anyway to unlock the steering wheel so the ignition will turn

25

Asked by slcruz1 Mar 30, 2008 at 05:16 PM about the 1998 Jeep Cherokee

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

11 Answers

14,275

wiggle the steering wheel when you trun the key, that should work

9 people found this helpful.
195

I cant turn the key at all the whhel is locked and also the gear shift. I was hoping to put into neutral let is gride a little to straighten out the wheel. but can't do anything..help

19 people found this helpful.
365

The problem is in the ignition cylinder itself. This is a common problem with Chrysler/Jeep products. The lock cylinder has become gunked up over the years, and the lock pins are stuck and not coming down to meet the key's surface properly. Here's what you need to do: Put the key in, and then tap it lightly with a hammer or the handle end of a screwdriver while wiggling it. You'll find it will then turn. The real fix is to replace the lock cylinder at the dealers but this is probably several hundred dollars. For the past two years, I've just whacked mine each time with the butt end of my Mag-lite flashlight. As it got worse, I now just leave a single key in the ignition, and have a second key and a "Club" to lock the steering wheel and the doors (as long as the key is left in the ignition, it'll turn fine).

26 people found this helpful.
365

Please rewrite your query using better grammar and I'll try to help you. (I can't understand what you wrote).

6 people found this helpful.
70

I had the same problem.hit key with rubber hammer,no help.removed ignition,no help.removed steering wheel + steering column cover over where actuator assembly is (left side of column) and found a tension spring broken to the steering wheel lock pin and jammed in actuator gear.pulled out broken piece and ignition actuator freed up and was able to shift gears.now I either have to find a new spring or just take out lock pin,if it could be done and not affect anything else .

7 people found this helpful.
260

Kindly assist I’m driving a 2015 jeep Cherokee but now it does not start cus it says smart key fail. The steering wheel is locked I can’t unlock it please assist

26 people found this helpful.
40

Mdtobe, thank you for the help! I just had my 2001 Jeep Sport lock up on me and I put the key in the ignition, lightly tapped the key with a small hammer while simultaneously turning it gently. Then was able to actually turn the ignition enough to unlock the steering wheel and start it! Thank you very much! Clever!

4 people found this helpful.
40

I’m A 71-year-old grandmother. My daughters jeep steering column, key and gearshift were all locked. My son-in-law worked on it for two days and could not get the key to turn. I went online this morning after taking the grandchildren to school, and found your post. It worked after several attempts!!! I was thrilled to text my son-in-law and let him know I took care of the problem! Thank you so much.

4 people found this helpful.
40

My steering wheel is locked an my key wont turn to start my jeep up how do I unlock it so I can get moving?

4 people found this helpful.
20

How do you remove the pin ignition so I can take the key out of 2002 jeep Cherokee grand

1 people found this helpful.
20

How do you remove the pin from the ignition so I can take the key out over 2002 Jeep Cherokee grading

1 people found this helpful.

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