Ignition System - Service Information: Diagnosis Dodge Dakota III

TEST AND REPAIR

If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle with a automatic transmission first adjust the shift linkage.

If the ignition switch effort is excessive, remove the ignition key cylinder from the steering column. Refer to REMOVAL . Check the turning effort of the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is excessive replace the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder operates properly look for the following conditions.

Scheme 1

Note. The steering column on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission is not equipped with an internal locking shaft with the ignition cylinder. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for service will have to be used.

The tilt and standard column (4) have been designed to be serviced as an assembly; without wiring, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column from the vehicle. (Scheme 1)

Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns.

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, Refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION and follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.

The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
2. Disable the airbag «(Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL)»(ref-247645-S39386279482007020100000).
3. Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
4. Remove key cylinder. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-247608-S29543704372007020100000).
5. Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
6. Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever bracket. 1 - IGNITION SWITCH 2 - TILT LEVER MECHANISM
7. Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain access to the ignition switch (1) mounting screws. (Scheme 2) 1 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws 2 - Non-Tilt Mounting Bracket Screws
8. For columns without tilt remove the bracket (2) to gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws (2). (Scheme 3) 1 - Ignition Switch 2 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws
9. Disconnect the electrical connector at rear of ignition switch (1). (Scheme 4)
10. Remove ignition switch mounting screw (2).
11. Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab and remove switch from steering column.

ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS

For ignition switch electrical schematics, refer to appropriate wiring diagram in SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS .

MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO ROTATE)

(Refer to STEERING/COLUMN/IGNITION SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) .

Scheme 5

The ignition key (1) must be in the key cylinder (2) for cylinder removal.

Scheme 6

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.
2. Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from steering column.
3. Place shifter in PARK position.
4. A retaining pin is located at side of key cylinder assembly (2). (Scheme 5) 1 - KEY CYLINDER 2 - PUNCH Rotate key to RUN position. Press in on retaining pin while pulling key cylinder (1) from ignition switch. (Scheme 6)

Scheme 7

The ignition key (1) must be in the key cylinder (2) for cylinder installation.

1. Install the key cylinder into the housing using care to align the end of the key cylinder (2) with the ignition switch.
2. Push the key cylinder (2) in until it clicks.
3. Replace the upper and lower shrouds.
4. Reconnect the battery.