so my 1990 xj doesnt start the normal way. the only way i can start it is if i touch the switch on the starter to power on it and conduct a bypass. My xj is a 5spd 4wd I6. Ive replaced the starter and it still has the same issue. im unsure of what to check and or replace. when i turn the key the battery comes on and my dashboard light telling me the ebrake is engaged comes on. and my gauges on my cluster turn on but it doesnt crank or anything else from the inside.

 

In a safe location, try starting it in other gears. Like R, N, or D. To see if your selector got banged around underneath.

 

that didnt work. thanks for the input though

 

Try making sure all the wires connected at the starter are good and clean and secured tightly. Maybe try following the wires all the way back until you reach the battery cables and look for skinned or broke places. I really don't know, this is just throwing something at you. But it seems to me if you can jump the starter to power and it works then there must be a lost connection (broke skinned wire) between the battery and starter but like I said that almost seems to basic haha.

 

Thanks for the idea ive been cleaning up the previous owners mess (he didnt take the best care of it) so tomorrow i will go out and inspect the wires from the starter up to the battery.

 

Do you have a wiring diagram for the starting system?

 

This may sound basic, but get your battery tested. My '90 XJ wouldn't start and after replacing the starter, I found out that my week old battery was no good