Steering lock

What is that mechanism in the steering column that locks the steering when you turn off the ignition? I think might have broken it tonight messing with getting the linkage pulled loose. Wheel turns free with key out of ignition now... ? ???? battery was stone dead.

99 XJ

My 99 will only lock at 180 degrees(upside down now for some reason) not sure if this helps, but.......

A lock cylinder. Mine broke a year or so ago. I can start it now without a key. Not good for security but convenient for me. I bought the lock cylinder (which came with 2 new keys) but I've procrastinated for too long. It was not expensive and can be done in an afternoon.

Thanks, I suppose its murphy's law or something but everytime I fix one thing on this JEEP, I find another thing that needs fixed, or I break something. I guess its a good thing I like wrenching and its not a DD. hasta