This thread is to help if you are on the trail, or are away from home and wish to avoid calling a tow truck.
If you already know how the system works and just want to start the jeep, scroll down to "Starting".
Parts Needed
I used a needle nose plier to align the Ignition Actuator with the Lock cylinder when re-installing the lock cylinder.
Tools Needed
If the jeep is in, "Run", or "Acc", and turning the key has no effect, the actuator is likely broken. (My jeep was left in "ACC" when the actuator broke.)
Some people have had the actuator break in such a way that they still get the "ACC", "Off", and "Run" positions, but cannot get the "Start" position because there is a spring in the switch that pushes the contacts back to "run" when trying to turn to the "start" position with a cracked actuator.
Starting
If the actuator broke such that you still get the "Off" and "Run" positions, but no "Start", put the ignition in "Run" with the Key, and run the starter by taking out the starter relay and shorting the two large lugs with a piece of wire, (I used a doubled paper clip jammed between the lugs). Hold the relay by the housing and touch it down firmly into the socket to run the starter until it starts. If you try and hold a wire in your hands, you could get burned. On my jeep, it was stuck in "Acc" mode, so I had to go to the next step.
If the actuator broke and the switch is not in the "Run" position, you need to get at the Ignition switch. The Ignition Lock Cylinder is on the right side of the steeringcolumn, the Ignition Actuator is under the steering column and fits over the end of the Lock cylinder, the Ignition switch is on the left side of the steering column (under the turn signal stalk) and is jammed on the end of the actuator.
To access the Ignition switch, the plastic shroud that covers the steering column is removed by unscrewing two screws on the bottom of the shroud. Some people report phillips screws, but mine were T-20 Torx. I used a R-2 bit to remove the screws because that is what I had.
Now you need to lift the multi-function stalk assembly, some people report that Two T-20 screws on the top hold it down, but my unit wasn't fastened, it just lifted.
If you lift the Multi-function Assembly, you should see the Ignition Switch and one T-10 security screw that holds it exposed. Use the correct T-10 bit, to unscrew the T-10, this will allow you to pull the switch assembly straight out (towards the driver door).
If you are desperate because you are in the wilderness, a small plier might work, but I suggest you carry a spare ignition switch & just plug it in the harness if needed.
If you look in the centre of the switch, you will see that a flat blade screwdriver can be used to turn the hub to start, run, and stop the jeep.
You still need the ignition key in the lock cylinder to unlock the steering column and satisfy the security system that you own it.
Use the flat blade screwdriver to start the jeep.
Your Jeep should be running!
The actuator can be replaced, just go buy a new "Dorman Ignition Actuator". Dormanhas a good video with installation instructions on Youtube. There are some good Threads on the forum to remove and replace the Ignition Actuator if you are at home. Some people suggest you replace the Ignition Switch as well, since it is all apart.
If you already know how the system works and just want to start the jeep, scroll down to "Starting".
Parts Needed
I used a needle nose plier to align the Ignition Actuator with the Lock cylinder when re-installing the lock cylinder.
Tools Needed
- Security Torx bit T-10 (to remove the switch)
- T-20 bit, (To remove the shroud and possibly the Multi-function assembly) (I bought a Torx set),
- Phillips bits, (Just in case, to remove shroud)
- Robertson bits, (just in case, to remove shroud)
- Flat Bit, (to operate the Ignition Switch)
- Regular reach (not Stubby) Driver handle for bits, (I bought a handle with assorted bits included),
If the jeep is in, "Run", or "Acc", and turning the key has no effect, the actuator is likely broken. (My jeep was left in "ACC" when the actuator broke.)
Some people have had the actuator break in such a way that they still get the "ACC", "Off", and "Run" positions, but cannot get the "Start" position because there is a spring in the switch that pushes the contacts back to "run" when trying to turn to the "start" position with a cracked actuator.
Starting
If the actuator broke such that you still get the "Off" and "Run" positions, but no "Start", put the ignition in "Run" with the Key, and run the starter by taking out the starter relay and shorting the two large lugs with a piece of wire, (I used a doubled paper clip jammed between the lugs). Hold the relay by the housing and touch it down firmly into the socket to run the starter until it starts. If you try and hold a wire in your hands, you could get burned. On my jeep, it was stuck in "Acc" mode, so I had to go to the next step.
If the actuator broke and the switch is not in the "Run" position, you need to get at the Ignition switch. The Ignition Lock Cylinder is on the right side of the steeringcolumn, the Ignition Actuator is under the steering column and fits over the end of the Lock cylinder, the Ignition switch is on the left side of the steering column (under the turn signal stalk) and is jammed on the end of the actuator.
To access the Ignition switch, the plastic shroud that covers the steering column is removed by unscrewing two screws on the bottom of the shroud. Some people report phillips screws, but mine were T-20 Torx. I used a R-2 bit to remove the screws because that is what I had.
Now you need to lift the multi-function stalk assembly, some people report that Two T-20 screws on the top hold it down, but my unit wasn't fastened, it just lifted.
If you lift the Multi-function Assembly, you should see the Ignition Switch and one T-10 security screw that holds it exposed. Use the correct T-10 bit, to unscrew the T-10, this will allow you to pull the switch assembly straight out (towards the driver door).
If you are desperate because you are in the wilderness, a small plier might work, but I suggest you carry a spare ignition switch & just plug it in the harness if needed.
If you look in the centre of the switch, you will see that a flat blade screwdriver can be used to turn the hub to start, run, and stop the jeep.
You still need the ignition key in the lock cylinder to unlock the steering column and satisfy the security system that you own it.
Use the flat blade screwdriver to start the jeep.
Your Jeep should be running!
The actuator can be replaced, just go buy a new "Dorman Ignition Actuator". Dormanhas a good video with installation instructions on Youtube. There are some good Threads on the forum to remove and replace the Ignition Actuator if you are at home. Some people suggest you replace the Ignition Switch as well, since it is all apart.