Hey I have a 94 grand cherokee with 4.0. I drove it to work for a bit and it was running fine. i was leaving about an hour later and it wont start. the ignition is where the problem is i think. all the electronics start up when i turn key to start. but the starter doesnt do anything. the ignition also seems sticky and jammed when i turn the key. this has never happened before so im stumped. the starter doesnt make any noise. any ideas?

 

NSS is where I would look first

 

your starter solenoid my be going out. You can test it with screwdriver by shorting the large wire with small one. Bad connection to starter will do it too.

 

The repair shop thinks the ignition is bad. I will have to get a new one and it will come with a new key to start the dang thing. then i gotta keep my old key for the doors. this will cost $200. if i go to a jeep dealership to get it done they can use the old key and fix it. what would you guys do? money is an issue

 

Check the rod that goes from key switch down the steering column to the actual ign switch. this is adjustable. It could be that it came loose and popped out of the recess that it supposed to sit in.

 

that sounds like it is the problem. i dont feel any tension on the ignition when i move the key to start. feels like something came loose. the problem is that i have no experience with working on ignitions. i dont know how to take it apart or do anyhting. any details that would make the job feasible for me would be great. if this is way over my head let me know and ill just bring it in. thanks alot for the help

 

Just crawl under and look at it... you'll see what i'm talking about. It's a simple repair by loosening a bolt, sliding the switch and retightening.

If it's not working now how can you do damage... give it a shot.

 

i see a flat piece of metal with a spring along it, is that what i should be looking at? my problem right now is getting that stupid plastic housing off the ignition area. i dont have a socket that can fit in that tiny hole. i can see some of the stuff without removing the plastic housing but it all seems attached to somehting. nothing is loose