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ignition switch repair

2deuce

Well-known member
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Location
portland, oregon
My ignition switch is giving me grief. It sticks coming out of lock like I have the wrong key but if I wiggle/jiggle it will turn on eventually and then turn to start with no sticking. Anyone have had this problem, it seems to be getting worse. Could it be the lock cylinder or the locking pin that locks the steering wheel. When I shut the truck off it works smooth. Is putting in a new switch a headache? I saw there is a plastic cover on the back of the column opposite the switch. Can it be removed or do you have to pull the steering wheel and go down from the top? I couldn't find any info from search. Thanks
 

M813rc

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I will await the answer to this one also.
My G/F called me and said she couldn't start the 1009 to move it so she could weed-eat the driveway without getting grass crud on it (good G/F!), said the key wouldn't turn. Sure enough, when I got home I tried it and it is locked solid. Tried wiggling the wheel (gently and hard), pulling on the wheel, moving the gearshift, begging, etc. but the key will not turn...:-(

Cheers
 

reloader64

Active member
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Liberty Hill, Texas
Replace the lock cylinder. It isn't a hard job, if you have the right tools, specifically, a tool to depress the lock plate so you can remove the c clip that retains the lock plate. Luckily for you, Rory, I have this tool, and I know how to use it.

Scott
 

Crazyguyla

Active member
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Location
Altus, OK
Most of the autoi parts stores will rent the tool too. Not to difficult in changing, just dont drop any of the turn signal cam screws down the column. it makes for a bad day LOL

Does anyone change out their lock cylinders once they get their cucv's? Since they are almost all keyed alike.
 

319

Lieutenant
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Michigan
Might be a couple of different issues here. First, if the key sticks, and the cylinder is difficult to turn, it may be that the key wasn't cut correctly (has this always been this way?) or is damaged, or the key and/or the cylinder have worn out. Do you have a second key and does it act the same way?

Second, if the cylinder does not turn, or unlock, there may be an issue in the column such as debris or a cracked or broken part. Again, second key?

It's best to get the proper tools as suggested and take it apart. Take digital photos as you disassemble it because you will not remember which parts goes where and in what order.

New cylinders are only $20 or so, or a set of door locks with the ignition cylinder is about $35.

I have always replaced the locks and ignition cylinders as soon as I bring the truck home. Almost everyone who knows what a CUCV is, knows that it uses, or used a 73Y2.
 

M813rc

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Near Austin, Texas
Replace the lock cylinder. It isn't a hard job, if you have the right tools, specifically, a tool to depress the lock plate so you can remove the c clip that retains the lock plate. Luckily for you, Rory, I have this tool, and I know how to use it.

Scott
Cool!! I figured it would be simple once you got inside the steering column, but getting in there is one of those things that I don't know how to do. I was going to try some light morning reading in the manuals today, but tapping your knowledge is probably much better. :)
I did try all my CUCV keys (I have a handful of them), none worked, including the one I was driving it with a couple of days ago.

Incidentally, stamping your feet and screaming cusswords at it doesn't work either, so save your breath!

For the reasons 319 stated, it will be a good thing to put a new ignition key in, but it sure has been handy in our MV club to have them all keyed alike.

Cheers
 
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Recovry4x4

LLM/Member 785
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I normally don't place much faith in folks that wear sunglasses indoors or work with an adjustable wrench but here is a video covering the basics. On the video he shows the screw that holds in the lock tumbler. There are also styles that are held in with a clip on the tumbler.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L_85UkLOu8&feature=related[/media]
 

M813rc

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Cool, thanks.

I did things the easy way- Bought a new lock for $17, Reloader64 showed up with all the right tools and knowledge, we (by that I mean he) had it done in less than 45 minutes. Complicated but easy job if you know what you are doing and have the right gear.
Scott did all the work while I watched and learned, and took pictures. The good thing is, I can do it myself next time.
It is great to have buddies like that, who will come by after work (since I couldn't take the truck to his place) and help you out. [thumbzup]
Lunch after the car show Sunday is on me!

Cheers
 
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2deuce

Well-known member
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Location
portland, oregon
Looks straight forward in the video. Thanks for posting it. I'll need to get my hands on a spring compressor. Its not the key so I'm reasonably sure the lock has worn out. I'm not too worried about CUCV keys. If they want to steal it, they just bust the steering column anyway and I remove the top in the summer so I don't lock the doors. I just try not to keep anything of value in it.
 

M813rc

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Near Austin, Texas
It is very likely the lock. Mine was fine one day, locked up the next. The keys all still work in my other 1009.

Mine are just show trucks, so if there is anything of value in them, I am always nearby. A lock is just to keep an honest man honest anyway, crooks can get in no matter what. There is always a "master key" lying about close by that they can throw through a window if need be.

Cheers
 

2deuce

Well-known member
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Location
portland, oregon
Mine is giving me some warning, so I'd better heed it or risk getting stranded. Its a bit of a drive to texas from oregon, but there are a few things I'd like to see there while I get my switch changed.:mrgreen:
 

reloader64

Active member
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Location
Liberty Hill, Texas
Recovery4X4, if Rory posts pictures, please don't think ill of me-I was wearing my sunglasses:p. But it was only because we were in his driveway at 2:00 p.m., and the sun was shining very brightly in Central Texas. I also used an adjustable wrench at one point, because I didn't have the correct spanner with me.

Scott
 

M813rc

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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Location
Near Austin, Texas
Mine is giving me some warning, so I'd better heed it or risk getting stranded. Its a bit of a drive to texas from oregon, but there are a few things I'd like to see there while I get my switch changed.:mrgreen:
Yep, I'm glad mine was in my driveway (though Scott's would have been more convenient) when it locked up. I could have been off in the boonies somewhere.
Scott does work for barbeque!! :D

Recovery4X4, if Rory posts pictures, please don't think ill of me-I was wearing my sunglasses:p. Scott
Actually, of all the photos I took, the only one that shows your face, the glasses were off!

Cheers
 
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M813rc

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Near Austin, Texas
The slaves were freebies!

I believe I owed you a few after that last trip with the M185 anyway...:oops:

Cheers
 
Last edited:

ABN173

Active member
1,842
11
38
Location
FT Bragg, NC
My ignition switch is giving me grief. It sticks coming out of lock like I have the wrong key but if I wiggle/jiggle it will turn on eventually and then turn to start with no sticking. Anyone have had this problem, it seems to be getting worse. Could it be the lock cylinder or the locking pin that locks the steering wheel. When I shut the truck off it works smooth. Is putting in a new switch a headache? I saw there is a plastic cover on the back of the column opposite the switch. Can it be removed or do you have to pull the steering wheel and go down from the top? I couldn't find any info from search. Thanks

As silly as it sounds about a year ago mine was locking up and I posted a thread about it too, lots of guys telling me to swap the switch out and such. Well before I did that I sprayed the key with a bit of WD-40 and slide the key in and out a couple of times, I have never had the problem since then.
 

Hammer

Well-known member
1,483
398
83
Location
Winlock, WA
As silly as it sounds about a year ago mine was locking up and I posted a thread about it too, lots of guys telling me to swap the switch out and such. Well before I did that I sprayed the key with a bit of WD-40 and slide the key in and out a couple of times, I have never had the problem since then.
Thanks Dale!
I sprayed some stuff in mine today and it works again! (yesterday it decided to NOT turn,,,, argh.)
 
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