The BEST Jeep TJ Ignition Actuator Replacement Video EVAR! Project 2004 Jeep Wrangler

Hey Kyle. Are you ever gonna install Metalcloak rock sliders or any for that matter?

👍🤜🤛

I was recommended to purchase and replace these parts because my TJ doesn’t entirely disengage. It’ll shut off, but it acts like the power is still on (I can use my windshield wipers and radio when my key is out). Hopefully this fixes the issue!

Thanks. Very pleased when the old girl started. Very helpful

Identical problem with my 2003 Jeep Liberty. Your video really simplified the repair---thx!

What is the Dorman part number for the ignition switch. I found the Dorman actuatoor..
Thanks

My tj was stolen around my birthday this year (parked by my workplace and didn't notice until Sept 28th, bday on th 25th) I did some things to "disable" it somewhat. To and from work I drive the back road to actively search for it. Finally one day to work in the morning I drove on the same back street I had already drive by before. This time as I looked left the colors red, white and blue caught my eyes. There it was! Stars and Bars!!! My Jeep has a soft top but I left the rear soft windows off and instead I secured the American flag to the sports bars. Skipping to the point of this video. Now the key turns to accessory and all dash light work and all however it won't crank over and start. I talked to people and it seems that it has same issue as yours. The same broken piece is most likely th culprit. Thank you for the upload.

How do you tell if it’s the ignition switch or the other one? I’m having a crank no start. Takes 4-5 turns before it starts

Thank you very much. 99% the same as my 2006 model. Later models have a very small part in the lid, heard it fall and found it 😅 Thanks from Holland!

Your amazing!! Thanks for your detailed yet careful chosen words that I am very fascinated to fix my jeep after 5 long months of he'll and not knowing!!!! I'm keeping u in my favs for sure!!!

Thank you. You saved me a lot of time. Best how to I’ve ever used.

Oh I see now, the plate is last. I tried to reassemble ignition and ignition actuator with plate and jacked the internals.

Thanks a million😊 I wasted the interlock trying to troubleshoot the ignition. The part was on sale for $14 delivered. The detailed explanation was very much appreciated. Not as simple as it looks.

Gracias

Bro , really big thanks from México , I literally did every single step and the same part was broken , amazing guidance 🎉

You saved my butt!!! Bully!

This video series helped me out a ton. Appreciate you.

Fue de.mucha ayuda tu video gracias

GREAT VIDEO. 5 STARS...

Outstanding video! I would never have found the problem, much less had a clue what to do. Taking the time to go thru the alignment was a huge help getting things back together. I can't thank you enough!

Thank u for the insight. Found broken piece just like that. Found ur awesome vid. Part store tomorrow. Hopefully will be good to go!!!

Problem is, Non of you backyard mechanics show how to get the panel under the steering wheel off so I can lower the steering wheel and get that damn switch out.

Ok first off great video. My jeep was exhibiting exact symptoms. Pulled off the covers and the little metal piece fell right out confirming starter problem. I could not have done it without your video. Great Job. Thank you. Should have it running shortly. YES !! Makes me look like I know what I'm doing. ha

Help please
...I'm trying to make my steering wheel lock work.?only locks at far left or right.ty

OMG!!!!!! This is absolutely the best video on this!!! Thank you!!!!!! should we test it??? n aaaa..... Love it!!!!!!!!

Hell yea man.....just had to do the same exact thing just now with my LJ....your video definitely helped me get the job done.....replaced the switch as well. Thanks man, much appreciated 🙏 👍

My 2005 4.0 will run for two months and then not run at all. After two weeks of me messing with it, it magically starts and runs for two months. And then won't start again for two weeks. This has happen 6 times now. I've replaced the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor. The battery, fuel pump and ignition. I don't thimk I needed any of those. I've taken off the power leads, wire wheeled them and replaced the post connecters. Please help. I've looked for shorts.

Amazing video. So clear on a topic that could become very frustrating if you hadn’t seen the explanation of how it all works together. Awesome job.

best instructional video! Detailed with excellent explanations. easy to follow instructions! thank you!

My son bought a new actuator pin for his jeep, no instructions of course. Thanks for saving the day!
Gonna tackle this tomorrow.

Great Video! Thank you!

THANK YOU! This really is the best instructional video EVAR. New (old, 1997 handmedown) Wrangler owner mama - handed down from my Dad, never worked on a car in my life. Wouldn’t start two days after I got it, followed these instructions and she’s running! Thank you!

Thanks alot for this video just tackled my 06 wrangler this showed exactly what was going on and exactly how to fix it thanks again

Thanks for the detailed how-to. I will second the advice of getting the ignition switch. I thought for sure I’d find the busted piece from the ignition actuator, but nope…. It was all intact. So I figured the last thing (replaced the starter…) would be that ignition switch. Glad I had that “just in case.” Replaced that, re-used the original ignition actuator, and it fired up. Gotta leave this advice: Be CAFEFUL taking your actuator out, in case the spring holding that brass part pops loose. It’s good to have one “together” actuator in case you need to see how the pieces all fit in, should it pop apart. There’s also a little aluminum (tiny) nib that can fall out of the plate underneath the actuator. Absolutely nothing holds it in place and I had to figure out where that little piece went that just fell down. Not part of the actuator or ignition switch, or tumbler… just a squarish plate that has a yellow push tab - that is the assembly that nib fits in. Don’t force the actuator going into the ignition switch - like the video states, you might need a little wiggling of the key in the ignition to fit the ignition switch housing over the actuator pin. I watched this video several times before I even got the parts, and had it to reference as I did my repair. I also use a block of styrofoam to push screws into as I remove them so I keep them together. Even though I replaced the starter, got another actuator…. In my case it was that ignition switch ($26 at Autozone,) that would have been my fix. I kept the new starter in, but returned the original one for the $50 core charge, and returned the $66 ignition actuator that wasn’t broken. IF THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM, consider checking your relays/fuses, and see if it’s just the ignition switch. My symptoms were: key would go in, turn in all positions, everything seemed normal…. Just wouldn’t send to starter. Beeped, chimed, etc, everything else worked. If everything seems normal, except no starter-send….. maybe you’ll be in need of just that ignition switch. 2004 1/2 TJ Wrangler Unlimited. 95,000 miles. Thanks again for an excellent how-to video. Make sure you have the parts needed (Phillips head screwdriver for column covers, T-15 torx and T-10 torx security (the hole in the middle of the bit) for the ignition switch).

Just wanted to say thank you for this video and also the troubleshooting one. I went through the steps you posted to diagnose the issue on my ‘02 TJ and had this exact problem. Your attention to detail on all the little things regarding this fix, gave me the confidence to do it myself. Saved me a ton of money and the Jeep starts up great now. Thank you so much!

Thanks a lot For this video really help me to change My broken switch, very clear to fallow step by step to instal the new one god bless You friend. I,m Nico from TJ Baja Cfa. Mex. Bye.

100% was the issue with my 05 LJ. You are a life saver and your video is so easy to follow. Thank you!

Man, you are a lufe saver! Doing this swap in a laundromat parking lot wasn't too bad. It still wasn't fun. Thank you!

Great instructions, originally I replaced the actuator pin. I recommend replacing both actuator pin and switch. In case the switch is broken as I later found out. Now working as new.

Absolutely, the best walk-through for this project. I let my jeep sit for 6 months dreading a shop visit. I'm so not a mechanical inclined mind-set but I followed this on a hunch of being the problem. Fixed in 30 mins. New follower here! Nice work!!

I’m trying to take the key cylinder out , but the key won’t turn into the run position , there’s a hard stop just before reaching run . Any ideas ?

Dude mine just broke in the exact same spot

great vid bra!

Well done sir! Thank you

Man you are a lifesaver!!! My sons Jeep broke down at school so I drove down to help him fix. I also had a bad starter to fix in addition to this starter pin just like yours! Also replaced the switch. Thank you Thank you Thank you!! Thanks for taking the time to do this video. You saved me big bucks!!

Perfect! Very helpful video, thank you so much! Gave you a sub

Like others, this video helped me immensely.
I followed your directions to the T, and it went smooth as butter.
I wasn't going to replace the ignition switch but I went ahead and got a new one based on your advice.
It was the right move because after I got it pulled out, I noticed it was wallowed out were a broken piece had been moving around in it for a while.
Thanks a million. This is one of the better automotive tutorial videos I've found and I've been through hundreds of them.

Awesome video I think my xj needs this but I tried to bypass this and jump(HOT WIRE) but still didn't work so I'm just going to get all this