My old '89 did this and so does the '89 I'm currently driving. I've also heard that on older Jeeps it's quite common for keys to be interchangeable because of the worn down ignition cylinder/keys. You can essentially use your key on many other XJs lol.

 

my 88 did this as well, i too could start it with a flat head. it got so bad i have to take plyers to the rod that goes down the steering column to start it.

btw, this is not normal, there is a small rod that clicks in place (you can hear it when u turn the key forward) that wears out in the ignition switch. Crysler realized this when they took over in 91, and they fixed it for 02, along with making the door and ignition the same double sided key.

you can get a new lock cylinder on ebak for like $10, it is not hard to install either.

Remove steering wheel
remove blocker place
take out 3 screws, remove/move blinker assembly
remove screw on top right of the inside of the column
remove lock cylinder, replace with new one and do the rest of the steps backwards

 

Just wire up a racecar style toggle switch

 

No its a GM column thing. Jeeps use GM steering columns and this has always been an issue with them. I can stick anything in my camaro to start and drive it. I know several people who had their GM cars and truck stolen in the ghetto

 

ya my 88 doesn't eve go into lock and the keys are just for looks... my anti theft device is replacing the the coil wire with a plug wire... no one even think of looking at this!!