Grand Cherokee starting issues

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ducter

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Hey guys, I haven't been around here in a while since selling my dreams lol, anyways, I know this isn't a Jeep forum but you guys are some of the most knowledgeable people I know and I haven't gotten any help on a Jeep specific forum so here goes.

2003 Grand Cherokee, trying to start it, you have to barely turn the ignition key into the start position and it will start however the windows, wipers, radio, odometer and overhead console don't work. If you turn the key like normal the starter engages for a split second but then just stops and the Jeep will not start until you lightly turn the key. Once running, if I turn the key and hold it like half way in position everything works, letting go, the Jeep stays running but windows, overhead console, wipers, radio and odometer go off.

I thought ignition lock cylinder so went and got one, unfortunately getting old I guess because I must have put a wrong tumbler in and can't get it back apart so used the new, extra tumblers in the old cylinder and sadly, same deal as before.

Not sure what to try next and hoping one of you guys might have a suggestion.

Thanks
 
I am not familiar with the ignition switch / column linkage but sounds like in that area. Frankly, I'd think a Jeep / off road forum is a far better choice. That is, this sound like either an ignition switch or MECHANICAL problem with the column / switch/ linkage. A factory shop manual is always good. I bet some of the 4x4 forums have them to download
 
I am not familiar with the ignition switch / column linkage but sounds like in that area. Frankly, I'd think a Jeep / off road forum is a far better choice. That is, this sound like either an ignition switch or MECHANICAL problem with the column / switch/ linkage. A factory shop manual is always good. I bet some of the 4x4 forums have them to download

Thanks for the reply. I posted on jeepforum.com yesterday and have been updating my post as I discover more info but haven't gotten a response yet, might take a while, might not get a reply, don't know but I know these forums are full of knowledge and decided what the heck, I'll post the same here and hope lol.
 
Does that vehicle have the remote ignition-switch under the column with a link-rod going up to the key-switch? It sounds like a synchronization issue of those, to me.Otherwise, IDK.
 
I am going to pull it apart tomorrow if I don't get rained out and try and figure it out, it has to be related to the ignition switch in some form, I think lol.
 
You could pull the covers off the column and make sure there isn't a bad connection at the ignition switch. More and likely the switch itself has bad contacts .

The lock cylinder will have to come back out and there is a tamper proof torx bolt (1) holding it on .
 

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Everything works fine after installing a new ignition switch, the electrical part. In case anyone, for some reason searches here for the same issue later what wasn't working, and was fixed:

Radio
A/C, would work just not cold, changing ignition fixed it?
Windows
Overhead console
Odometer
Wipers
 
So, just for my memory banks; when you say "the electrical part", does that mean the key part and the electrical part are divorced and in different locations?

The electrical part and the cylinder are connected, however they are different pieces and sold separately. I never new so much would not work with a failing ignition switch. I spent most of the day rewiring the radio and speakers as the previous owner had hacked up the wires and ran it directly off the fuse box since the factory radio and amp wiring wasn't working with the bad ignition. I am often amazed at the amount of work one would do to do something wrong. Just fix it.
 
Yours is probably the ignition.
I had a slightly different problem some times my 98 jeep would have no power what's so ever like the battery was disconnected then all a sudden it would come to life and start. I thought it would of been the ignition but turn out to be the headlight switch, I guess causing a major short.
 
So, just for my memory banks; when you say "the electrical part", does that mean the key part and the electrical part are divorced and in different locations?

Yeah just like they are on millions of other vehicles.
 
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