I have a 1996 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo and when I got in it this morning to go to work the gauges and the windows wouldn't work but it would start up and run. When I turn the key to the acc position the windows will roll down. The gauges will come on periodically while driving down the road.

 

I just had a similar problem with a '98. In my case, got a new headliner put in and suddenly there were no working gauges or windows and the automatic door locks went screwy. Took it to the mechanic recommended by the detailer and he at first put in a new ignition box b/c he found that he could make the electrics work depending on the position of the key in the ignition. However, something happened and the problem reccurred anyway. He found when he slid the moulding around the compass that there was a short in the compass module (it never did seem to work). He disconnected it, and lo--there was much rejoicing. ;-P