Intermittent ignition switch

[HamakuaSteve]

Thank you in advance of any and all assistance...
Was given (red flag) a 2005 TJ that did not run and looked like hell. Two owners before, someone had tried to steal it, the ignition guts were hanging down. I put in a new battery, starter and serpentine belt. Drained the gas and added fresh. With the old screwdriver trick, it started right up! Checked compression, strong and consistent.
For maybe 20 starts, the screwdriver tricked worked...then (now getting to the meat of the thread...the intermittent issues began.
Often, it would start right up, sometimes when I turned the key (screwdriver) the dashboard lights and associated buzzers would illuminate but no crank, sometimes turn the key and nothing, and sometimes, would crank but no start and sometimes, would start idle for a bit then stall.
Looking for the logical problem seems to me to be the ignition switch. I am assuming that using a screwdriver on it is hard on the internal workings.
I am leaning towards and I hope would be an easy fix by just replacing the switch (minimal ).
I have read that a bad ground can lead to some funky symptoms like this. I at least know that the neg battery terminal to the body and block are good.
Thoughts?
BTW I did surf the other threads and didn't find one quite exact for the subject.

 

[macleanflood]

Switch and there's a pin in there too. Wiring diagrams are in the resources section in the Factory Service Manual section 8w.

I'd get a new ignition cylinder, pin and then start checking wires. New steering column possibly, maybe a multifunction switch depending on damage that we can't assess without pictures.

-Mac

 

[Badgerbiter]

I had issues with mine a few years back and considered changing out the switch, even bought a new one, then on a whim made some new keys. solved the problem. Your issue is probably the ignition switch as they don’t like that screwdriver trick for long.

 

[HamakuaSteve]

Switch and there's a pin in there too. Wiring diagrams are in the resources section in the Factory Service Manual section 8w.

I'd get a new ignition cylinder, pin and then start checking wires. New steering column possibly, maybe a multifunction switch depending on damage that we can't assess without pictures.

-Mac

Thank you Mac for the response. There is no real damage other than being taken apart to expose the ignition switch. The ignition cylinder and pin I am not worried about right now. My main concern is to get it to run where I can trust it then consider investing more $. It is currently in storage status with the state. Will take a little electrical work to get it to a point where I can pass the safety inspection.

 

[HamakuaSteve]

I had issues with mine a few years back and considered changing out the switch, even bought a new one, then on a whim made some new keys. solved the problem. Your issue is probably the ignition switch as they don’t like that screwdriver trick for long.

Thanks for the response. My suspicion also. I am most likely putting way too much pressure on the switch when I turn it with the screwdriver.