Holy Help!!!

[randomdudeguy]

I've got a 91 jeep yj 5 spd manual transmission, and I don't need keys to start my car, wtf!?

I'm not talking about rolling starts, or foul play to start it up, all i have to do, is turn the ignition without the keys in it.

What are my options?

I'm probably going to go to a local jeep dealer and get it checked out, hopefully nobody decides to jump into my car and steal it in the meantime.

Also, how exactly does the club (anti-theft device) work? And, would it be a viable alternative to getting a locksmith to mess around with the ignition?

[El Jarretto]

From what I've read a club doesn't stop a thieve, it just slows him down. He'd probably look for another car if he spotted it.

[car_boy_16]

You need a new ignition...or at least a new key cylinder.

A club attaches to your steering wheel, the only way that it "stops" the thief is because the club turns with the wheel so when you try to turn the wheel when you're driving the vehicle, the club will hit the driver's legs and thus not allowing the driver to turn the wheel further without doing some acrobatic shit. The club can easily be defeated by cutting the steering wheel (very easy with newish cars [80's and newer]) and removing the club that way. But the club is good if you have a very strong steering wheel, like on older cars, where it's harder to cut through.

If anything, just remove a certain fuse before you park the car for the night...like the fuel pump fuse, or the main relay, or anything you figure will leave the car undrivable in the meantime.

[DarcSystems]

Get the brake lock, not the club (ever try cutting through a brake pedal?? ha). Or in your case, you can use it on the clutch pedal.

New lock cylinder though, your old one is worn, and broken. Same thing on my buddies mazda. I was gonna hotwire it to steal it from his work one time, and when I got in, for kicks, I tried turning the cylinder with a screwdriver, and it fired right up.

Boy was he angry. :)

Better his buddy steal it than someone else though.

[tacticalXJ]

put a kill switch in it and hide it like under the dash or something where it'd be hard to spot.

[randomdudeguy]

Thanks for the info. Any idea on the differential of a key cylinder versus a new ignition?

I'm guessing the cylinder is the best bet (in terms of cost), but are there any added benefits to getting a new ignition?

[ebaumforumlover]

ok theres a secret switch for all models higher then 89
to start it the fuse box has a switch at the side small switch turn it
well i shouldent tell u ill get fired
well..
ok turn left 23 right 195
up down
u may have to take fuse box apart to do it

[DarcSystems]

Thanks for the info. Any idea on the differential of a key cylinder versus a new ignition?

I'm guessing the cylinder is the best bet (in terms of cost), but are there any added benefits to getting a new ignition?

What do you mean by a new ignition? The actual electronics? Or the ignition cylinder that starts the car up? If you change the lock cylinder, then you will have a new ignition, so to speak. If you're talking about actually changing the ignition then that wouldn't benefit you at all in this situation.

My rustang starts up with a switch and a button, so I have to rely on a hidden kill switch to deter thieves.

[randomdudeguy]

The lock cylinder. Is it an expensive thing to get fixed?

Thanks for the advice on the brake club, until last night I had never heard about it, but there is one resting on my clutch as we speak.

Also, for switching out the lock cylinder would you guys recommend: mechanic, locksmith, or DIY?

When it comes to DIY, I have the experience of a lemming- however if it is easy and does not require complicated tools, it might be a viable option.

Thanks again.

[DarcSystems]

New lock cylinder is pretty cheap. About 15 bucks at autozone.

If you have matching locks for your doors and ignition (only use 1 key to unlock and start the car) then you're better off getting a cylinder at a dealership. They can run your vin number, and give you one that will work with your existing key.

It's not hard to change, but you need a handful of special tools to do it, and it can be time consuming and confusing to someone who's not experienced with it. It's better to have a shop, or dealership replace it for you. I would say it's less than 100 bucks total from a dealership.

[randomdudeguy]

Thanks again man, you really know your stuff. I've got two diff keys, one for doors, and one for ignition- so a shop it is.

[DarcSystems]

lol, dude, I'm pretty sure I know whats up with your ignition...

My sister has a 92 Wrangler, and she has a special ignition that doesnt need a key either, depending...

There should be a mechanism on the ignition column that as you are turning the car off with the key, you hold a lever down with another finger and conitnue turning the key, and kit should go another click more. Then, you can pull the key out, and you wont be able to turn the car on without the key.

If you turn off the ignition without holding that lever and going another click, you will be able to turn the car on without the key.

You just need to figure out how to work out the mechanism, it should be that difficult.

Here, I'll try to take some pictures of my sister's and explain it.

The mechanism you're talking about is supposed to prevent your key from being taken out of the cylinder. It locks the cylinder in mid turn, so you have to press the button to move it back to it's initial position before taking the key out.

I think your sisters is broken too if she's taking the key out before the cylinder is back in place.

[elliott678]

That is a very good possibility. Those lock's sole purpose in life is to piss you off, I know, I see them on Chevy pickups all the time. When they get worn the key will come out without hitting the lever, when I am working on a truck with one I usually don't need the key.

[randomdudeguy]

Well, I had noticed that little lever but thought nothing of it. Too bad it was the key to not having to use a key. This won't happen again. Inexperience proved to be my downfall, this jeep is the first car i've ever owned/ driven, in fact lol i taught myself how to drive standard from youtube videos, but those same vids can't prepare you for everything thats going to happen. I appreciate the help from everyone, this thread wasn't all that bad, i hope...

I learned about the brake club, and I also found out that mechanics in my city only have a standard deviation of about $3/hr.

Thanks darc, and thanks moocow :dunce:

[DarcSystems]

you still shouldn't be able to remove your key without that lock being in place.