Ignition Lock Rack broken ?!?!?

[CoderWil]

Okay. I am a newbie Jeep owner.

Here is the back story...

Went to market with my son in my recently acquired Jeep GW (84). It has lots of troubles, but we have been handling these little bits by little bits, and I have been learning how things work on a car as well... Anyways, I get back into the car and turn the ignition. The car won't start, so I try several more times. During this time, the ability of the Lock cylinder to spring back from the start, to the on position goes from faulty to not at all.

I figured it was the lock cylinder, what do I know, I am new at this. Well, I got the part, removed the steering wheel and replaced the lock cylinder. This is not the part that was broken. So, being fearless, I ventured further. I have found that the problem is identified by the Big Light Blue Service Manual as the Lock Rack.

Here is the problem. I was able to fish part of the lock rack out of the steering column, but I have not officially uncovered the area where it fits. And, I can't figure out how to remove the turn signal switch without cutting wires. So the Cover is only slightly revealing Housing.

So, I guess my question boils down to this. Is there any tutorials, preferrably with pics, that shows how to replace the Lock Rack? Or can anyone give me some hints on what to do next? I am currently expecting to be 'between jobs' very shortly, so I cannot afford to take this problem to a professional to fix. (let alone the lost pride of having FAILED) ;)

All help would be greatly appreciated...

William

[Tad]

Not sure about the rack but that entire turn signal harness and assembly feeds down thru the column, (real fun to remove and replce, tight fit), it unplugs on the column from another harness way back up past the section of AC duct that runs under the column (this comes down pretty simply).
It's a standard GM harness up thru about 86 I think, available in that red help section at most parts stores. Mine was about $18.

[gsmikie]

you shouldnt have to remove the switch all the way you shoild have room to move it to the side go to the parts store and get a book on your truck ....welcome to the board i spent my teen years in Pasadena went to La Canada high

[CoderWil]

I've got the M.R.253 Jeep Wagoneer/Truck book. What other book would you suggest?

(spend my teen years up the hill from you at St.Francis)

;)

[gsmikie]

St.Francis use to hang a cape on him ......looked like he was trying to fly

[jc turtle]

HI CODERWIL, THE RACK CONNECTS TO A ROD THAT GOES THRU A LITTLE OF THE COLUMN, THEN EXITS ALONG THE TOP/SIDE OF THE COLUMN AND ATTACHES TO THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH. I THINK THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE A LITTLE MORE OF THE COLUMN APART TO REPAIR YOUR PROBLEM. MAYBE YOU CAN FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL DO THE JOB FOR A CASE OF REFRESHMENT. GOOD LUCK, JOHN

[CoderWil]

Anyone local to Pasadena California, willing to do this work for a case of liquid refreshment? (Beer/soda, depends on your age and preference)

William ;)

[CoderWil]

bump

[lgrjeep]

Coderwil,
The part that is most likely broken is a slotted casting with a larger loop on the end. It connects to the key by way of a bar that runs horizontal through the upper part of the column. It has this shape to allow the tilt wheel to operate.

To replace the part you will need to remove the piviots for the tilt mechanism , install the new part and reinstall the the tilt, turn signal switch, high beam switch, and ign switch(both of these will probably need to be removed from the bottom of the column to relocate the rod that operates the ign) when you removed the lock there were to small "tabs" these are the required elec connections that operate the key buzzer (you will need to remember how they were in. If you have trouble finding the correct manual (jeep), as someone else mentioned, this same steering assy. is used in GM products.
By the way the turn sig switch will not have to completely removed just unscrewed and pulled up far enough to let it "hang" over the column.

Hope this helps, if you get messed up, contact me by e mail and I'll give you number to call me at.

[ July 11, 2003, 01:17 PM: Message edited by: lgrjeep ]