flat head screwdriver and a hammer. Lock wont ever work again but should be able to open it. Just tap the flat head into where the key goes
 
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Ok which way do you turn the key when looking straight down while sitting in the driver seat? Im gonna try the screw driver.

I did think about going to the local dealer and getting a key also
 
JeepsR4Me19 said:
I bought a jeep that I think the ignition cylinder was changed so the key is not the same and the console is locked.
Click to expand...

Reading this again - does the key fit in the door lock or the tail gate lock? They should all be the same. Reason I ask is maybe it is the correct key, and the console lock has an issue. Mine is difficult to unlock due to the cylinder sitting too far down. I have to insert the key and lift up while turning it to get the cylinder to lift up enough so it will turn.

Console locked = key slot pointing to doors.
Console unlocked = key slot pointing towards dash.
Key turns clockwise to lock.
 
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Gonna give that a whack. I got the head off right now and that interior just on the back burner.
 
KennethS said:
Reading this again - does the key fit in the door lock or the tail gate lock? They should all be the same. Reason I ask is maybe it is the correct key, and the console lock has an issue. Mine is difficult to unlock due to the cylinder sitting too far down. I have to insert the key and lift up while turning it to get the cylinder to lift up enough so it will turn.

Console locked = key slot pointing to doors.
Console unlocked = key slot pointing towards dash.
Key turns clockwise to lock.
Click to expand...
THIS was the answer.. Every lock worked with the key so I knew there was no way someone put a different console in. I had to use some PBlaster and wiggle and tap, but it turned and opened. I took it all apart to clean up real good.
 
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