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My ignition switch nightmare!!! SOLVED! Final Update.


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I had posted earlier that I had the standard no signals, blower, wipers, radio thing. I removed the ignition switch and it was clearly fried.

I picked up this part from NAPA this morning.

 

I have spent ALL FREAKIN DAY on this bastard and I'm about to go Chernobyl!!!  I have tried several different install methods. Everything works except it won't start. Won't even turn over. Was running just fine before I decided to try this supposedly easy repair. The only good thing is that I know the bad switch was causing the other problems, but I do not understand why this is so damn hard!!

 

The other oddball thing is that no matter how I install it, the wipers and signals work without the key in the ignition. I keep thinking it's just the actuating rod and slider are not in the right position, but I have tried so many combinations, I can't believe that one of them didn't work.

 

I have an 88, I6, Auto, tilt column. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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The AMC p/n for your truck is J3250575, crosses to Echlin KS6622, so it appears you have the right switch. Usually when an ignition switch goes out, you need to replace the harness connector also as it's probably toast.

 

THIS thread should help.......

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2 hours ago, HOrnbrod said:

The AMC p/n for your truck is J3250575, crosses to Echlin KS6622, so it appears you have the right switch. Usually when an ignition switch goes out, you need to replace the harness connector also as it's probably toast.

 

THIS thread should help.......

 

Thank you for the link, HOrnbrod. It was a good write-up, but no help to me, unfortunately. Concerning the pigtails. So, everything that wasn't working previously, now works. But the one thing that was working, starting, doesn't. Can that really be attributed to the pigtail connectors?

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Did you replace the harness connector pigtail? Were the contacts burnt on the old connector? Did the pigtail connector contact layout match the switch? If you replaced the pigtail did you match the harness wires to the contacts of the new pigtail?

 

Sounds like one of the contacts might be open, or the switch/rod is misaligned.

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Did you replace the harness connector pigtail? Were the contacts burnt on the old connector? Did the pigtail connector contact layout match the switch? If you replaced the pigtail did you match the harness wires to the contacts of the new pigtail?
 
Sounds like one of the contacts might be open, or the switch/rod is misaligned.
No, did not replace pigtail.
Yes, there is some melt/burn.
Yes, layout seems to match.
Yes, pigtail only connects one way.


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It sets the position of the contacts relative to the position of the rod. 
 
It matters. 
What I meant was that it doesn't seem to matter because I've tried so many times to adjust the thing and my results are the same.

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19 minutes ago, Jeep Driver said:

Does everything work but the starter? IOWs, starter does not come on and engage flywheel?

 

It's oddball. I can get all accessories on and I can hear fuel pump. Nothing happens at all when turning the key farther forward to start. Turn the key back a little and I get two overlapping buzzer sounds. Turn key to lock, remove key and I can still power accessories. ?

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Just wondering if you now have a problem with NSS.
 
You can try jumping the starter and see if you can get it to run.
Maybe. Please tell me how to jump the starter.

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The ground signal applied when the ignition switch is in the spring loaded start position isn't getting out to the starter. This can be verified with an ohmmeter. I guessing the cause is a burnt connector contact. Try scraping and cleaning the burnt start contact on the connector, or better yet replace the connector.

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Do the 88 mj still have a ignition start relay? I remember some fusible links in that area of the 84-86 XJ.
If it does have that relay it also a spot it could be jumped and force the starter to engage.

I’d try to test if it is working at the ignition switch and find out if the NSS is working or not.
Since it’s melted in the ignition switch area it could still be the problem.


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Starter relay by battery (same configuration as my ‘68 Plymouth had) Green wire goes to starter solenoid. I just replaced my starter on an ‘87 4 cyl and have to redo the starter end connector as I have an oem one now.

 

Are you sure they didn’t give you a non- tilt column switch? Did you try putting the shifter in neutral?

 

 

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I'm getting ready to do mine. Push button replaces the cylinder and I'll lose the steering lock.........I"m sure it will be an involved process.........

 

There are always options. 

 

I'm looking at replacing the cig lighter with another headlight switch.............hint hint wink wink.

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Just now, Jeep Driver said:

I'm getting ready to do mine. Push button replaces the cylinder and I'll lose the steering lock.........I"m sure it will be an involved process.........

 

There are always options. 

 

I'm looking at replacing the cig lighter with another headlight switch.............hint hint wink wink.

 

Is there a write-up/link on the keyless option that can share?

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No.

 

Headlight switch, first pull (parking lights) will be accessories, second notch out will be ignition plus acc, turn to dome and that will energize the starter button on column. Turn dome off to kill starter switch, the only reason I may want to do that is the starter button has a light in it. 

 

The idea is to conceal it within the dash, hide it in plain site. 

 

Just ideas...........nothing more...........chatting. 

 

But, something to think about. 

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4 minutes ago, Jeep Driver said:

No.

 

Headlight switch, first pull (parking lights) will be accessories, second notch out will be ignition plus acc, turn to dome and that will energize the starter button on column. Turn dome off to kill starter switch, the only reason I may want to do that is the starter button has a light in it. 

 

The idea is to conceal it within the dash, hide it in plain site. 

 

Just ideas...........nothing more...........chatting. 

 

But, something to think about. 

 

Well, if I can't get the stock switch to work, no way I'll get that to work!!!  Be sure and document it. :thumbsup:

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  • NC Tom changed the title to My ignition switch nightmare!!! SOLVED! Final Update.

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