1995 Jeep Cherokee ignition switch replacement

Removal & Installation Without Air Bag See Figures 1 and 2 The ignition switch is located on the lower part of the steering column. Place the ignition in the LOCK position.

Fig. 1: Ignition/dimmer switch assembly Remove any components necessary to access the switch. Remove the two switch mounting screws. Disconnect the switch from the rod. Disconnect the wiring and remove the switch. To install:

Fig. 2: Ignition switch rod positioning On non-tilt columns: Move the ignition switch slider to the OFF unlocked position (move the slider all the way down, then back two clicks). The remote rod hole in the ignition switch slider should now be centered. Insert the remote rod in the ignition switch slider hole and install the ignition switch on the steering column. Tighten the attaching screws to 35 inch lbs. (4 Nm). On tilt columns: Insert the ignition key in the lock cylinder and turn the cylinder to the OFF unlocked position. Move the ignition switch downward to eliminate any slack and tighten the attaching screws to 35 inch lbs. (4 Nm). Install any components removed for switch access. With Air Bag See Figures 3 through 9 CAUTION Before performing this procedure, disable the air bag system (refer ). Failure to do so could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible injury. Disconnect the negative battery cable and disable the air bag system. If equipped, remove the tilt lever. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers with a suitable Torx ® driver. Using Snap-On ® tamper-proof bit TTXR20BO or equivalent, remove the ignition switch screws.

Fig. 3: Ignition switch mounting screw locations Pull the ignition switch away from the column. Release the 2 connector locks on the 7-terminal wiring connector and remove the connector from the ignition switch.

Fig. 4: Unplug the connector from the switch Release the connector lock on the key-in-switch and halo light 4-terminal connector and remove the connector from the ignition switch. Insert the key into the ignition lock and ensure it is in the LOCK position. Using a small screwdriver, depress the key cylinder retaining pin so it is flush with the key cylinder surface.

Fig. 5: Key cylinder retaining pin Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and the lock will release from its seated position.

Fig. 6: Unseat the lock cylinder ...

Fig. 7: ... then pull the cylinder from the switch Do not remove the cylinder at this time. Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key. Remove the ignition lock. To install: Install the electrical connectors to the switch. Ensure the switch locking tabs are fully seated in the wiring connectors. Mount the ignition switch to the column. The dowel pin on the ignition switch assembly must engage with the column park-lock slider linkage. Ensure the ignition switch is in the lock position (flag is parallel with the ignition switch terminals).

Fig. 8: View of the switch from the column Apply a dab of grease to the flag and pin. Position the park-lock link and slider to mid-travel. Position the ignition lock against the lock housing face. Ensure the pin is inserted into the park-lock link contour slot and tighten the retaining screw. With the ignition lock and switch in the LOCK position, insert the lock into the switch assembly until it bottoms.

Fig. 9: Ignition switch mounting pad Assemble the column covers. If equipped, install the tilt wheel lever. Connect the negative battery cable. From the right side of the vehicle (in case of accidental deployment), turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Check for proper air bag warning light operation.

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Replacement procedures are below for your ignition switch. These procedures are for vehicles equipped with air bag.


CAUTION: Before performing this procedure, disable the air bag system (refer ). Failure to do so could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible injury.

REMOVAL:
Disconnect the negative battery cable and disable the air bag system.
If equipped, remove the tilt lever.
Remove the upper and lower steering column covers with a suitable Torx® driver.
Using Snap-On® tamper-proof bit TTXR20BO or equivalent, remove the ignition switch screws.
Pull the ignition switch away from the column.
Release the 2 connector locks on the 7-terminal wiring connector and remove the connector from the ignition switch.
Release the connector lock on the key-in-switch and halo light 4-terminal connector and remove the connector from the ignition switch.
Insert the key into the ignition lock and ensure it is in the LOCK position.
Using a small screwdriver, depress the key cylinder retaining pin so it is flush with the key cylinder surface.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and the lock will release from its seated position.
Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
Remove the ignition lock.



INSTALLATION:
Install the electrical connectors to the switch. Ensure the switch locking tabs are fully seated in the wiring connectors.
Mount the ignition switch to the column. The dowel pin on the ignition switch assembly must engage with the column park-lock slider linkage. Ensure the ignition switch is in the lock position (flag is parallel with the ignition switch terminals).
Apply a dab of grease to the flag and pin. Position the park-lock link and slider to mid-travel. Position the ignition lock against the lock housing face. Ensure the pin is inserted into the park-lock link contour slot and tighten the retaining screw.
With the ignition lock and switch in the LOCK position, insert the lock into the switch assembly until it bottoms.
Assemble the column covers.
If equipped, install the tilt wheel lever.
Connect the negative battery cable.
From the right side of the vehicle (in case of accidental deployment), turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Check for proper air bag warning light operation.



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I have followed these directions to the letter. Yet still once I get the switch back together. There seems to be too much free movement when I insert the key and turn it towards the start position. Then once I get to the spring/cranking position it feels like there is less than 1/3 of the original motion than what I had previous to the broken switch. But still not enough movement to crank/start the engine. It basically sits in the "on/run" position.

Upon inspection of the key tumbler itself it does look a bit worn. The amalgamate metal the cylinder is made of appears either worn or possibly broken. I looked inside the column side of the switch housing and saw no broken parts however... could it be that I need a new key assembly....please help my 93 GC Laredo is down and I need wheels bad....

Yes. It is very possible that you need a new ignition lock cylinder. Also, check the bushings on the rod that goes to the electrical ignition switch. Also check the rod, it may have been bent.