Door Chimes with Key Removed

[pcrawfordpt]

A few days ago I noticed my ignition was turning a little rough, and today it decided not to start my TJ. I could turn it all the way, but it wouldn't start the engine. All the lights came on, but no ignition. I popped out the ignition and was able to start it with a screwdriver to get home. This is much easier than you think. Once home I fiddled with the ignition...took it apart, cleaned and greased. Turned the pins that slide in it over, so the newer sides would help them turn smooth, and it was working nicely. Put it back in and it started with the key. Success I thought! Then I took the key out and the door chime was still going like the key was in the ignition. Well crap, now what? It's one of three things: Ignition still faulty, Actuator gone bad, or Ignition Switch went bad. Don't think it's the Ignition Switch or it wouldn't start the Jeep. Inside the actuator is a little pin, that when depressed by the ignition, causes the door chime. There is a hole in the ignition where this lives. I'm thinking it's not aligning properly, but there's really no other way to install it. Anyone ever encountered this? What was your fix?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

My bet is the ignition actuator broke. This one.... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BYX8W8/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[pcrawfordpt]

OK...so I just took it all apart and think I have it figured out. The Ignition Switch and Actuator are fine. The ignition cylinder is bad. When I took it apart to clean and grease, I put the Key Reminder pice in backwards. Black part in picture (captured form youtube video). I flipped it around and now when I remove the key the chime goes away. However, now I'm back to the Jeep not starting! It looks like the groove this key reminder slides into in the cylinder wall is all buggered up and preventing it from turning completely in the corrected position. Will get a new ignition and hopefully that will solve the problem. Hoping I can just swap the key tumbler from the old to the new one! I'll keep you posted.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

Update:

All has been resolved. I ordered the Doorman 924-909 replacement Ignition Lock Cylinder. When it arrived, I looked it over and it looked exactly like the factory cylinder. I pulled out the key tumbler (not sure if that's what it's called) from the doorman and put in the key tumbler from my jeep, and it worked perfectly! No Need to re-key or go to a locksmith! Jeep starts and no more door chime. $22 and a few days later it's fixed.

Side note: I did notice my original factory key of 23 years had worn down and even the new cylinder was a little tricky. Luckily I still have a new factory key, and it worked perfect. I'm thinking the worn down key was causing the cylinder to wear oddly and what led to my failure. If you start to notice an unhappy cylinder, try using a new key before it gets damaged.

Tip: Remember you do not have to take your dash apart to replace the cylinder. There is a hole under the steering column that you stick a screw driver up into and this lets you pull the cylinder right out. Your key MUST be in the On/Acc position (not starting). Also if you are not familiar with how to take apart the cylinder, there are youtube videos to help.