Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 292

8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
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, a floor mounted shifter, and a LEVER
below the ignition key: A lever is located on the
steering column behind the ignition key lock cylinder.
The lever must be manually operated to allow rota-
tion of the ignition key lock cylinder to the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. 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 col-
umn assembly must be replaced. Refer to Group 19,
Steering for procedures.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion, a floor mounted shifter, and NO LEVER
below the ignition key: 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 defective. 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
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. 9) or (Fig. 10). 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. 9 Cap Inspection—External—Typical
1 – BROKEN TOWER
2 – DISTRIBUTOR CAP
3 – CARBON PATH
4 – CRACK
Fig. 10 Cap Inspection—Internal—Typical
1 – CHARRED OR ERODED TERMINALS
2 – WORN OR DAMAGED ROTOR BUTTON
3 – CARBON PATH
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 11) 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
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