Ignition tumbler issues?

[Bababooey]

For a long time now, the key in my 2006 LJ felt pretty sloppy in the tumbler. Yesterday when I went to start the jeep, it went to the ignition on position, and then everything just got super loose. The key would turn to the start position, but there was zero resistance when turning the key, and the jeep never cranked. I then tried to turn the key to the off position, and again got no resistance, and I couldnt turn the ignition off (had to disconnect battery). I'm assuming it's either the tumbler, ignition switch, or actuator. Will likely just replace everything while i'm in there.

I searched RockAuto for a new tumbler and they had one without a transponder. My jeep key is gray which "i think" means I have a transponder key, but I truly have no idea what that means and whether or not I need to find a tumbler with transponder keys.

Anybody have experience with this that can point me in the right direction? Thanks all.
Chris

 

[Chris]

The tumbler is the same. There is no difference to it, regardless if you have SKIM enabled or not.

 

[Reign Mack]

if it still starts you may just need Ignition Lock Cylinder - 5003843
could be worth changing the Ignition Switch Actuator Pin will you are already in there though

 

[TJ4Jim]

Just have to have the replacement tumbler reset for your skim key.

 

[qslim]

Sounds to me like the actuator rod finally broke. If you can put the key in and turn it then the tumbler is functioning properly, but when the crappy actuator rod breaks the tumbler is no longer connected to the ignition switch on the other side of the steering column so turning the key has no effect. Those things suck, but they're easy to replace.

 

[pagrey]

As @qslim said it sounds like the actuator pin to me. There is a good video here on replacing it.



Yours might be a little different, 2006 and all. You probably need a t10 tamper proof or security bit, grainger sells them individually if you have one local.

 

[Bababooey]

So is the actuator rod part of the ignition switch, or is it a separate part?

 

[qslim]

So is the actuator rod part of the ignition switch, or is it a separate part?

It's a separate part which is good because they suck and break a lot. You have your tumbler on the right of the column, the switch on the left, and the actuator rod connecting the two. Three different components. Luckily the actuator rod is made of pot metal lol.

 

[Bababooey]

I guess I’ll replace the actuator, and ignition switch (while I’m in there) and see if that does it. Thanks all for the help.

 

[Bababooey]

Sure enough, the actuator rod had crumbled apart. Threw a new ignition switch in while I was In there and it’s working like a charm.

 

[Chilidawg]

I know this is an old thread but what Ignition switch did you end up using. I dont see a Dorman for a 99.

 

[K-nuts]

Just wanted to say thanks - this thread helped me order the right part and rescue my Jeep!