Ignition Switch And Key Lock Cylinder Operation; Distributor Cap -2.5L Engine; Distributor Rotor -2.5L Engine; Cap Inspection—External—Typical - Jeep 200 Cherokee Service Manual

8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a floor mounted shifter: a cable is
used to connect the interlock device in the steering
column assembly, to the transmission floor shift
lever. This interlock device is used to lock the trans-
mission shifter in the PARK position when the key
lock cylinder is rotated to the LOCKED or ACCES-
SORY position. The interlock device within the steer-
ing column is not serviceable. If repair is necessary,
the steering column assembly must be replaced.
Refer to Group 19, Steering for procedures.
If the ignition key is difficult to rotate to or from
the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, it may not be
the fault of the key cylinder or the steering column
components. The brake transmission shift interlock
cable may be out of adjustment. Refer to Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock Cable Adjustment in
Group 21, Transmissions for adjustment procedures.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a steering column mounted shifter:
an interlock device is located within the steering col-
umn. This interlock device is used to lock the trans-
mission shifter in the PARK position when the key
lock cylinder is in the LOCKED or ACCESSORY
position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to or from
the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the interlock
device within the steering column may be defective.
This device is not serviceable. If repair is necessary,
the steering column assembly must be replaced.
Refer to Group 19, Steering for procedures.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion and a floor mounted shifter: on certain mod-
els, a lever is located on the steering column behind
the ignition key lock cylinder. The lever must be
manually operated to allow rotation of the ignition
key lock cylinder to the LOCK or ACCESSORY posi-
tion. If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position, the lever mechanism may be
defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If
repair is necessary, the steering column assembly
must be replaced. Refer to Group 19, Steering for
procedures.
On other models, the ignition key cylinder must be
depressed to allow it to be rotated into the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the
key to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the lock
mechanism within the steering column may be defec-
tive. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is
necessary, the steering column assembly must be
replaced. Refer to Group 19, Steering for procedures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DISTRIBUTOR CAP-2.5L ENGINE
Remove the distributor cap and wipe it clean with
a dry lint free cloth. Visually inspect the cap for
cracks, carbon paths, broken towers or damaged
rotor button (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 9). Also check for white
deposits on the inside (caused by condensation enter-
ing the cap through cracks). Replace any cap that
displays charred or eroded terminals. The machined
surface of a terminal end (faces toward rotor) will
indicate some evidence of erosion from normal oper-
ation. Examine the terminal ends for evidence of
mechanical interference with the rotor tip.
Fig. 8 Cap Inspection—External—Typical
1 – BROKEN TOWER
2 – DISTRIBUTOR CAP
3 – CARBON PATH
4 – CRACK
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR-2.5L ENGINE
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 10) for cracks, evi-
dence of corrosion or the effects of arcing on the
metal tip. Also check for evidence of mechanical
interference with the cap. Some charring is normal
on the end of the metal tip. The silicone-dielectric-
varnish-compound applied to the rotor tip for radio
interference noise suppression, will appear charred.
This is normal. Do not remove the charred com-
pound. Test the spring for insufficient tension.
Replace a rotor that displays any of these adverse
conditions.
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