DearJimmy

I'm injured and SLOWLY fixing an 89 Cherokee XJ that someone tried to steal from the previous owner. The would be thief punched the column and messed it up. I replaced the column and everything worked fine! That is until a few days ago. Now the starter won't fire when the key is turned. The previous owner must have been an electrical guru because instead of replacing the broken column they rewired the ignition to work off of a toggle switch AND they for some reason wired an ignition button inside the engine bay. I got rid of the rewire when I installed the new column.
When I turn the key the dash lights come on and the clock dims as I get to the starting position while turning the key. If I put the key to run and push the ignition ****ch in the engine bay it starts right up!!! My battery is new and charged up with my charger. I also checked all the colored fuses under the dash. My question is I'm wondering if there is a fuse for the ignition? Did the 1989 XJ have a switch where I have to push the brake or have it in park? I'm thinking that might be bad. I tried neutral and the same things happens there where nothing happens, but the clock dimming. Thanks for your insight!

solderjunkie

The gear position sensor (aka neutral safety switch) needs to be disassembled and cleaned.

Do a quick search and you will find tons of info and pictures.

DearJimmy

Thanks Solderjunkie! Since it wouldn't start in neutral I ruled out it having a neutral safety switch (NSS). In just searching the archives I will now turn the key and mover the shifter around to see if I get the starter to work at all. My switch may be really bad! Here's a really good site I found in the archives in case anyone else is searching:

http://www.ktioffroad.com/2007/09/23...ave-200-in-4h/

3xjfan

I would look in to cleaning the starter.
Go to this site,
http://go.jeep-xj.info
scroll down to Service and Repair Items,
then look for Strip and clean for mud effected starter motor.
I don't mud bog, but the contacts do get dirty.
It's an easy job, took me about 1.5 hours to complete,from start (no pun intended) to finish.
I had this problem recently, and this fixed it.
Give it a try.
Just my 2 cents,
Mac