All my manuals simply say that it's on the steering column under the dash. I found the dimmer switch but not the ignition switch. 87 Jeep Cherokee

 

should be on the column close to the Tumbler switch......

 

if you look... you will see it on ther next to dimmer...
this thing
http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automo...7_IGN_SW_1.jpg

 

Thanks found it. Now I have another problem. The middle terminal of the row of three is corroded and the plastic housing is melted. Could the switch cause that or do I have another problem?

 

got a pic ? loose conection could cause it.. make sure the plug is good... replace it if you need to..

 

 

just replace the stupid thing - $5 from junkyard, or used online. i tried to fix mine on my 87 cherokee, but if the plastic inside is melted, causing the contacts to short, it will melt it more and cause further damaging shorts.

 

Yeah I'll be replacing it but my concern is how did it get that way to begin with, do you think a bad ignition switch could cause that? If I'm reading the wiring diagram correctly that connection goes to the starter solenoid. I'll have to trace that and make sure the other end is tight.

 

yes could be that.... or at one time bad starter.. or plug was loose...

 

Ford Vehicles are netourios for this issue.

Once the switches become worn and burn out they get hot and melt the plugs. get a new plug and switch.

 

pretty much, it's the cheap abs/pvc that was used - they just deteriorate over time/heat - and the settings for the contacts are too close to each other. the dc current generates enough heat to make the plastic brittle with time and the contacts eventually wear down not making a proper clean connection.

 

cherokees are bad about this, this is why alot of people on here have problems with their A/C and heat.....those things just melt like butter over time

 

bad engineering allowing the contacts to be so close together....also could have been bad starter at one time...just replace and cross fingers that it doesnt happen again....

 

Having similar issues with my 92. I've had the vehicle about a year now and this is a recent development. It's random, at times wipers, heater and radio work in key "On" position. Always does, thus far, in "Accessory" position. I had thought, by the random nature of it's happenings, or rather non happenings, that it was a bent linkage due to the fact that with same randomness my key will not remove without turning the key to On position then sliding the shifter from Park to Neutral and back. After that the key comes out fine. I had thought maybe someone had tried to force the key out or something. After removing steering wheel, that plate and spring retainer was a ****, I didn't see anything obvious. The Key lock and neutral safety pop up button deal seem okay as does the linkage. So I'm thinking the two problems are unrelated now. Long story short ... I'm going to be bent over backwards in the floor board trying to remove the ignition switch for observation.