My starter will not engage on my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee??

[fdsa212]

I am having some problems starting my Jeep Grand Cherokee. When I put the key in and turn it forward, it goes all the way forward, without engaging anything, it will not catch.

I was recently using an 'old' key which took a lot of 'back and forth' trying to get it to fit and start - so I dont know if I stripped something.
However when I turn the key forward, it skips a little bit before going all the way forward.

Is this a quick fix or a serious problem? Is there any way to get it to start once to get it to a safe location?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SteelHeadz]

My guess is one of the two things happened, the tab at the end of the tumbler broke or the internal gear at the switch has stripped. Either way I look at it, you will need to remove the steering column covers , both upper and lower. Insert the key then look for the release button on the tumbler housing, usually is in a hole and would require a small pick to press it while the ignition key is on the run position before you can pull it out. Note the orientaion of the tumbler when you first pull it out so you can put it back together the same way. Inspect the tumbler and the switch. The switch is a black modular plastic with an electrical connector on the left side of the column.


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[carnuck]

If you have a 4.0L, you can make sure it's in park (assuming auto) and jump the small wire connected to the starter to the big wire (there will be sparks until you make good contact and/or the motor roars to life)

 

[mechanicbert]

chech the contacts inside the starter. cheap and easy to replace. cost you an hour of time and about $3.00 to replace.