My 1990 Cherokee Laredo will start but shuts off as soon as I release the key. If I hold the key to start, it will stay running.
A little background. It was running fine until my alternator went bad with the pulley coming off, breaking my belt and causing the jeep to over heat. I replaced the alternator and belt but on my way home (about 50 miles) It was running like it still was still over heated but it wasn't. After cooling down overnight it cranked and ran fine for a day or two. At first it only started and stayed running on about the 10th try. Now it doesnt stay running unless you hold the key to start.

 

Try bypassing ballast resistor yet ?

 

Driver side fender well remove two wires and jump with wire ......

 

That did it! Now what, replace the resistor or permanent bypass?

 

Your call I like to keep mine as factory as possible ? Send Bacardi Dark to freegdr Hollywood fl...lol...

 

You've got it! Thanks freegdr.

 

Incase your wondering.....http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...llast+resistor

 

Any time glad to help.

 

My jeep did good for 3 days with the new ballast resistor but now its doing it again. I tried the jumper again and now that's not even working.

 

How do the wires look? Also the connectors that go to the ballast resistor? I just replaced mine a week and a half ago. I though about permanent bypass but like freegdr, I like to keep it stock as possible. My wire connections are a little weird and wobbly but I haven't had a problem since replacing it. Take a look at them and keep us informed.

 

If I start it and hold just a little tension on the ignition switch (enough so the the starter stops spinning) It will run. And I can gradually release the tension and the thing will keep running. I even drove it to the gas station. I even started it this way with the old ballast resistor. I'd hate to drive it somewhere and it go back to not starting though. (My daughter uses this car sometimes also with her kid)
BTW the wiring and connectors for the ballast resistor are in good shape.

 

I'm not a betting man, but I would probably take a gamble that your ignition switch is the culprit. I think you had 2 problems, the switch and the bypass resistor...and now just the switch.

I mean, if the only variable is the tension on the switch....what else could it be?

 

Make sure you specify tilt or not at the parts store, or you will be doing a turn around trip. Both switches will work but the wrong one makes your key work backwards. Also get some wire ends you may have to re-build part of the harness going to the plug.

 

Yeah, I kind of had that thought about "it could be the ignition" but I hate trrowing parts at it and haven't had any ignition switch experience before. As far as what else could it be haha..you know these jeeps. How difficult is this job?

 

Job is pretty easy, I have done it a "few" times and it takes me about 30-40min at the most. But if you are a first timer give yourself about 1-2hrs, follow the directions that come with the switch and all will be good. You will be surprised how simple this is once you have done it. I believe it is four bolts for the column and two for the switch, plus all related dash hardware.
This swap can be done w/o dropping the column if your able to work by feel, but for the first time I do not recommend it.
To verify it is the ign. you should before putting the new one in see if the problem occurs manually. Switch is about 18$ pending on place of purchase and your location.