Jason_Muchmorr

Hey everyone I really need your help! I have a 1995 Jeep Cherokee that will not start! I replaced the ignition switch because it felt like something broke (sloppy ignition/no spring tension going into run position). That didn't fix it. I have checked the relays and tried to start it in neutral to see if the neutral safety switch went bad but it didn't start. If I jump/ground out the starter it fires right up with no hesitation... It has power going to the fuse box but the wire running along the side of the main power wire to the starter does NOT have power? Any suggestions? Still think it could be the neutral safety switch?
the key literally has no tension and just turns over to the run position but no cranking. All power turns on in the vehicle and to the relays kick on. Fuel pump turns on and everything, just no cranking... battery is good... Please your help is greatly appreciated!
thanks,
Jason Muchmore

jordan96xj

If it were mine, I would jumper the starter relay to see which direction to go. If I jumped the relay and the vehicle cranked, I would know that the problem was between the ignition switch and the relay (basically, the -control- side of the relay). If jumping the relay didn't cause the starter to activate, I would know that the problem was between the relay and the starter solenoid. We can probably say that the main positive connection to your starter (from battery) appears to be working properly because you provided ground manually at the starter and it cranked (right?).

Jason_Muchmorr

This is really going to make me sound like a dumbass but I was so gung-ho that it was the ignition switch bad when a piece of metal fell out I didn't even think of looking at the cylinder lock itself.... After a few more hours of troubleshooting I decided to tear apart the cylinder one more time to make sure I didn't miss anything and I found out that the cylinder WAS broke. Haha makes me feel like a rookie but oh well! Thanks for your help!