Key doesn't lock in the ignition

[MikekiM]

I know this isn’t unique to me. Key goes in the ignition. Functions 100% as expected except that it doesn’t lock in the ignition cylinder. Once running I can remove the key.

Do I care? I haven’t found a reason to be overly concerned about it.

Am I wrong and if so, what is the fix for it that will allow key to stay matched to doors and tailgate?

 

[P man]

I know this isn’t unique to me. Key goes in the ignition. Functions 100% as expected except that it doesn’t lock in the ignition cylinder. Once running I can remove the key.

Do I care? I haven’t found a reason to be overly concerned about it.

Am I wrong and if so, what is the fix for it that will allow key to stay matched to doors and tailgate?

Common issue some people care others see a removable key a nice option to have and could care less. It does make for a fascinating trick to play on your kids or wife

The fix is a new lock cylinder and keys or and is an easy fix.

 

[Agamemnon]

Mine does the same (as do a few other vehicles of mine). I view it as a feature and genuinely prefer it this way, I love not having to shut the vehicle off to lock or unlock the tailgate.

 

[MikekiM]

I haven’t found any negative other than I sometimes leave it in the Accessory position when I pull the key.

I do find it convenient at times…. Unlock the glove box or arm rest while running (yeah, not too sure why I bother locking them at all), or unlocking the under seat CC security box.

I wouldn’t want to have to modify all the cylinders to match if I replace this one.

I’ll leave it alone.

 

[Jack72]

Mine does this as well and ditto to all the above comments. I’ve needed to unlock my center console while at a stop light and it has proven to be more convenience than nuisance.

 

[Gollywomper]

Mine does this as well and ditto to all the above comments. I’ve needed to unlock my center console while at a stop light and it has proven to be more convenience than nuisance.

I didn’t mind it at all until I removed my key in the wrong position and my battery died. I changed the key switch and never looked back. New switches can be keyed to your existing key.

 

[MikekiM]

I didn’t mind it at all until I removed my key in the wrong position and my battery died. I changed the key switch and never looked back. New switches can be keyed to your existing key.

So I can buy a new cylinder for the ignition and key it to my existing key? Got any details on how to do this?

 

[Gollywomper]

They are set up to be learned to your key. Very easy to do. The tumbler comes out of the steering column in a minute or two and the new one only takes a minute to relearn and install.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/.../2322/automotive-suv-1998-jeep-wrangler?pos=2

 

[MikekiM]

They are set up to be learned to your key. Very easy to do. The tumbler comes out of the steering column in a minute or two and the new one only takes a minute to relearn and install.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/.../2322/automotive-suv-1998-jeep-wrangler?pos=2

Outstanding! Thank you!

 

[P man]

Outstanding! Thank you!

There is youtube videos that show the process as well and it's very easy even if you arent a locksmith or even close to understanding how a lock works.

 

[txbemis69]

So I can buy a new cylinder for the ignition and key it to my existing key? Got any details on how to do this?

any good locksmith can rekey your new lock cylinder for a few bucks.

 

[Gollywomper]

any good locksmith can rekey your new lock cylinder for a few bucks.

They have lock cylinders that come in a special “can” you just insert your existing key back and forth to set the new cylinder. Supper easy.

 

[Gollywomper]

Here is a video on the self learning lock cylinders.

https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-97863-924-784.aspx

 

[txbemis69]

They have lock cylinders that come in a special “can” you just insert your existing key back and forth to set the new cylinder. Supper easy.

never heard of this. i had a toyota camry rekeyed to match the original door locks a couple years ago and within a week the car was sitting in a wrecking yard totaled. my jeep was it’s replacement. camry = 35 mpg. jeep = maybe 15 mpg. camry fun factor = 0, jeep = 100.

 

[MikekiM]

They are set up to be learned to your key. Very easy to do. The tumbler comes out of the steering column in a minute or two and the new one only takes a minute to relearn and install.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/.../2322/automotive-suv-1998-jeep-wrangler?pos=2

Did a search on the site you liked to, changing to a MY 2000 and came up with a price of $103.99 for part number 924-784

Found the same part number on Amazon for $44.76… delivered next day with full return if needed.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Pretty sure I didn't pay close to that when I replaced mine. It couldn't have taken more than 20 minutes to rekey it the old fashioned way. I don't know enough about the relearn cylinders to trust that they're as secure.

 

[MikekiM]

So I followed the suggestion of @Gollywomper and purchased the Dorman 924-784 Mechanical Relearn ignition Lock Cylinder. Cost was $44 from Amazon Prime and I had it in a day. Well, that was the first one.

The process is simple, if you actually read the instructions. I kinda did and when I removed the ignition lock cylinder a bunch of springs and pins went flying all over the interior. I didn’t turn it enough towards the return position. Returned that one to Amazon and less than 24 hours later had a replacement.

Installed the replacement in twenty minutes. The hardest part was removing the old lock cylinder since the key doesn’t lock in it and it’s tough to pull the cylinder out.

I highly recommend this route if you have a similar problem. Easy, fast and cheap. Read the instructions.