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Ignition Switch Actutor Pin

4K views 17 replies 7 participants last post by  billiebob 
#1 ·
I was thinking of replacing my ignition switch actuator before it fails on me, given the many reports of that happening. However, if the failure is not actually a show-stopper, I might not bother. It appears that, with the proper tools on hand, one could quickly disassemble the steering column to allow the ignition switch to be directly operated. Is that the case?

What is it that actually fails? For those that have experienced the failure, when did it occur?
 
#2 ·
Mine has not broken but I do carry a spare. Not wanting to have to actually replace it on the trail or some other inconvenient place or time I prepared this way.

I punched out the security tab in the 1 bolt that holds the ignition switch to the actuator assembly. With a Phillips screwdriver & a Torx t-10 bit I can remove the switch & turn it in about 5 minutes.

Here is a link describing the process except for removing the plastic covers on the column. There is a link showing how they all break too.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f210/j...g-lot-jumps-useless-1598409.html#post23945969
 
#3 ·
Just had to do this to mine. Was a major inconvenience as it broke when I stopped and ran in to the daycare to get the kids. Left the Jeep on the street overnight and went back the next day to get it. With Phillips screwdriver, T-10 torx bit, and flathead screwdriver took me about 10 minutes to start it and drive home to wait for the parts I ordered online. Never thought about changing it out as preventive maintenance. I'll keep the three screwdrivers in the Jeep to bypass start it if needed in the future.
 
#4 ·
Not sure how easy it is to bypass on a dark rainy night at the side of the road but yes after disassembly you can start it with a screwdriver. You also need the key to bypass the immobilizer. A stubby straight screwdriver will fit snug into the switch.
 
#5 ·
When did it occur??? As I turned the key. No way to predict it. Given how cheap the die cast pieces are it is amazing how long it took for it to break.

Even more amazing is the fact Jeep does not sell the part. And no one at Jeep suggested going to NAPA to buy the part for $50.00.
 
#14 ·
The Dorman part lived up to the highest traditions of "Made in China" parts. For starters, the metal tip of the actuator was oversized by about 0.010" and would not fit into the ignition switch. Solved that issue with a jeweler's file. (Good thing I didn't opt to keep the Dorman part as a spare, since it would not have worked as it came out of the box.)

After getting things reassembled, everything seemed to work except the radio. Later determined that the plastic "key in" pin was about 0.10" too short. Reinstalled original actuator and everything works as advertised. (I could have transferred the original pin to the new actuator, but chose not to.)

So...this attempt at proactive preventive maintenance was a bust thanks to a sloppy copy by our friends on the opposite side of the planet.

As RUBI 4 MY MRS aptly pointed out in post #2, actually having a spare actuator is not essential in the first place. With the necessary tools, one can remove the ignition switch and turn it manually in the event the actuator tip breaks.
 
#15 ·
That is the 2nd one I have seen reported with the short plastic center rod. NAPA also makes a replacement actuator assembly (620-1414) but don’t know if it is just the same manufacturer with different packaging. I do know that this part is not available from the dealer without buying a complete steering column so we still are better of with the low standard part than $600+ for a column or a used part that may be ready to fail.(??)

Good to know about the problems though. Thanks for posting.

Here is the NAPA one.

Ignition switch issue - JeepForum.com
 
#16 ·
If your only issue is not cranking the easier trail solution is jumping plus 12 from positive big cable on starter solenoid to the small spade on the solenoid

Could carry a small remote start switch with clip on wires then wait till you are home to take things apart
 
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