I replaced my stereo and it took several attempts at lining it up perfectly, which included me putting the dash trim in and taking it out several times.

In doing so, I must have loosened something because the Jeep wouldn't start. At first I thought it was a bad ground so I removed stereo completely and had the same issue.

I finally figured out if I move the steering column down into its lower positions, everything lights up and the ignition starts. If I move the steering column up past half way everything shuts down again.

This sounds like a loose cable, wire, or plug somewhere in the steering column, just not sure of where to start looking.

Interior lights do come on when I open the door with the column in any position, I just can't start the XJ and don't get the buzzing from the keys being in the ignition unless the column is in the lower positions.

 

Neutral safety switch on column .

 

Neutral Safety Switch is located on the outside of the transmission for the AW4

 

If you want to fix this, you will have to go over the work that was done. Like you said, likely a loose wire/connection and will require some dismantling...

If you want a break from your efforts after the stereo install, and can life with it, dont worry, add it on the things to do and keep it in the lower positions for now

 

Which column you have Gm or Chrysler ?

 

I assumed it was the Chrysler column. It's a 1996, automatic with console shifter if that helps. Ignition key is the big giant Mopar key with pentastar logo on it.

I remember when AMCs used to have a square key and a round key exactly like GMs of the time, and this is different.

 

This is what I'm doing, haha. Actually, it was too cold to keep messing around with it. I'm going to have to take the plastic back off of the column and find all the little connections that snap together and take them apart one by one til I find the issue.