Going through search I gave up several pages in. I have the opportunity to get a 1998 Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 motor, the problem is starting. which it often times takes a lot of turns of the key. When turning the key, but not enough to crank, the fuel gauge will finally register. That is, many times it stays at the far left not registering when the key is turned to on. Once I have turned it on and off a Great number of times, the fuel gauge will go ahead and function, and then the motor will start when cranked. Some times it may take twenty or thirty or more turns of the key to get the gauge to move to facilitate a start. If the gauge don't move it will not start. The fuel pump is New, the fuel pump relay is new, one day old.
It is a really nice Grand Cherokee, it would be a shame to lose it because of a simple fix...... if in fact it is a simple fix. I was hoping for a Cherokee Sage to recommend a fix or alert me to the problem. Otherwise all electrical components work, ie. the windows, heater, air, lights, wipers, cruise, all of it functions properly.

 

This is the XJ (regular Cherokee) forum.

You want to post in the Grand Cherokee forum.

 

I had a problem like this on my 00 TJ years ago. It was just the ignition switch. It was a pain because I didn't have the Torx security bits to get the old one out, but once I got the right tools to get the column apart and get the old one out it worked beautifully thereafter. I don't know how complicated it is on a 98 GC, but you could probably find a youtube video on it to get an idea.

 

I'v heard this twice now... thank you for the input PatHenry... much obliged.

 

Thanks tjwalker, I'll go there now.

 

Anytime. Good luck with your potential purchase.

Also don't be afraid to visit this forum - there are a lot of similarities between models and what's most important is that you get the help and advice that you need to keep on jeepin' on.