Early 90's XJ Limited.

I currently have to open the hood and disconnect the battery as to not drain it when I'm not driving the Jeep being that it's not able to go further back than the acc position, and that's going to become a hassle .

I've searched the forums and found a few similar threads, but nothing the same as what I'm dealing with.

It's an automatic, so there is no release button/switch..at least none that I can see?


I'd really appreciate any info.

 

Can you switch gears without pressing the brake? I had that problem. There is a release in the shifter that might be rusted or stuck.

 

I can switch gears, force the engine back on, drive it, the works. I just can't get the key to switch back into the off position.

 

Okay.....but can you switch gears without pressing the brake???

 

Yup

 

Okay. Lift up the shifter console and take a look at the "ratchet" that locks the shifter into each gear. Clean it off with a small wire brush and some PB blaster and use a screwdriver to pop it up. I bet it's stuck in the down position(just like holding the button down).

 

The safety switch on the shifter is probably your cause of this. They get rusty and gunked up. I would check that first.

 

you beat me to it lol

 

If it's not stuck there, then there is a small ball and socket type connection under the steering column that might have popped loose. This will also keep you from taking the key out of the ignition. My problem was with the shifter itself. It got kinda corroded in there.

 

Is there any way to attack this without tools?

=(

 

Sure...if I'm not mistaken you can pop the console around the shifter without any tools. You will need something the force the locking mechanism up and down to "free" it up. You should also press the shifter button to see if it is free and not getting stuck. A good penetrating oil will help.

 

Ok so disregard what I said about shifting without the brake. I was referring to when it wasn't running. When it's running, I need the brake.

I'm fairly certain this is an ignition issue. I popped open the housing in the console and it all checked out.

What can I do about the ignition on my own? And how badly can I hurt it if I try forcing it into the lock position?

 

Well if your going to work on it your self, go buy some tools

Replace ignition switch