1986 Jeep CJ7 ignition

See my profile and other CJ 5 and CJ 7 questions I have answered.I try to help CJ people as much as I can!

Are you turning the key to "OFF" when it is removed? (Common for the key to come out, in ANY position. When the cylinder is worn out. Can crank without the key sometimes also. Sometimes "LOCK" works too, and you had better have the key to get it to turn!)

RIGHT NOW, with what you have said, it sounds like one of several possibilities.

Cylinder may have came off the rack and pinion on the other end from the key

Can you crank it? Does cranking seem normal "feel of the key"?

May be the ACTUAL IGNITION SWITCH, on the column---12 O'clock---other side of the dash----over the pedals. Slipped in its Adjusting Bolts/ screws---or the rod between the key and it came out or broke. Or the Actual switch is bad

I may can help you thru this. Really hard to see it. Kinda gotta feel your way into troubleshooting it or even harder. Feel to replace it!

Let me know where you stand

I will help

Do you have a manual for me to guide you with?

Respond

The Medic

This is a BRAND NEW OEM or a aftermarket NEW column. Or is this from the salvage yard?

Did the wires (On the column, near your pedals) Plug in (one long connector)? Or did we have to BUTT-SPLICE wires together?

Was the switch working correctly before the column replacement?

Did the switch EVER work correctly. After the column replacement?

Is this the original or the same as original Switch (not the key cylinder)?----(Did it come with the new column?)

I sorta do not know whether you have the REAL AMC column or some other "High Speed" replacement.

If it is like the original----maybe the ACTUAL Switch over your pedals (behind the dash) Has Slid (or was mounted incorrectly) In the ELONGATED slots used to adjust it UP or Down the Column (toward or away from the Rod from the key.

The Medic