I have a 1991 jeep cherokee that was stollen from me. I got it back it was running fine and everything . I had to replace the steering column do to some damage. I used one from another 1991 jeep cherokee now the car will try to start up but once the key is out of the starting position it dies. could this be part of the built in alarm system or did i wire something incorectly or is it a totaly different problem and i just am haveing a streak of bad luck .......I am not sure and would appreciate any suggestions.

Since it starts I would check your ign switch at the base of the column. It may need to be adjusted. Do the other key positions work OK? Do you have radio when the key is "on" and set to accessory?

Do you have a tilt wheel?

See if it will keep running on carb spray. If it does, you may very well have a security system problem.

Do you have power coming out of the ign switch with the key on?

See if it will keep running on carb spray. If it does, you may very well have a security system problem.

Do you have power coming out of the ign switch with the key on?
I do get power when I try to start it, It just won't keep running it shuts out like it isn't getting gas.......my dad was going to try and get power to the gas pump by rerouting it some how but we are have problem getting to pump to turn on we have to look at it some more in the morning. I don't know if i need a new pump or it something in the security system shut down the power to the fuel pump and if so how do i fix that.

Since it starts I would check your ign switch at the base of the column. It may need to be adjusted. Do the other key positions work OK? Do you have radio when the key is "on" and set to accessory?

Do you have a tilt wheel?
I do have a tilt wheel and everything else seems to work it just won't stay running. how do you adjust the ignition switch?

I do have a tilt wheel and everything else seems to work it just won't stay running. how do you adjust the ignition switch?

If it starts and dies you likely have a problem with the security system. Most of these had a pellet in the key that is read by the VATS module through the key cylinder. If you are using the key from the used column, you aren't getting the right input to your module.

Do you have any of your old keys? You can see if there is a small black pellet in it. You need to get a new key made using the correct (Matching) resistance blank if there is. You also need to have a column that contains the correct cylinder to inset it in. There should be two wires coming from the cylinder inside the column. These wires can break on tilt columns. Bypassing the fuel pump circuit won't help in this case since the engine computer will not keep the injectors firing.

If you don't have a security system, you might have a bad map sensor.

Again, Have someone try to see if it will run while spraying carburator cleaner down the throttle body bore. (Don't use the non flammable kind)

By the way, the ignition switch is adjusted at the bottom of the column by loosening the two small bolts that hold it on, and sliding it up or down. If it is out of adjustment, you should be able to keep it running by holding the key a little toward start, or toward off. If you have a antitheft problem, you can hold it in the full start position and it will still die out.