Wire through firewall?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 50
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From: Austin, TX
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4L
I'd like to install a starter push button. What's the easiest way to get a wire from somewhere near the steering wheel into the engine compartment?
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 2
From: South Side Chicago
Year: 1992, 2- 1998 (All 3, 4 Doors)
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L in all
Snake the wire thru an existing harness/hole in the firewall. If none's available, drill one but MAKE SURE YOU USE A GROMMET ON THE METAL EDGES! Then just add a dab of silicone to seal it, and you're done. That way you can route the wire wherever you want and keep it hidden out of the way.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 429
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From: Blairsville, PA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L home brew Snorkle
why dont you just route your wires through the grommet thats already there. all you have to do is pull the grommet, bore it out a little, run your wires, reseat the grommet, and cover both sides with some elephant snot (RTV sealant). nothing fancy, you dont have to find a new hole to drill, and it removes the chance you can really screw it up if you don't know what your doing.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4L
The suitable grommet in that case would be the one next to the throttle cable. It has tons of wires in it and is covered with layers of tape. So if I remove some tape I may be able to pull it to the inside, where a bunch of connectors are in the way. Maybe not so easy? The spot next to the hood cable seems a nice one to drill though, looks clean from both sides.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 429
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From: Blairsville, PA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L home brew Snorkle
all im sayin is its your firewall and ultimatly your risk. but if i can get away from making new holes thats generally the way i lean. Pics would be useful to help me make more suggestions.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, WA.
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
I recommend going through the grommet by the throttle cable as well. BUT BE DAMN CAREFUL. You nick one wire in that bundle and you're screwed.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,251
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From: Eugene, OR
Year: 01
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
theres a firewall on the D side that comes in down by the hood release thing. i ran the power wire for my subs through that firewall, just cut a small hole in it and snake the wire through.
Eliminate the hassle of running new wires. The wires you need are already in the car and run to the correct places. The big yellow wire at the inition switch is the starter relay acivation wire and the big red one is the 12 volt supply. Dont' cut either of them but splice into each, red to one side of your switch and yellow to the other. Your key and your neutral switch will both still work and you'll have pushbutton start!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4L
Ok that's an idea too. Two questions here:
1. Will the yellow wire still work if the NSS is toast? Or will it only circumvent a bad ignition switch and depend on a good NSS?
2. Stupidly enough I couldn't get the plastic case off around the steering column (between steering wheel and dash). Has two screwdriver holes but my screwdrivers didn't grip on anything. Will have to look again at that one.
1. Will the yellow wire still work if the NSS is toast? Or will it only circumvent a bad ignition switch and depend on a good NSS?
2. Stupidly enough I couldn't get the plastic case off around the steering column (between steering wheel and dash). Has two screwdriver holes but my screwdrivers didn't grip on anything. Will have to look again at that one.



Wires are in the steering column