Do I need a new ignition switch?

[Mesjeep98]

Ok I have been fighting this instrument cluster on my 98 jeep wrangler. I have taken it out cleaned it and have done all the tricks that I have been told to do. So I was on my way to church and my gauges still going crazy. Well I messed with my ignition switch while riding down the road and it's like it's not staying in the right position cuase when I hold it forward just a little bit all gauges work and the airbag light goes off, with that being said do I need a new ignition switch or is there something I can do. Thanks

 

[pagrey]

It sounds like the ignition actuator pin and not the switch. When it breaks the switch becomes really loose and it is difficult to keep it in the right position. Mine wouldn't even turn far enough to crank. If you pull it apart you can tell if it's broken easily. I just went through this on my 04 but I think yours is similar. Maybe somebody with a 98 knows.

 

[Mesjeep98]

It sounds like the ignition actuator pin and not the switch. When it breaks the switch becomes really loose and it is difficult to keep it in the right position. Mine wouldn't even turn far enough to crank. If you pull it apart you can tell if it's broken easily. I just went through this on my 04 but I think yours is similar. Maybe somebody with a 98 knows.

Thanks I will give it a shot

 

[Jerry Bransford]

X2, I'd try a new ignition actuator pin. And when trying "all the tricks" on your instrument cluster connectors, did you also try squeezing the male connector pins a tad with needle-nose pliers to flatten them a little to make them fit more tightly into the female side of the connectors? That fixed my previous '97 TJ's instrument cluster intermittent issue which was pretty common for early TJs.

 

[Mesjeep98]

X2, I'd try a new ignition actuator pin. And when trying "all the tricks" on your instrument cluster connectors, did you also try squeezing the male connector pins a tad with needle-nose pliers to flatten them a little to make them fit more tightly into the female side of the connectors? That fixed my previous '97 TJ's instrument cluster intermittent issue which was pretty common for early TJs.

Yes I did give the connectors a slight twist with needle nose pliers. If I hold the ignition switch forward while driving it seems to work just fine. I'm gonna order a actuator pin and give that a shot. Thanks

 

[Mesjeep98]

It sounds like the ignition actuator pin and not the switch. When it breaks the switch becomes really loose and it is difficult to keep it in the right position. Mine wouldn't even turn far enough to crank. If you pull it apart you can tell if it's broken easily. I just went through this on my 04 but I think yours is similar. Maybe somebody with a 98 knows.

Ok I installed a new actuator pin and I thought it fixed it and then same thing . I can hold the switch forward a little bit (like add tension to the switch towards the start position) and gauges work fine . I mean the switch feels alot tighter now but still same thing basically.

 

[pagrey]

Ok I installed a new actuator pin and I thought it fixed it and then same thing . I can hold the switch forward a little bit (like add tension to the switch towards the start position) and gauges work fine . I mean the switch feels alot tighter now but still same thing basically.

Was the old one broken? That's why I said " If you pull it apart you can tell if it's broken easily." Mine was very obviously broken, it might just be the switch. If the old actuator is good then new one wont change a thing.

 

[Mesjeep98]

Was the old one broken? That's why I said " If you pull it apart you can tell if it's broken easily." Mine was very obviously broken, it might just be the switch. If the old actuator is good then new one wont change a thing.

Yes there was a small piece that seemed to be broken off on top like where the little clip /spring is . So you think trying the actual switch which connects to the actuator or a new key cylinder. Thanks for your help. Its gotta be something along those lines becuase with the simple touch of the switch it works

 

[pagrey]

Maybe a switch but I'm just guessing. You need more experience than I have at this point.

 

[Mesjeep98]

Maybe a switch but I'm just guessing. You need more experience than I have at this point.

Ok thanks

 

[02SteelBlue]

Does the blower for your AC work when the guages are not?

That was a symptom of my bad switch, as well as the airbag light. The rest of my guages actually worked fine, though.

 

[Mesjeep98]

Does the blower for your AC work when the guages are not?

That was a symptom of my bad switch, as well as the airbag light. The rest of my guages actually worked fine, though.

My airbag light stays on and I dont have ac but yes the fan blows air ,my heat doesnt work.

 

[02SteelBlue]

I have a soft top so I dont know, but I was also told the rear defroster wouldn't work when the other symptoms occur. May be worth checking if you have that.

I dont think the switch is that expensive, so it may just be worth changing.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[Mesjeep98]

I have a soft top so I dont know, but I was also told the rear defroster wouldn't work when the other symptoms occur. May be worth checking if you have that.

I dont think the switch is that expensive, so it may just be worth changing.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Thanks and I will

 

[TJosh02]

Did you end up figuring it out? I am in a similar position. No clicks. Good battery, replaced starter.

 

[TJosh02]

Mine turned out to be the Ignition Actuator as well. When I pulled it out, it was broke. This thread and YT helped me figure it out.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Mine was the actual switch, opened it up, cleaned the contacts with Emory, and good to go.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Mine was the actual switch, opened it up, cleaned the contacts with Emory, and good to go.

How contacts looked before cleaning, they were shined when done… (no after pics)

Sometimes it isn’t the actuator causing start issues… I only wish there were an easier way to clean out the switch, like a hole to spray contact cleaner into… (may add one later…)