Chrysler Jeep Ignition Switch LS711 LS922 Replacement by Wells EM

[Michiganborn1969]

Such a good video I can't understand how 1 person (so far) disliked it. Must have been that baby from the Capital One commercial where he throws his Cheerios lmao.

[markjhicks]

@Michiganborn1969 LOL thanks Michigan, I miss seeing you guys at the pod-casts.

Mark 

[Michiganborn1969]

@markjhicks

yeah, same here but I guess Eric couldn't do the podcast and shoot & edit videos. That's why he's cut back on the Fatr videos. I thought his last one was the bomb on the video effects.

[caseyhardison]

@Michiganborn1969 They could have "disliked" it because its not the same on a 98 Jeep Wrangler. I'm currently having problems with reassembly.

[cheviac78]

can you PLEEEZE help ME??? i recently got a 79 dodge truck, and i think!!!!!??? my ignition switch is bad? i started and drove my truck home, then i went to start it later that day and it done absolutly nothing!!!! no head lights, brake lights no nothing! i jumped the sylanoid and it turns over but wont fire, i just cant figure it out???

[markjhicks]

@cheviac78 I am a little confused. Normally when the headlights do not work it is a poor connection on the battery. But when you say you jump the solenoid and it turns over, it doesn't make sense. Try turning the headlights on again and see what happens. If the lights are dark, check the connection for the battery to the post. Let me know what you find.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[cheviac78]

@markjhicks ok? i checked all connections......i have power until the starter relay...i can turn it over from there, but there is no power beyond that......soooo my guess is the starter relay is bad...kinda makes sense...no wires coming from there has any power? dome light, head lights, tail lights, coil, nothing....its pumping gas but i have machanical fuel pump...a buddy told me it could be the small wire from the relay to the starter,,

[markjhicks]

@cheviac78 Honestly, if the connections, cables to and the battery are good, it sounds like a fuse-able link has blown. The relay should have two wires with power, with the key "on".

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[cheviac78]

@markjhicks ok......my truck will start now!!!! what i did was run a wire from the battery to the fuse box(batt. fuse) boom everything worked fine except tail lights? they wouldnt go off...so i just ran them to the head lights, lol now my blinkers dont work anymore? ill try and figure out how to put a video on here of what i got goin, so you have a better look on what i done...its a mess man

[markjhicks]

@cheviac78 Ok sounds good. The wire you ran from battery to the fuse box replaced the fusable link. Now be careful because this means the safety of the fusable is now gone.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[cheviac78]

@markjhicks i couldnt find a fusible link? i thought if i changed the relay that would fix it but nope...i was wrong, so i jumped a wire to the coil and it fired so i knew it wasnt that, i ran the wire from the battery to the fuse box and everything worked except for my tail light issue...

[sjagain]

Very informative, well shot video. What are some of the symptoms of a bad/failing ignition switch?

[markjhicks]

@sjagain The most common is the key will not turn or turns hard. Thank you for the kind words.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[briansmobile1]

Thanks for the great video Mark. I'm fixing my mother-in-law's Jeep ignition lock due to her breaking the key off deep inside. I couldn't separate the two. Now I know why. (you have to remove the key to get the lock cylinder out.) I've done these before when replacing the switch. Couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. Thanks again! -Brian

[markjhicks]

@briansmobile1 Brian, Happy you got it figured out and that we could help you do that.

Also thanks for the post!

Mark Hicks

Wells vehicle Electronics

[F4flight]

Perfect, made it super Easy! Thank you very much!

[markjhicks]

@F4flight Thank you for the kind words, makes what we do all worth it!

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[votadmin]

Great video! I was able to do this in about 15 minutes and I don't do very much work on cars. I initially looked it up in my Haynes manual but the process they describe equated to "remove some panels, remove three screws and take it out." This video covered EVERY STEP EXACTLY. The part about lining things up before putting the new one in saved a bunch of trial and error to line it up (book didn't say that). Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

[votadmin]

Oh, I almost forgot.  I have a 95 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 liter, 2WD.

[markjhicks]

@votadmin Thank you for the kind words. We try our best to get it right, thanks for letting us know we did!

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[Gzilla4life1]

Hell of a tutorial video. I appreciate it very much!

[markjhicks]

@Gzilla4life1 You are welcome and thank you for the kind words.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[dledford2317]

how do you get the igntion switch off if you do not have the key for the old ignition

[markjhicks]

@dledford2317 I think you are asking how to remove the lock cylinder from the switch, if you do not have the key. To remove the lock cylinder you will need to drill out the lock pin. This can be a real challenge. The trick is to center punch the lock pin in the center of the pin. then start with a small drill and work up to one large enough to remove the pin. Other option is to purchase both the switch and lock cylinder.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[gamereaper3]

I can not get the new switch to lay flat when i go to reinstall.

[markjhicks]

@gamereaper3 Make sure the shift lock pin is fitting into the shift lock actuator. If it is not get another ignition switch. Do not tighten the mounting bolts until it is sitting flat. Also make sure the column lock actuator is in the 3:00 position.

Let me know the results,

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[gamereaper3]

@markjhicks Well I walked away and got a cold drink. When I tried again it went right on go figure. Thanks for the video!



[MrGitfiddl]

Thanks for the video. Looks like I'm going to do this this afternoon in a 95 Grand Cherokee. Key turns, but there's no power whatsoever. No dash lights, no accessories, no relays clicking, no nothing.

[markjhicks]

@MrGitfiddl Be sure to check your battery, cables and connections first.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[MrGitfiddl]

@markjhicks I've done all that. I was selling Ampco-Wells ignition back in the 1980's. ;-) The truck wouldn't start after putting gas in . I jiggled, wiggled and tapped until I finally got it to start. Got home and it did the same thing. I didn't feel like messing with it anymore and went inside. A couple of hours later, our roommate went outside and noticed the headlights on (with no key in the switch).

[markjhicks]

@MrGitfiddl Ampco / Wells have not heard that in a while! Was the headlight switch turned "on" at that time? If it was it still sounds like you have a connection problem coming from the battery. If it was not, you have a headlight switch issue or an extremely rare short to power for the headlights. Stay in touch, let me know what you find.

Mark

[MrGitfiddl]

@markjhicks The h/l switch was in the "auto" position, so it shouldn't be getting power unless the ignition switch was in "run" position. I disconnected the battery when I was told about the headlights. The positive terminal felt warm to the touch. I'm still thinking the ignition switch is shorted. I do appreciate the help and suggestions!

[MrGitfiddl]

@markjhicks I replaced the ignition switch and now have dashlights, fuelpump hum, accessories, and everything else, but no click from the starter. In answer to your previous question, the headlight switch was in the "auto" position.. I making up a homemade testlight (my son made off with mine) to make sure I've got power to the starter. I will let you know what I find. Thanks again for your help. And is AutoZone repacking Wells stuff or did they change suppliers since I left 10 years ago?

[markjhicks]

@MrGitfiddl Yep check for power to the starter when the ignition switch is turned to the start position. We package our parts in the Duralast box, AutoZone still sells our parts. Thanks for asking.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[MrGitfiddl]

@markjhicks Thanks, Mark. I wired up an 1156 bulb and a couple of leads and I have power to the starter. I think a couple of years of salt air, dirt, oil, and grease might have caused the starter to fail. I think I replaced it two or three years ago. I'll pull the starter tomorrow evening and bench test it just to make sure. Again, I appreciate the support and concern. I'll you posted. My hat's off to Wells!

[markjhicks]

@MrGitfiddl It was my pleasure, please let me know the next time you have a concern.

Take Care,

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[MrGitfiddl]

@markjhicks It runs! It wasn't the starter after all, but an intermittent short in the wire to the switch terminal. I think I may probably inadvertently done that chasing current. The switch may not have been bad either, but It probably wasn't far from being worn out because the new one has a firmer feel to it, even with the old lock cylinder.

Thanks again,

David Robinson, Jacksonville, FL.

[markjhicks]

@MrGitfiddl Excellent nice job hunting it down! See ya next time around David.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[brianfuri]

@MrGitfiddl I have a question for you. HOw did you find the short and how did you fix it? I'm currently having the - turn key - no start problem. I can turn the key forward and start my car (96 Jeep GC 2WD) by laying a screwdriver across the terminals on the starter, so I know its not a starter/ battery issue. I've changed the key lock cylinder and ignition switch and it seems to be rotating/ to the start position and springing back to the on position correctly.

[HaydnRocker]

Hi, I have 97 Cherokee and the switch can get stuck sometime and very hard to turn. Lately sometimes the vehicle will keep running when I shut the switch off. Do you think replacing the ignition switch will help, or is the lock tumbler the problem?

[markjhicks]

@HaydnRocker Honestly it sounds like you may need both the switch and the lock cylinder.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[HaydnRocker]

@markjhicks Thanks, I replaced both and it does feel better now, but it is still a little hard to turn and it doesn't seem to stop where it should when shutting off. It seems to go easily all the way back. Then I have to rotate forward while slightly pulling to find the off position and remove the key. Any other ideas?

[markjhicks]

@HaydnRocker It sounds like either or both the shift lock or column lock actuator or pivot points are worn. I am not sure replacements are available. You might have to go with a junk yard column.

Please stay in touch with the results, I have never run into this previously.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[HaydnRocker]

@markjhicks Thanks so much. I did have to replace both. Works like a charm now.

[markjhicks]

@HaydnRocker You are very welcome. Let me know when the next challenge comes.

Take care,

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[davepctech]

I replaced the switch with a couple different ones from the junkyard. I think the switch is fine. The BCM is something I'm going to look at this week. That would have to be programmed by the dealer, correct? Thanks for your help! Dave

[markjhicks]

@davepctech Dave,

The BCM can programed at a dealer or an independent garage with a capable scan tool. I would call around if i were you. I have heard recently that some parts houses can do the programing also.

Best of Luck to you, please stay in touch, keep me filled in,

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[davepctech]

@markjhicks Mark- Just wanted to update you on this issue. Ended up being the air bag control module. It's bad and was causing the BCM to go hay wire. Thanks!

[markjhicks]

@davepctech WOW nice work tracing that one down. I will tell ya when you have a shorted component on today's vehicles it can be a nightmare to find. Nice work and thanks for the update!

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[davepctech]

Great video! My ignition switch on a 98 GC has a bit of play in it which kills the power to the instrument panel or the ac when running. It depends on which way I turn it. I replaced the switch but that did not fix the issue. Any suggestions? I was thinking about just replacing the steering column. Thanks. Dave

[markjhicks]

@davepctech Did you replace the switch with a new one? I honestly can not think of why the column would cause this problem? The connection is done through the switch itself. Could it be a coincidence? Maybe something else like the BCM is causing the issue.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[JeepCherokeeI6]

what to do if you have no keys, I am trying to replace the lock cylinder without the keys to be able to remove it. ? alexjohnston08@yahoo.com if anyone has any ideas. I got the igniton form a junk yard and need it to replace the ignition switch on my car, but I cant get the junkyard jeeps key lock out to be able to put my old one it.

[markjhicks]

@JeepCherokeeI6 The only way I know to remove the switch without the key and without damaging the switch is to carefully drill the lock pin out. I would mark the center of the pin and start with a small drill then work my way up to a drill large enough to remove most of the pin. The trick here is to make sure the center punch mark is dead center. I hope this helps.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[eukodol]

You deserve a Nobel for this. It saved me about $200 bucks. Thanks!

[markjhicks]

@eukodol Well at least everyone will know why I received it :). Thank you for the kind words, you made my day.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[simoneau2009]

i have a 94 jeep grand cherokee and it wont start. Its not getting fuel and spake to start it. do u know if that is because of a ignition switch. The dash lights come on and go off and everything else do there job but it wont start. I test the fuel pump thats work and other thing sametimes i put the key in to on and wait 15 mins until the relay clicks and i turn the key to start and it start up and runs great until you shut it off. plz help me on this

[markjhicks]

@simoneau2009 Your vehicle has a Auto Shut Down (ASD) relay. This relay controls the power to the coil and fuel pump. The ASD relay relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). PCM is your computer. It sounds like the PCM is not grounding the ASD relay. Check the powers and grounds to the PCM when the problem occurs. If they are all good replace the PCM. This is a common failure on your vehicle.

Please let me know what happens.

Take Care,

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[valmat14]

i am trying to source a replacement ignition switch for my girlfriends jeep. The switches at parts stores look nothing like what you pulled off. they are all plastic. it looks like this one is metal.

[markjhicks]

@valmat14 Depending upon the year, make, model of your jeep. If you send me this information I will turn it over to our catalog department and they check it out for you.

Mark Hicks

Wells Vehicle Electronics

[valmat14]

@markjhicks i feel like an idiot now, i was looking at the wrong year part, its a 1995 and i was looking up a 1997. but a 1997 jeep ignition switch looks different than this video.

[wreggie91]

How can i check the ignition switch i think the cylinder is fine? Do i need to have cylinder connected to check the switch my jeep is a 2002 cherokee

[markjhicks]

@wreggie91 I am not sure how to check the switch without checking the wiring diagram. I am on the road until Thursday, I will check the diagram at that time and let you know. If you get the information before hand please let me know.

Mark Hicks

Wells Manufacturing L.P.

[dnl5649]

i just bought a 1989 jeep Laredo, it is legally mine (it was abandoned and i did a title search)

i have no keys and i have no idea on how to get into the switch, it seems impossible to drill it out and i dont want to spend money to get someone else to do it. i have the tools and know how but i have just never had this problem before. can you tell me what to do? i dont want to destroy it, i want to put a new switch in it

[markjhicks]

@dnl5649 Purchase he new Wells lock cylinder and on the side of it you will a button that holds the lock cylinder into the steering column. This button or lock will not release unless the key is inserted. Locate the position the button is in, while in the column. You will need to either push or drill out that button lock.

I hope this helps...say in touch,

Mark Hicks

Wells Manufacturing L.P.

[dnl5649]

@markjhicks i already have new lock tumbler but i just cant get it out. i bypassed the ignition switch and got it running i just need to disable the steering lock so i can drive it home. it looks like im going to have to pull the steering wheel to get the lock out.

[markjhicks]

@dnl5649 I am not sure how to disable the steering wheel lock without removing the wheel.

Mark Hicks

Wells Manufacturing L.P.

[dnl5649]

@markjhicks i ripped all of the plastic from around the steering column and i found the little steering wheel lock thing, there is a spring on the end that pushes it against the baseplate on the bottom of the wheel with holes in it to make it lock, since it is pulled out and pushed in by spring pressure i just ripped out the spring that pushes it in and now no steering lock! now i have to unseize the brakes and put air in the tires, its running and ready to move!

[markjhicks]

@xpertambassador

Hey I have the same drill set...very nice!

You are welcome! Stay in touch,

Mark

[markjhicks]

@xpertambassador I recommend replacing the switch also. Remember it is built as a security device.

If you want to try, you will need to drill out the lock pin. The position is shown in the video. It is hardened steel, will not be easy.

Mark Hicks

Wells Manufacturing L.P.

[808alldayerday]

ok.  so i have a problem with my 1990 jeep cherokee. it starts up every time, but sometimes it does not turn off. i can take the key out turn it to lock, acc, and it keeps running. in order to turn it off i turn it back and forth until it shuts off. does this have something to do with a worn ignition switch? or is it something else? any help is very much appreciated.

[markjhicks]

@808alldayerday Check for power on the Yellow/ wire at the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and coil with the ignition switch off. If it has power the ignition switch is defective or you have a wiring issue. Has anyone recently done anything with the wiring? I would cycle the ignition switch several times before coming to a conclusion. Please stay in touch...let me know what happens either way.

Mark Hicks

Wells Manufacturing L.P.

[tex4540]

mark thanks so much with my jeep headaches, this video saved me about $150 and the one on one help that you gave for the fuse blowing was great. That saved me two bills . Your the man!

[markjhicks]

@tex4540 Thank you for the kind words...I am pleased you have it repaired. Take Care,

Mark Hicks

Wells Manufacturing

[markjhicks]

@tex4540 Thank you for the kind words. I am pleased you have it repaired.

Take Care,

Mark Hicks

Wells Manufacturing

[xeno213]

@markjhicks....Thank you very much!! Appreciate the help!!

[xeno213]

I was wondering if you or anyone can help me.... I broke the key in the ignition and from the looks of it the tumblers looked pretty damaged and the key is stuck in there pretty good. Im trying to replace the cylinder but when i try to remove the lock cylinder from the ignition switch it doesnt come out all the way. Is it because the broken key in the cylinder is preventing it from coming out the ignition switch??? If so do i need a new switch and cylinder???

[markjhicks]

@xeno213 Yes you can not get the lock cylinder out because the key is broken off in it. The best way to repair this problem, is to replace the lock cylinder and switch. If you have any further issues please let me know.

Mark Hicks

[cujo187]

I have the same issue as popswala with a 1993 jeep cherokee country. Shroud is a solid piece and it has tilt steering. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

[markjhicks]

I will leave my e-mail address on your channel. I will be happy to send you the information.

Mark

[97warlock]

@markjhicks Hi Mark ....Could I possibly get the info also....I have a new Ignition swicth for my 88 Jeep Comanche & could really use some guidance or just about anything that might help. just asking.

[markjhicks]

@97warlock I will be happy to send you the instructions...in fact i am not at work tomorrow, but one of my guys will send you the information. Just call 1-800-558-9770 press 3 for tech and explain what you need. It might help to mention you saw the jeep ignition switch video on YouTube.

Take Care

Mark

[popswala]

I have a 92 Cherokee laredo. The shroud around the column doesn't come in half. How do I get to the cylinder to pull it out? It has tilt steering with a solid piece all around.

[markjhicks]

The ignition lock cylinder on your vehicle is completely different from the one in the video, as I am sure you noticed. I will be happy to send you the instructions. I will leave my e-mail address on you channel. Send me your e-mail address and I will send the instructions.

Mark

[Valkoz]

at 2:00 when u put the key in and take out the switch, is there a way to do it without the key?

[markjhicks]

Valkoz.,

The key is required to release the locking, it is a security issue, I do not know anyway to release the lock cylinder without the key.

Mark

[GUTYRO1]

did not work i think i need to replace de ignition switch but i couldnt reach it it is so hard

[Wellstech]

There are 2 or 4 bolts that hold the steering column up against the dash. When you remove these bolts the switch is much easier to reach. If you would like complete instructions let me know. Go to my channel and get my e-mail address, I will be happy to send them. I will also need engine size and tilt wheel or not.

Mark

[GUTYRO1]

i got a jeep chrokke 1994 wipers, turn signal, radio, lighter, heat and air dont work only work if i turn the ignition key counter clockwise i need help thanks

[markjhicks]

Hello Gutyro1,

1. Check the Violet wire at the ignition switch. If no power, check for a bad ignition switch.

2. If there is B+ on the Violet/White, check for an open in the wire to the fuse box.

It is common for the ignition switch to fail like this on this vehicle.

I hope this helps, keep me informed with the results or if you need more information.

Mark

[phototrigger1]

Changed the cylinder all the same because it was loose and I could remove the key while the engine was running, not to safe! also had the cam shaft sensor changed without out sucess.

In the end I found a used computer in a srap yard, put it in myself and starts and runs fine.Hope that this helps. Make sure that you have the correct computer, a used one with the same model numbers will work as soon as you turn the key but a rebuilt one will require a dealership to program the unit.

good luck!

[phototrigger1]

swicth replacesment was easy as in video but I am still having start problems, maybe the key core to change next?

[markjhicks]

What kind of start problems are you having? What is the vehicle you are working on?

[phototrigger1]

hello Mark, I have a 1993 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo. 6 cyl. 4 Lt. automatic.

I have changed the plugs, wires, distibutor cap rotor, battery and last the ignition switch. I have had the air intake cleaned as well. When I turn the key the check engine light does not always come on. I have to fiddle with the steering colomb and constantly retry untill I seem to find a sweet spot..the light check engine comes on and I am off with everything working like a charm. When engine is warm usualy works?

[markjhicks]

It doesn't sound like the lock cylinder is the problem, although it is possible. I would remove the trim shield and when the problem occurs, wiggle the electrical connector on the switch with the key in the "on" position. If the CEL flashes "on" while doing this the problem is in the connection. If it doesn't, remove the switch again and try it. Observe the action of the actuators...Are they moving in time with the lock cylinder? Please stay in touch...If you like call me at 1-800-558-9770.

[destroyb4new]

1996 grand cherokee,stalls while drivingwhen stoping changed aic,,.crankshaft sensor ,pluggs ,wires no leaks.could it be map sensor?dont know what to do.

[markjhicks]

If the engine is stalling when you are coming to a stop, check the EGR valve. It may be sticking open at times causing the stall. Your vehicle also has problems with the IAC and PCM causing this problem. Please stay in touch. The more details you can include the better. For exaple are there any trouble codes?

Mark

[markjhicks]

A 1996 Jeep Cherokee should have the same setup. Are you sure of the year? What size engine does it have? Is it a Grand Cherokee?

[Gulfwarhero]

You should replace this? How you know if your ignition switch is bad?

[RazorBladeEdge1]

My 96 Jeep Cherokee does not have the same ignition cylinder setup.