First time posting so please let me know if the images don't show up.

I just revived an 88 XJ (4.0 auto 4wd) after it sat for a few years due to a broken drivers window. I got it running but realized a lot of the electronics weren't functioning

Working: brake lights, emergency flashers, radio (only if the key is turned backwards, not while running)

Not working: turn signals, headlights, wipers, horn, cigarette lighter

After some quick searching I concluded it was the ignition switch so I bought the part and tore apart the dash looking to replace the switch on top of the steering column. I did not find the switch and didn't find anything resembling the part I bought. See pictures below:





Steering column



steering column closeup


Do some XJs have a different ignition switch configuration? Or not have one at all? Are early year XJs different?

The rod from the ignition lock is alongside the right side of the steering column. There is some sort of cylindrical component with two wires coming from it, one of which goes to the fuse box. Picture of the fuse box:





fuse box. I think the black/white wire comes from the ignition rod

Any help is appreciated.

 

hmm maybe someone replaced the steering column with another type, as far i know the ignition switch on my 88 xj sits right on top of the column with the rod running right to it not on the side with the highbeam switch mounted together on the column

Marc

 

Someone swapped coloumns to newer style. Ignition switch is where key goes in...

 

Do you know what year(s) that newer style is? Or how I can find the part# for the ignition switch?

 

The reason nothing working correcty is that colloumn only feeding current to that 1 bus bar in fuse box. I suggest look under dash and see if the black and blue plugs are there for original switch. And install proper coloumn to restore complete function to fuse box. Your actually back feeding power thru fuse box.

 

One I'm working on is 1988.


I also have a 1998 (the one in my signature).

 

Re Read post 5.

 

This show 97 to 2001 but its wrong pictuers are 95 and down.....https://www.cherokeeforum.com/how-to...-column-399280

 

Thanks freegdr. I'll take a look tonight and see if the black and blue plugs are there.

 

No blue plug. There are several connectors that aren't plugged into anything. See pictures below. Any idea what the plugs are for are appreciated.

 

Think those are speakers and sentenial light option. These colors would be on other side of the coloumn...Post a pick of your steering wheel also.

 

I don't see any connectors that size or those wire configurations. I'm so confused what they did...

 

Where are you getting the year from saying 1988. Gauge cluster look wrong for 88 ?

 

Do some digging see if these plugs are on switch.

 

Look for the Vin# of Jeep in Question and write it down.
Then inter the complete VIN# into this site; then post the results this will probably solve the mystery of what year this Jeep started out to be.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/vindecoder.php