Light test worked I have power at starter. So i'm back to the switch/actuator

 

do you have the keyed ignition tumbler out yet ?

 

Do you have power on the trigger wire or power from the battery to the battery lug on the solenoid? The trigger wire from the ignition is what pulls in the coil of solenoid. Allowing power to pass from the terimal with battery wire attached to it (line side) to the terminal with the starter wire attached to it (load side).

Measuring for voltage on the battery side is only half the equation. If the trigger wire from ignition never fires the solenoid, the power will not make it to the starter anyways.

So will probably have to get a buddy to turn the key while you watch for the light on your logic probe while attached to the trigger wire.

If you get a light on the trigger wire, you know the ignition controls are working and it could be the solenoid. If you got no light, you know you don't have any power coming from the ignition circuitry and problems lies somewhere within the ignition circuit.
Cheers.

 

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ignition-switch-pin-actuator-repair-1378503/#/topics/1378503?page=1 the best how to I could personally find to help you out . I was diagnosing from experience with other vehicles but have none with the internals on an XJ yet although similar principles apply . Looks as though if the ignition switch isn't bad the actuator pin the engages the ignition switch go bad a lot Dorman sells the part .The link has videos to help you

 

If ends up being an ignition problem, check this out. It's a TJ, but I think it should be somewhat similar. Enough to educate you a bit.

 

On small wire when key is turned to start position ? And on big wire at all times ?

 

He said he has power at the starter yet says the starter wont turn,. Hmm what ever could the problem be

 

Well, 3 things namely.

Power on line side terminal of solenoid but no voltage on trigger wire form ignition (bad ignition circuit)

Power on load side terminal (power on trigger wire and line side, obviously) of solenoid but starter won't fire (bad starter)

Power on line side terminal of solenoid and voltage on trigger wire but no fire (bad solenoid)

Unfortunately, OP didn't say where he had power. So we really can't know what is wrong with his ride.

 

But in all seriousness, have you tried tapping the starter with a hammer while someone turns the key? Prob a junk reman right outa the box

 

Kind of where I was going with that.

 

power to the starter solenoid with the key all the way to start ?
if not check the shifter lock out switch. This way
foot very firmly on the brake
key all the way to start
move the shifter from park to low
if it starts the vehicle will jump so be ready
if nothing then the problem is elsewhere