I recently purchased a 2000 XJ limited 4.0 Auto. It has a simple push button ignition override to start the vehicle installed in the center console. I did not notice this until a day or two after purchase. When I purchased the vehicle it started with the key. About a week after purchase the key quite working and now I just use the push button. I was going to replace the ignition switch, but it is bugging me as to why the previous owner went through the work of installing the push button to starter as opposed to replacing the ignition switch (also a bit baffled as to how he got the key to work at time of purchase). Perhaps there is another larger issue?? Is there a way to test or determine that the switch is bad? I hate to waste money on a new switch if it is something else. Thanks Chris

 

It's likely not the ignition switch itself, but rather the NSS switch on the side of the transmission. The NSS is a far more common problem. Does it start in Neutral or if you jiggle the shifter? Do your backup lights work? They are controlled by the same switch. Here's a video on repairing the switch. Careful removing it, as it's expensive if you break it.


Are you just hitting the button after turning the ignition switch to run, or do you have to hit the button at the same time you turn the key to start? The PO might have wired that switch to bypass the NSS similar to this video instead of fixing it properly.

 

i tried starting in neutral and doesn’t seem to matter, wiggled the shifter too. I usually turn the key to start position then push the button to start. I don’t have to hold in the the cranking position. Thanks

 

You say you used to use the key, but now only use the button.
So does it, or does it not start? Or just crank? Or none of the two?

 

It always starts using the push button with key in start position

 

I don't know about your 2000. On my 1995 the actual ignition switch is mounted on the outside of the steering column up behind the dash board. To change it requires removing the lower half of the drivers side dash and dropping the column down.

I can see where wiring in a push button would be easier.

 

yah honestly the only investigation I’ve done is a YouTube video which looked fairly straight forward. I’ll have to take a closer look next chance I get.

 

You probably mean the run position? Start position is when you crank it with the key.

You were surprised the previous owner started it with the key. Since he has a pushbutton installed that always works instead of the key, I'd say he has been installing it to bypass something. In that case, I'd say the NSS is high on the list of suspects..

 

. OK thanks I will look deeper into that possibility

 

. Just wanted to say thanks, I went back out and held the key into start position and really jiggled the shifter around neutral and it did click and want to turn over in a couple spots so I guess it is the NSS. Thanks for saving me some money. From the videos I watched I’m probably just gonna leave it as is and not mess with that damn thing

 

Backup lights are working right?

 

Yeah mate, typical.
Some have more luck than others with removing it.
Have to do mine again, first one cracked removing it, the current one is 7 years old so maybe not as stuck.Yours is driveable so no rush. Just remember to check gear before you start since bypassing the NSS allows it to start in any gear with some nasty scenarios possible..

 

yes, finally drive it this morning

 

So what did you do?

 

I didn’t do anything. I’m just finally driving it. My daily driver is a Honda Civic and it snowed last night so I jumped in the jeep and when I was backing up checked the back up lights and they are indeed working.