Ignition cylinder question

jblues1969

jblues1969

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Original poster
Joined
Dec 9, 2022
Messages
97
Location
Waxhaw, NC
I'm beginning to suspect that my ignition cylinder isn't the original.

Things I've noticed:
1. My key wasn't SKIM. No chip. I was able to make copies at Lowe's and they work.
2. Tailgate lock fits the key and turns but doesn't lock.
3. Key comes out in position 2, 3, and 4 without hitting the release button.
4. Taking the key out in position 3 leaves the accessories powered on (drains battery). Annoying.

Does anyone have experience with this? I'm thinking about putting in a new cylinder to try to solve 3 and 4, but I could just live with it. Is this a symptom of a cheap or poorly done replacement?
 
Sometimes folks strap a key close to the skim to bypass the need for a skim key.
Your lock rod could be disconnected in the tailgate.
I had 1973 AMC that I could remove the key in any position. Between a worn out key, and a worn out cylinder the key was only needed to initially start. Plus the key was more triangular shaped with no hump in the middle to stop it from coming out.
 
You didn't mention driver's and passenger's doors. Does the key unlock those doors?
 
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Not all TJs came with the SKIM security system. Either yours doesn't have it or a previous owner secured a chipped key adjacent to the SKIM scanner to eliminate the need for a chipped ignition key.
 
I believe my LJ was pretty bare bones. Not much in the way of options. Which is cool since most of them would be outdated anyway.
 
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