My 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport was running fine until today. Went to go start it up, starts but dies as soon as I let off the starter position on the key. If I leave it in the start position the engine will stay running and rev but nothing can keep it going once the key is moved to the run position. The dome light stays on with the door open but none of the dash lights nor radio turn on with the key in the accessory or run position and the warning lights do turn on when the key is move to the start position.

The jeep is stock and I have check all of the fuses in the fuse block and distribution block under the hood and have moved the relays around while I was waiting for a ride to no avail.

At this point I am thinking igntion switch on the column, anything thoughts?

 

Ignition switch is where I'd look next.

 

I figured the issue might be there. Is there any easy way to test or even bypass this to get it home without tearing it apart (maybe through the fuse block or distribution block under the hood)? Right now my Jeep is sitting in a shopping center parking lot and I would rather not have to replace the ignition switch there if possible.

 

do you have the newer style steering coloumn???

 

not ver difficult to change just make sure you get the torqs bit for the screws

 

I have the column in that video but haven't had it apart yet. I've watched the video about 3-4 times to memorize how to do it. I was just worried about tearing apart a steering column in a store parking lot in a not-so-good part of town. I have the tools so that isn't an issue.

 

You can't hotwire around the ignition switch at the PDC (it precedes the switch), or the interior fusebox (not all circuits you need are present). You'd have to add a couple temporary jumpers to the connector for the ignition switch itself.

Pins 2 and 6 to pin 4
Pin 5 to pin 7
Then momentarily connect pin 1 to pin 7 to operate the starter motor.

Or you could tap into the wiring further down the column and make your jumper connections using scotchlok connectors and rotate the key to fire the starter. (see wire colors posted above)

 

it gonna look better replacing the switch then running wires every where hot wireing it dont ya think

 

Heh. Hotwiring a Jeep in the bad part of town....what could possibly go wrong?

 

heres what ya do get new switch remove coloumn covers unplug ignition switch leaving it attached to coloumn, plug new one into plug . Then turn switch on coloumn to run to un lock steering take screw driver turn new switch to staart...drive away

 

heck might get some expert help there lol

 

and the op left ????

 

Oh for pete's sake. That's clean, simple and effective.

No wonder I didn't think of it.

 

Doh, I might do that then. I was putting too much thought into it before. Been a stressful day....

Thanks for the help all.

 

good luck...lol keep the doors locked ...