Reviews for Crown Automotive 5003843AAK Coded Ignition Cylinder with Keys for 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ & Unlimited, 97-01 Cherokee XJ, 99-08 Grand Cherokee WJ & WK

Easy to install - Just wish they said Jeep on the keys!

The Crown cylinder doesn't have the "ears" that surround the key bow and shoulder when inserted. The '97 TJ factory unit has these ears, which absorb the twisting torque while engaging the starter, and aid in key extraction. The Crown unit fits, and works okay, but is inferior to the original. The Crown cylinder lacks provision for retaining the eared collar, and is of a larger diameter, so swapping the old collar to the new cylinder is not an option. I wound up rebuilding the original unit, having new keys cut, and am using it. I now have a spare ignition lock cylinder in the event the original becomes so worn it is no longer serviceable. I gave 4 stars because it is exactly what I ordered, I just hadn't noticed the difference until I had installed it and it felt different.

The Key's a little tough to extract but assembly fit as promised.

The cylinder is a direct replacement for my 2001 TJ. Installed perfectly. the keys. however stick and are very difficult to remove from the cylinder. They are very sharply cut. I will take them to Home Depot to have them put on the wire brush to seeif they will work better. Not the best QA, I suppose.

Bought this about a month ago. Installed pretty easy, accept the chime wouldn’t shut off till I figured out the little round plastic in the back was stuck but I got it freed up things were fine. Well worked fine for about 3 or 4 off road rides 100 or so starts thin we were at the end of a canyon stopped for lunch got back in to continue the ride and the ignition lock would not turn. We (3 of us) couldn’t get it unlocked after about 30 min in 100 degree heat I took some channel locks and forced it to turn, fortunately I got it started and made it home. I have to get another lock but I think I’ll try another brand.