I bought this 96 XJ back in Sept and just now realized that if I tilt the sterrign column all the way up, it kills the motor and wont restart. It's good in the middle and lower position. When I got it, I found the tilt lever in the center console and figured it was just out because the previous owner had the column clam shell all taped together and it looked like he taped over the hole for the tilt lever. I got another clamshell at Pull-a-part and put it back together. I guess I never tried it until I needed to when I had a lot of hunting clothes on this morning. I dont really need to tilt it all the way up, but if I can repair the problem I would rather fix it!

 

The ignition switch is bolted to the column and can slide up and down for adjustment.
IT is most likely a little loose and moved a little and needs re-adjusted and tighten the
screws down it all.

 

Tilting up may be pulling the wires to the ignition switch tight and pulling the connector on the switch enought to break contact. I would pull the covers off and see what the last owner of your rig did.

 

there is a moon shaped piece in the steering there that the key moves forward which turns the jeep off and its got to go backwards when it starts so the tilt is keeping it from going back and binding em together. therefor no tilt for you lol