ignition cylinder?

[Mudhawg]

before i got my XJ someone had tried to steal it and in the process destroyed the column so i got a new one from pick n pull but it didnt have keys now my issue is i read in the haynes book that i need the key to get the old cylinder out? but seeing as i have no key how can i go about doing it?

[WagoneerXJ]

I've heard of someone takin it to a locksmith, and they can make you a key for it. I mean take the whole column with you. Might work? Or mangle it "gently" and get the tumblers broken out so that you can turn it with a screwdriver.

[cLAY]

I've bought a few cars at the polics auction and there was a locksmith there that would make you a key for it on site. Might be pricey to get a locksmith to come to you but if you can take it to him might not be too bad....

[AMCJeep]

before i got my XJ someone had tried to steal it and in the process destroyed the column so i got a new one from pick n pull but it didnt have keys now my issue is i read in the haynes book that i need the key to get the old cylinder out? but seeing as i have no key how can i go about doing it?

Pull the steering wheel, pull off the horn kit and locking ring that holds on the lock plate. Pullout the signal light mechanism. On the top of the ignition switch you should find a torx or Philips bolt that holds the ignition tumbler in, remove that. You will see a 1cm square slot behind the tumbler and you need to stick a flat screwdriver in the slot and then pull the tumbler out. It's a bit of a pain to get at the screw and slot but it can be done in about 20 min. Below is a link with some nice pictures

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=939364&highlight=ignition+lock+removal

Of course you can always just do like everyone else mentioned and get a key made for about $50. New ignition tumblers are about $20 from Partsource.

HTH.

[Mudhawg]

sorry guys being a 96 its airbag'd kind of like a grand cherokee so the ignition cylinder is almost 80 bucks... might try and get a key cut that seems cheeper since the column is sitting in my basement