1989 Jaguar XJ6 Ignition

FALLENCLAY

MEMBER
1989 JAGUAR XJ6
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
91,000 MILES

Hey guys, im new to this site but I got an 89 jaguar a few days ago and it had the ignition switched by the previous owner. My steering column is locked up and I cannot start it or wiggle the wheel enough to unlock it any ideas? Im stuck. It just began a few hours ago and has had to be wiggled to get the key to turn before. I heard something about a parking lock and a button to push to unlock it, no such luck finding it.

1 Reply

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Two questions; (my opinion only)
1. Does the key turn and start the motor, but not unlock the column? IF yes, the pin behind the key assembly is jammed or the spring is broken. You will have to pull the ignition switch out again to find out which. Not an easy job.
2. If the key turns hard or doesn't turn at all, you have a key/tumbler problem. Again, the key assembly has to come out.
In this case a key lube might help, but not likely.
The "Mitchell" repair manual has a very good section on this proceedure. I had my own repair shop for 14 years and they were the only manuals I would buy especialy for electrical problems. They aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Hope this gives you a direction being the switch changed. Jim at; jamesweizel@yahoo. Com