1998 xj 4.0
It's my daughter's now.
I drove it to work due to my Ford not working....
i got out of work, it wouldn't start.
i turn they key and get a click. From the passenger side kick panel. No crank, fuel pump sound is there. Lights all work.
I tried jump starting it. No joy.
I jumped the starter with a screwdriver, she fired right up, and got her home.
I replaced the starter, thinking that even with a jump it wouldn't start so it must be going... turned the key. No joy.

It would still start, however,, if i jumped it with a screwdriver.

I started thinking ignition, as i removed an aftermarket alarm/starter. Nothing is amiss under the dash. I researched, and started sniffing around the ignition.
I took it apart.


The Ignition Cilinder was broken. (SEE Pict.)
I thought my issue was solved... No Joy.

I replaced the ignition Switch... No Joy...

Here's the Catch... I can pull the wire plug from the Ign Switch and jump Blue to Red, and tie in the Yellow at a touch, and start it to a running condition.

This would seem to me that the wires are fine, the circuit is complete, and the engine components work.

Is there a fuse/relay/alarm component that im missing?

Perhaps some sort of "Reset" on the system to work? Perhaps a Grounding issues in my steering column?

Ive fired the Parts Cannon at it. I thought I was on the right track when I found the ignition switch broken... I thought I was fixing it when I replaced the Ignition Switch, due to it being able to be hot wired at the plug.

I turn the key, it lights up, No start. No crank. Only a click from the passenger fuse box. Any ideas?
And, yes, when I connect red to blue, and jump in yellow, it fires right up. From the ignition wiring harness.

Any help/thoughts appreciated.