Ignition Switch Actuator Pin Keeps Breaking

[chestnuts]

Hey guys, I’ve had my 2006 TJ for 4 to 5 years now and it’s been pretty reliable except for one problem, that god forsaken ignition switch actuator pin won’t stop breaking. It’s just broken for the third time (just under a year since the last time it broke). I was just wondering if any of you guys had the same problem? Is there anything I can do to keep it from happening again?

For what it’s worth I’m not rough when turning the key in the ignition and the key doesn’t get hit by my knee or anything while I’m driving around.


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[fourpointzero]

Do you have a big collection of keys? I had a mechanic warn me that heavy keychains or a mass collection of keys hanging off the ignition can cause issues. Whether it’s true or not, I don’t know. But I’ve only had 2 keys hanging from my ignition switch since. Only had an ignition pin issue once.


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[Jerry Bransford]

Whose replacement ignition actuator pin are you buying? Repeated breakages of first quality replacements aren't common.

 

[chestnuts]

I buy this one: Dorman Ignition Switch Actuator Pin

I don’t think my keychain is that heavy, but I can lighten it up. Thanks for the input guys.


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[fourpointzero]

Same one I purchased as well [emoji106]


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[pagrey]

Maybe your switch is bad or really cruddy and causing the failures? I bought a Dorman replacement actuator and hope I'm not in for another anytime soon.

Your keychain has absolutely nothing to do with it. I'm pretty sure of that.

 

[chestnuts]

I ended up buying a pin as well as the ignition switch itself for the hell of it (it was like $20 so why not?). I looked at the old ignition switch and it looked a bit worn whereas the pin looked fine. I replaced both parts for peace of mind and am going to keep the old pin around if I need it in a pinch.


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[JMP824]

I have also broken 2 Dorman actuator pins, the 2nd was within 2 weeks of replacement. Am wondering if the lock barrel could be worn, causing enuf play in the cylinder to snap the plastic actuator pin when turning the key? I have since wired it to a pushbutton switch that is much more reliable.

 

[pagrey]

I have also broken 2 Dorman actuator pins

Something else was probably binding, who knows what was corroded or causing problems? If you found a solution that's great. You probably could find what was causing it to break but on the other hand if you found something that works why mess with it?

 

[JMP824]

I agree, but am now looking to sell my Jeep and am concerned the pushbutton start might be a deterrent to avg buyers.