Ignition switch/lock problem

Not having the book on your model I'm going to take a wild running guess.

My guess is the switch broke. Depending on the model this switch is located down the column and not up by the actual key.

Suspect yours looks like this.

't find one for the 96, that's up to 94.

Thanks Doug, according to Autozone it looks like this,

And that does look like what is in the column.

Jeff DeWitt

Hi Jeff

I had the exact same problem with my 87 XJ.

The keyswitch is different from your 96, AMC vs Chrysler. However, I suspect the ignition switch is the same. The switch was badly burned from starter current through the contacts. Looks like photo from DougW.

I jumpered the soleniod to a heavy duty switch on the dash. I replaced the ignition switch but still use the dash switch for starting so I won't need to replace the switch again.

It is a pig to change because you must remove a panel and work under the dash, but it just takes a little patience.

Merrill

Thanks everyone. As apparently I can't really be sure what is broken until the steering column comes apart I'm going to rig a temporary start button under the dash.

I live kind of out in the boonies and currently only have just the Jeep working so if it's taken apart and I can't fix it right away I've got a real problem!

So it's going to wait until I get my truck back together. It's not a Jeep but if anyone is curious you can see pictures here:

Here is what it looked like a few years ago after a quickie paint job:

Here is what it looks like today, I'll be adding pictures to this as the project progresses.

Jeff DeWitt

Nice vehicle Jeff!

Be sure to use a good heavy duty switch. Mine was a new momentary toggle rated for about 30 amps.

Merrill

I will, and thanks!

If I could figure out an easy way to turn one and old fashioned headlight dimmer switch into a momentary contact switch I'd use one of them... how often does anyone step on the starter anymore .

Jeff DeWitt

merrill wrote: