How to drive home if your ignition pin actuator breaks

CharlesHS said:
Sounds like either bad ignition switch contacts, dirty harness wiring connector or melted wiring.
When you remove the two plastic clam shells surrounding the steering column to access the ignition switch; inspect the harness wiring and connector.
Click to expand...

Removed clam shells.
 
CharlesHS said:
Sounds like either bad ignition switch contacts, dirty harness wiring connector or melted wiring.
When you remove the two plastic clam shells surrounding the steering column to access the ignition switch; inspect the harness wiring and connector.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your reply.
Remove steering column clamshells.
Inspected wiring and harness connections to starter switch.
All looked good. No sign of shorts, broken connections, dirt, etc.

Replaced ignition acuator unit and starter switch. Same problem. Turn key to start. Nothing. Hold in start position after about 20-30 seconds it starts. Starts fine rest of day unless sitting all day.

Replaced starter relay. Didn’t help.

Let sit overnight. Jumped the relay. Started right up. Then immediately tried to start with key. Had to hold 20-30 seconds.

Is there something between the starter switch in the steering column and the starter relay? Hopefully not the Power Control Module (computer board). It’s actually relatively new.
 
I had this problem recently too. Didn't have the T10 security Torx bit but do now. As soon as it happened, thanks to this thread I knew immediately what the problem was. Towed the Jeep home (not far) and ordered the parts from Amazon. I then went to the parts store and bought a security Torx bit set. Removed the switch and used a screw driver to start it and pull it into the shop. Installed the actuator and a new switch the other day and it started up and ran fine. I'm going to keep a security Torx set and the old switch in my tool bag. Might even pick up a spare actuator. Worst case scenario I can unplug the switch and plug it into the spare switch and then start it with a screw driver to get home.
 
qslim said:
I've had two break on me, the actuator is just cheap pot metal. Lucky for me it broke when the cylinder was in the "run" position so I was able to just jump the starter relay socket and get on with life for the time being. FYI instead of using a small wire just bridge the terminals with a set of needle nose pliers - they won't heat up and burn you. Also here's a graphic of the terminals that you jump to get the starter to turn (make sure the transmission is in Parkor Neutral)View attachment 135771
Click to expand...

dont have this PDC unit. Have the one below.. in this one which do you jump on the starter relay. Sorry I could only find video. It starts at the right spot in video. (2003 TJ)

 
So, my ignition is stuck in the locked position. Any ideas, I'll replace both parts as soon as possible, but I'm in ground zero of the Helene hurricane, and things aren't very normal here!
 
@Chris thank you for this thread. I would def be screwed without the forum & YTU 😜
IMG_6245.jpeg


IMG_6246.jpeg


IMG_6247.jpeg


IMG_6248.jpeg


IMG_6249.jpeg


IMG_6250.jpeg


IMG_6252.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: L J, Apparition, MikeE024 and 1 other person
I bought super cheap ignition pin actuators from eBay and comparing them to a more expensive name brand, I believe they are identical and made in the same place.

I now carry a spare ignition switch and actuator along with the tools to replace it if needed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TJTurley and MikeE024
Link said:
I bought super cheap ignition pin actuators from eBay and comparing them to a more expensive name brand, I believe they are identical and made in the same place.

I now carry a spare ignition switch and actuator along with the tools to replace it if needed.
Click to expand...

Same. I keep a switch and actuator with me when I hit the trail or go on a road trip.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Link
Chris said:
This thread is to help if you are on the trail, or are away from home and wish to avoid calling a tow truck.

If you already know how the system works and just want to start the jeep, scroll down to "Starting".

Parts Needed
I used a needle nose plier to align the Ignition Actuator with the Lock cylinder when re-installing the lock cylinder.

Tools Needed
  • Security Torx bit T-10 (to remove the switch)
  • T-20 bit, (To remove the shroud and possibly the Multi-function assembly) (I bought a Torx set),
  • Phillips bits, (Just in case, to remove shroud)
  • Robertson bits, (just in case, to remove shroud)
  • Flat Bit, (to operate the Ignition Switch)
  • Regular reach (not Stubby) Driver handle for bits, (I bought a handle with assorted bits included),
If you insert your key in the ignition and the starter doesn't run and you do not feel the usual drag when turning it to start position, the likely cause is the end of the actuator that turns the ignition contacts broke and left the contacts in "Off" position.

If the jeep is in, "Run", or "Acc", and turning the key has no effect, the actuator is likely broken. (My jeep was left in "ACC" when the actuator broke.)

Some people have had the actuator break in such a way that they still get the "ACC", "Off", and "Run" positions, but cannot get the "Start" position because there is a spring in the switch that pushes the contacts back to "run" when trying to turn to the "start" position with a cracked actuator.

Starting
If the actuator broke such that you still get the "Off" and "Run" positions, but no "Start", put the ignition in "Run" with the Key, and run the starter by taking out the starter relay and shorting the two large lugs with a piece of wire, (I used a doubled paper clip jammed between the lugs). Hold the relay by the housing and touch it down firmly into the socket to run the starter until it starts. If you try and hold a wire in your hands, you could get burned. On my jeep, it was stuck in "Acc" mode, so I had to go to the next step.

If the actuator broke and the switch is not in the "Run" position, you need to get at the Ignition switch. The Ignition Lock Cylinder is on the right side of the steeringcolumn, the Ignition Actuator is under the steering column and fits over the end of the Lock cylinder, the Ignition switch is on the left side of the steering column (under the turn signal stalk) and is jammed on the end of the actuator.

To access the Ignition switch, the plastic shroud that covers the steering column is removed by unscrewing two screws on the bottom of the shroud. Some people report phillips screws, but mine were T-20 Torx. I used a R-2 bit to remove the screws because that is what I had.

Now you need to lift the multi-function stalk assembly, some people report that Two T-20 screws on the top hold it down, but my unit wasn't fastened, it just lifted.

If you lift the Multi-function Assembly, you should see the Ignition Switch and one T-10 security screw that holds it exposed. Use the correct T-10 bit, to unscrew the T-10, this will allow you to pull the switch assembly straight out (towards the driver door).

If you are desperate because you are in the wilderness, a small plier might work, but I suggest you carry a spare ignition switch & just plug it in the harness if needed.

If you look in the centre of the switch, you will see that a flat blade screwdriver can be used to turn the hub to start, run, and stop the jeep.

You still need the ignition key in the lock cylinder to unlock the steering column and satisfy the security system that you own it.

Use the flat blade screwdriver to start the jeep.

Your Jeep should be running!

The actuator can be replaced, just go buy a new "Dorman Ignition Actuator". Dormanhas a good video with installation instructions on Youtube. There are some good Threads on the forum to remove and replace the Ignition Actuator if you are at home. Some people suggest you replace the Ignition Switch as well, since it is all apart.
Click to expand...

Ok,, I’m in this spot. Except I’m in a 2005. The relays have 5 slots.
 
i am looking for a video for ingition actuator part for my 2015 jeep. also looking for that part number bc one listed in this post says not for 2015
 
Chris said:
Starting
If the actuator broke such that you still get the "Off" and "Run" positions, but no "Start", put the ignition in "Run" with the Key, and run the starter by taking out the starter relay and shorting the two large lugs with a piece of wire, (I used a doubled paper clip jammed between the lugs). Hold the relay by the housing and touch it down firmly into the socket to run the starter until it starts. If you try and hold a wire in your hands, you could get burned. On my jeep, it was stuck in "Acc" mode, so I had to go to the next step.
Click to expand...
Man this saved my bacon yesterday thank you so much, Chris! My actuator broke in a way that I still have run, acc, and off but no start. This is what worked for me and it starts up everytime and I never did get fingers burned using a paperclip. It takes longer to raise the hood than it does to jump it at starter relay. This is what worked for me photos to follow.

20250804_195831(2).jpg


20250804_195831(3).jpg
 
  • Love
Reactions: Chris
I cannot stress enough how valuable this forum has been for me. It's well worth the price of admission to be a contributing (well contributing member may be a stretch for me)that's for sure but a supporting member nonetheless. Thank you!
 
This just saved me in the parking lot after getting lunch with a buddy. Got lucky and the key was in the run position so I could just short the relay and not call a tow. Much appreciated guys.
 

Similar threads

L
No crank, no start (got lucky and started it to get home)
Replies
15
Views
1,452
TJ General Discussion
LDBlover
L
S
No crank, no start, and I'm out of ideas
Replies
20
Views
1,110
TJ General Discussion
GATORB8
GATORB8
A
Steering Wheel Removal How-To
Replies
1
Views
556
TJ How-to Guides
Overseas TJ
O
Orange Jeepius
2006 TJ no start and no crank
Replies
26
Views
2,992
TJ General Discussion
TimV
TimV
jlo24141
Intermittent key turn/starting issue
Replies
6
Views
1,368
TJ General Discussion
jlo24141
jlo24141
Top Bottom