Ignition Switch, 88 & 89 Cherokees

[Edbrooks]

It's been working fine. Suddenly this afternoon when I started the 88, the switch did fine -- but wouldn't return to OFF! Stuck in run. Would move to Start. JIggling it around finally got it turned off. Restarted the engine and -- yep, stuck again. This time I had to pull the fuel pump relay to shut it down. Disconnected the battery but she just kept purring along. Now with the battery disconnected I can play. Checked both Haynes and Chilton's. Chiltons apparently doesn't know there IS an ignition switch. Haynes discusses it but fails to tell me I may have to lower the steering (tilt) column to get at it. Is that correct? I have removed the bottom dash panel, cruise control, ECU, some other module (probably intermittent wiper timer, I don't know) - Looks like the switch is on top of the column.

Re: 89. On this one the switch locking cable to the tranny (auto) selector is loose or something. Checked the selector and the linking cable seems OK, so again, it must be on top of the column at the switch end.

Anyone have thoughts re these switch problems? I won't get to tackle it further until next week. The 89 is fine - I just don't switch it to Lock. The 88 is dead in the water, in the garage, so the cats can sleep on top of it.

[mrbill3]

Check this link: http://www.lunghd.com/Downloads_and_Links/FSM.htm for a download for a FSM for the 88 (should be mostly the same for the 89 too). It should will have the location and details for the ignition switch. Good Luck!

[praisethelowered]

My 88 does almost the same thing. when I go to shut it off, it will go one position past run (the car shuts off), but it will not go far enough to get the key out. If I jiggle the shifter in park, it will then turn enough to get the key out. Your's sounds like a different problem, but it may be worth a try as a temporary solution.

[89ltd]

what ever happened to those old push button starters are fathers had, never needed a key back then......

[Stick89]

If your having problems getting the key out there may be a problem with the NSS.There should be a writeup some where on how to clean it.
Cleaning is much cheaper than replacing it...

[Saudade]

The switch is at the bottom of the steering column on the top side. You need to lower the column to remove the switch. I took the driver seat out too to have better access and not wreck my back too much.

Mine went bad and I could not turn the key to the start position. Got a replacement at Autozone. Works fine now.