No Start, Key Won’t Turn Far Enough

CherokeeLiberty · Aug 26, 2022

Well, I got stranded while Grocery shopping today. I came back outside, pushed the clutch, turned the key, and nothing! Power accessories turned on, but nothing to the starter. So, I moved some relays around, and still nothing. I tried starting in 4Low to bypass the clutch switch, and still nothing. I currently have the steering column opened up, and I am leaning towards either the ignition switch or the actuating pin.

Tools’s I’ve needed so far are a T20 to remove the column covers, and a safety torx will be needed to move further (sets are available at Menards for $5 or less).

Edit: T10 Safety Torx bit is what was needed.

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CherokeeLiberty · Aug 26, 2022

Ok, problem has been located, and it’s temporarily fixed.

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The culprit ended up being the actuating pin. The end that plugs into the ignition switch broke.

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In the meantime, I’ll be sporting a screwdriver. I do need to hold a key right next to the slot, otherwise the engine dies after two seconds. It’ll be an interesting week.

Hopefully this helps someone down the road.

Billwill · Aug 28, 2022

This is actually a common problem for some years now. Using a screwdriver is a good idea....been there done that!
The Dealers normally do not sell the Actuator Pin Assembly...they told me I have to buy the whole steering column assembly!

My fault turned out to be a wiring issue but the Actuator Pin Assembly can apparently be obtained from Dorman!

Normally you need to have the ignition key inserted in its slot so that the SKEES system can read the code off the key...also the steering lock needs to be disabled....I have long since pulled the steering lock hardware out!

jeepop · Aug 28, 2022

The Dorman part works great. All of us with older Liberty's will eventually get stranded like you.

jeepop · Aug 28, 2022

Keep it long enough and this likely will happen twice

CherokeeLiberty · Aug 28, 2022

I ordered the Dorman part from Rock Auto: DORMAN 924704

Oddly enough, Napa’s Echlin line has this too, but they want $100 for it, while RA is $43. I’ve never seen that big of a difference…

CherokeeLiberty · Aug 29, 2022

The new pin came early! I got it all back together, now. The Dorman part is identical to the factory part.

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Offroad Bob · Aug 30, 2022

Same thing happened to my 02 Liberty Sport. Wasn’t a real big deal. Just was no notice when it happened

CherokeeLiberty · Aug 30, 2022

Offroad Bob said:
Same thing happened to my 02 Liberty Sport. Wasn’t a real big deal. Just was no notice when it happened

Nope. I turned the key and thought, “something just felt very weird…”

JibeHo22 · Sep 6, 2022

CherokeeLiberty said:
Well, I got stranded while Grocery shopping today. I came back outside, pushed the clutch, turned the key, and nothing! Power accessories turned on, but nothing to the starter. So, I moved some relays around, and still nothing. I tried starting in 4Low to bypass the clutch switch, and still nothing. I currently have the steering column opened up, and I am leaning towards either the ignition switch or the actuating pin.

Tools’s I’ve needed so far are a T20 to remove the column covers, and a safety torx will be needed to move further (sets are available at Menards for $5 or less).

Edit: T10 Safety Torx bit is what was needed.

You must be registered for see images attach

How many miles are on your vehicle? I'm wondering if I should replace the part on my 2005 Liberty now, before it actually falls.

Jeremy-WI · Sep 6, 2022

JibeHo22 said:
How many miles are on your vehicle? I'm wondering if I should replace the part on my 2005 Liberty now, before it actually falls.

I have close to 170k on my 2006 and haven't had to replace that part but I do have a remote start installed so I won't be stranded if it does break

CherokeeLiberty · Sep 6, 2022

JibeHo22 said:
How many miles are on your vehicle? I'm wondering if I should replace the part on my 2005 Liberty now, before it actually falls.

196k miles. Honestly, with the pin being pot metal, it could happen at any time. If you feel so inclined, keep a new one in your vehicle along with T20 and Security T10 drivers. It’s a freak thing.

JibeHo22 · Sep 7, 2022

CherokeeLiberty said:
196k miles. Honestly, with the pin being pot metal, it could happen at any time. If you feel so inclined, keep a new one in your vehicle along with T20 and Security T10 drivers. It’s a freak thing.

Thanks for the details. I think I will just go ahead and replace the part now with a new one so it doesn't fail when I am in the backcountry.

CherokeeLiberty · Nov 10, 2022

Update… You know that button by the ignition that you have to press to turn your key to remove? Well, it self disabled itself the other day. Something broke, and now I don’t have to press it anymore ‍

No Start, Key Won’t Turn Far Enough

CherokeeLiberty

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