How to Replace an Ignition Key Switch on the 82' Jeep CJ7 (and many others)

Replacing the ignition key switch and fixing the other steering column issues.
Get your Savings codes here on some loots !!
Use code : Schneb22 for 22% off sitewide at emanualonline.com
Use this link : www.auxito.com...
Enter: SchnebsGarage at checkout for 15% OFF
#jeep
#cj7

[@edwhouse3680]

This by far is the best steering column fix video, ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET. Especially the part that shows the trick to getting the key cylinder out with a small screwdriver. Many thanks!!

[@SchnebsGarage]

My pleasure, thanks for the kind words.

[@dtc1117]

This video may be 4yrs old but it is still relevant! I just rescued an old CJ and it came equipped with the same ignition as yours. No key required. Your video helped immensely. The directions that come with new switch are all but useless. So.........Thank You!

[@SchnebsGarage]

Yer very welcome, good luck with your build !!

[@jimfesta8981]

My comment is a bit dated, but boy is this a helpful video. I had to replace my key lock cylinder, and this video showed me how.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Always good to hear !

[@93gorecki]

Logged in to just say thank you for this video. I did my ignition in about 15 minutes. Solid job. Thank you!

[@SchnebsGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@oldschoolcars3318]

dude, i love your unpretentious practical get it done attitude.

[@joeyfultz5107]

Huge help 🙏 thank you Loving the oil can, haven’t seen one in a longgggggg time 😊

[@SchnebsGarage]

Happy to help!

[@juliusjammer]

Thanks for the tutorial! Replaced the ignition cylinder in my 1981 CJ7 following you step by step. Worked out perfectly! Keep them coming!

[@KENFEDOR22]

Great video, thank you! i actually begrudgingly replaced my lock cylinder as I considered it a "keyless entry system". Then, friends started pulling pranks and moving it around the grocery and hardware store parking lots. When it finally stopped turning, I had to replace it. Keep on Jeepin'!

[@SchnebsGarage]

Awesome! Ya that key cylinder was a common issue on these things. As if Jeeps arent easy enough to steal to begin with.

[@KENFEDOR22]

@@SchnebsGarage Well, mine was repainted after an accident lime a$$ green so it sticks out just a wee bit.

[@SchnebsGarage]

@@KENFEDOR22 lol ya I'd say

[@ws56c62]

I got it!! Thank u great vid!! Now I’m dealing with no spark! Coil is hot on one side and dim test bulb on the other!! 82 cj5. 258 4.2l just bought the thing.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Ignition systems on these things is total garbage. I'd recommend scrapping it all and going with an aftermarket GM HEI style distributor (runs on 1 wire, hot ignition) .. if you're doin it on the cheap there's some on Amazon for around $150. Name brand stuff will run ya bit more, but either way its a vast improvement over the stock ignition system. Also grab a weber carburetor and ditch that thing they call a carb, you'll thank me later. ;)

[@ws56c62]

Thank you again!! So did u eliminatethe idle module and all associated wiring? What brand and model of HEI r u recommending? Do u have a vid on that install?

[@SchnebsGarage]

@@ws56c62 Yes, module is in the trash. Only thing you need for the HEI setup is a hot ignition wire. The distributor comes with a suggested wire to use if memory serves. I did a full rewire on mine so I just picked my own wire, not hard to find one that'll work. I have a video that shows my carb setup but not the distributor install. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnmoqXuNjpyeqpIsi=PiHdyeS01-Hx1LDq . Distributor is pretty straight forward and I know I have a few how to vids on HEI distributor install someplace ;)

[@thisoldjeepcj5]

Same problem. Don't need a key and it just falls out. My 76 had the slot covered in a thin skin of flashing or casting. Used a pick to open the slot first, then Hooray it came right out. Thanks for the video.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!!

[@craigokeefe6349]

Haven't seen that type of oil can since the early 80s. Another cool video.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Haha yes I have a lot of old tools, those are the best, they have no moving parts like pumps and hoses so they last forever (unless you drive over them or something)

[@tripletoes79]

I would have screwed up my column tremendously if not for this video. I would have not guessed in a million years to stick a screw driver in that slot. Tha ks for the video!

[@SchnebsGarage]

No problem at all, glad it helped.

[@ws56c62]

Great vid!! I’m having one heck of a time get cylinder out! I guess I’m not hitting the right spot!

[@dysyodaddy]

THATS WHAT SHE SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@numbermannate]

Fantastic video! I have just bought a 1978 cj5 and had to replace the whole key ignition switch! Thanks for the help.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@charmenator3]

Thanks for video. Got a 1980 golden eagle .

[@SchnebsGarage]

Golden Eagle, very nice.

[@mikeriley8546]

very good video,my 1980 ignition just broke,so you have helped me alot,thanks

[@SchnebsGarage]

my pleasure!

[@superdoooooooooooooty]

Good video. One question. My ignition has no resistance with the key in it, no clicks between positions, and of course no start or crank. Any ideas?

[@SchnebsGarage]

Sure thing. The actual ignition switch is located further down the steering column. It connects to the key switch via a steel rod. either of those could be the problem.

[@natewarren8482]

Great video, really helpful. Thanks for posting.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ws56c62]

There is a tab n the hole where im supposed to use small screwdriver to release tab on cylinder to pull it out. That tab, do i place screw driver on to of tab, bottom of tab, side of tab? I’ve tried it all and still cant get cylinder released, I am at a loss, thoughts?

[@SchnebsGarage]

That tab only moves a very small amount, it almost feels like its not moving at all. Also are you sure there's no screw in the other hole. Later models used a screw instead of that push tab. Look at around 9:20 or so I show the location of where the screw would be on newer ones. Good luck. Also some are really stuck in there and might need some penetrating oil to loosen up.

[@richardpringle2117]

Hey Schneb, just went through the video you made on the replacing ignition switch. I've got a couple of CJ5's and had to rebuild a steering column to make it work. I really like your no - nonsense approach to jeepin', and fixin' them. Cool to just have your jeep in your backyard, and by the looks of it, you are not afraid to tackle anything that has to be done. Just wanted to subscribe to your channel, and wish you all the best from a fellow jeeper! I live near Lansing, Michigan, and hope to get the rebuild/rewired/and steering cj5 to the dunes at Silver Lake. If I can help you with anything, please let me know. Sincerely, Richard.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Thanks Richard ! good luck with yer cj5

[@clementclem8415]

Hello . can you tell me the name of the tool that pushes to remove the pin. thank you very much

[@SchnebsGarage]

Steering Wheel Lock Plate Removal Tool would be the 'correct' name, but you can find them under steering wheel puller or other names. Hope that helps.

[@davids2fadded277]

Watching the video as I take this pos apart, my key switch doesn’t turn at 8:06 either

[@laredokarl]

Great video! I went out to start my 81 Laredo and the starter wouldn’t stop. Replaced the solenoid and it still won’t stop unless I remove the battery cable and reattach to keep it running. Would you expect it to be the column switch?

[@SchnebsGarage]

I'd have a look for sure. Remember the actual electrical switch is further down the column near the brake pedal assembly.

[@andrewbrammer]

Great video. Helped tremendously!!

[@SchnebsGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@shellybradley5100]

Great video, thank you. Is there a trick to getting the wiring harness clipped back together under steering wheel as last step? You seemed to just feel around without looking when you unhooked. I can’t see the darn female end to click them back together.

[@SchnebsGarage]

No trick really, it should just plug right back in.

[@tommysmith7568]

very helpful just wondering what size bolts did you use on the wheel puller

[@Wyndscreen]

NIce vid and info! Thanks!

[@SchnebsGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SwimFlySwim]

Thanks for this vid! Should help me secure my '82 CJ7 as soon as I have half a day to screw up a few times what you took 20 minutes or so to do. (Ain't that always the way?)

[@SchnebsGarage]

Lets just say the power of editing makes everything look easy ;)

[@micahgray1]

Great video! Any advice on where to get a ignition switch, steering wheel and horn assembly? For a 1986 cj7 thanks

[@SchnebsGarage]

My go to for parts is Rockauto, if they don't have what you're looking for Amazon is always a great source for parts. If you're looking for stock replacement steering wheel that might be a bit of a scrapyard trip but there are a ton of aftermarket wheels out there for not that much money. Grant Wheels has a huge selection and the installation kit they sell usually includes the new horn plate as well.

[@micahgray1]

Thanks friend!

[@steve9551]

Video was very helpful. Mine was a bear to get out. Had to soray with lube and tap on the push tap for about an hr. Never want to do this job again. LOL

[@jeep01ish]

Hello, I have an old CJ seven that will start with or without the key… Kind of like the situation you had and I also have a problem with the engine shutting off at random times could it be related to that ignition lock?

[@SchnebsGarage]

Anything is possible but to be honest the actual electrical switch is located further down the steering column almost at the floor. Its a good place to start for sure but I would suspect a bad wire or ground someplace else to be causing the shutdown. The CJ7's stock ignition system is a problematic piece of ...well you know what... I went with HEI distributor and hacked all that stock ignition out.

[@jimcopeland4011]

That's awesome. Where can I find a replacement one?

[@SchnebsGarage]

I typically use RockAuto for most of my parts, mainly because I live in the country and well I hate driving to town for parts.

[@jimcopeland4011]

Thanks! Your steering wheel popped right off! Mine is completely stuck! It eve broke our puller trying to get it off, but I know we've unscrewed everything. Any advice?

[@SchnebsGarage]

@@jimcopeland4011 Screw the nut on the column a few turns to protect the threads, put some tension on the wheel with your knees and pound the column a few times. Its old school but that's how we used to pull em. Brass or hard rubber mallet works too but I've seen em mess up threads so I prefer the nut method.

[@jimcopeland4011]

Good suggestion but no dice on that either. I even tried doing that with tension on it from the puller. I've sprayed it with penetrating oil hoping that will loosen something too. This steering wheel will just absolutely not come off! The steering wheel is busted anyway, so my last idea is to maybe drill some holes in it around the shaft to release tension and hopefully give the puller a better angle. One of the original threads in the wheel for the puller is completely bored oht.

[@SchnebsGarage]

@@jimcopeland4011 Wow, thats one nasty wheel. Maybe heat it with a propane torch a bit...kinda sketchy with the wiring behind the plate but a little heat might help.

[@AR_420]

What would be the issue with completely eliminating the ecu in an 85 cj7? I have am HEI, Weber 38/38, T176, smog has been eliminated, just want it bare bones.....

[@SchnebsGarage]

There isnt an issue imo, thats exactly what I did. Sounds like you have all the essentials already that you need except for a pair of wire cutters ;)

[@AR_420]

@@SchnebsGarage Thank you for taking the time to reply! Been watching your videos for my project. I appreciate your efforts

[@GusgusA1]

Could you please tell me what wires go to the ignition switch? My jeeps previous owner pulled my wires and hotwired it because he lost the key. I found the key in the junk in the back of the jeep and would like to use the key.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Thats sir is a tall order, the key switch is in the column as shown in the video but the actual electrical portion is down below along the steering column. Its a flat connector with about a dozen wires goin into it that basiclly control everything from ignition, starter, lighting and guages. Without knowing what extent the previous owner has hacked things up its near impossible to diagnose without being on site I'm afraid. I do have a video farther along in the series showing the wiring harness and mods that I made to get rid of the factory ignition modules and go with a much simpler and efficient GM style HEI distributor but it doesnt really show the column much as I left that stock.

[@GusgusA1]

@@SchnebsGarage I kind of thought that much. prob simpler to glue the key in the ignition for looks and d a push button system. Thank you though.

[@KENFEDOR22]

May I suggest the CJ wiring diagram? It vary by engine design but even the Haynes book version suffices.

[@GusgusA1]

@@KENFEDOR22 found many also fixed and sold it now. Was a long time ago.

[@derael61]

hello sir, would this be the same procedure for a 1976 CJ5 Jeep? I'm trying to figure it out!

[@SchnebsGarage]

Should be almost identical, the only possible difference would be if it has the small bolt as a retainer.

[@tristanspriggs7377]

Hey what is that tool called

[@SchnebsGarage]

Steering Wheel Plate Compressor (some call it a puller)

[@jm-xy6xh]

great video thanks!

[@SchnebsGarage]

Thanks, hope it helped

[@pyen3526]

Anyone know how to lock the key fob?

[@antoniohuertas8931]

Muy buena tutoría.

[@SchnebsGarage]

Thanks for watching ;)

[@FaMeFire]

You think that’s rusty? Wait till you see my ‘78 CJ5. Needs all new suspension and all new everything on the interior lmao. New carb, entire new brake system, and I’m sure I’ll find even more down the road

[@SchnebsGarage]

Yea, they sure do like to rust dont they.

[@justindeyoung9960]

What is the tool called that you used to push in to get the retaining clip off?

[@SchnebsGarage]

Hi Justin, its called a "Steering wheel lock plate tool"