How to start a jeep cherokee with a screwdriver

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• Starting my jeep off starter with screwdriver cuz ignition just crapped out.
• Re: Starting my jeep off starter with screwdriver cuz ignition just crapped out.
• Re: Starting my jeep off starter with screwdriver cuz ignition just crapped out.
• Can I drive my Jeep without the key fob?

Joined Aug 7, 2013

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162 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · Nov 24, 2013

So this morning i was starting my jeep and noticed when i turned the key it didnt have tobe all the way in the ignition to start, so then i got my house key and it didnt fit in but it did go enof in to turn the cylinder and the jeep started right up. What do i need todo or replace to fix this issue before my jeep gets stolen without an effort. Or is there anything i can unplug in the mean time to prevent somone from just jumping in and driving away?

Joined Feb 15, 2011

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4,277 Posts

Joined Aug 24, 2011

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395 Posts

Just to make sure, are you turning the ignition all the way back and using the release on the column? When I got my tj I went the first week without realizing there was the release button and that locked it. If you don't use the release then you can start it with anything.

Joined Jan 15, 2012

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10,544 Posts

That's nice to know and publicize... now every neighborhood kid is going to want to take my Jeep for a joy ride.

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Joined Jan 21, 2012

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1,311 Posts

That's nice to know and publicize... now every neighborhood kid is going to want to take my Jeep for a joy ride. .

its not just jeeps, I opened the door to a buddies S10 with my Chevy 2500 key. It was the cheapest way to get his keys out when he locked them in.

Joined Nov 23, 2013

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30 Posts

Here in Canada the TJ's in 99 have the imobilizer transponder in the key, the 98's do not.

So a worn key, key tumbler etc can cause the Jeep to be started easily.

But a thief knows this already, if they want a 98 TJ, they just break the colume and drive away anyway... the 99 and newer is a little more difficult.

mikey

Joined Oct 13, 2013

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698 Posts

FWIW, my Audi, my GMC S15, and my TJ all fit in each others locks / ignitions. They are all cut on the same axis. But ya gotta have the key that matches the vehicle to get em to start...

Joined Dec 19, 2012

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282 Posts

Had the same issue with my 2000. I replaced the ignition cylinder and all is well now.

Joined Aug 7, 2013

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162 Posts

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 25, 2013

I got the ignition cylinder and its A ok now thanks for the help guys...

Admin please lock thread

Joined Oct 24, 2012

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4,444 Posts

At least you'll never lose your keys now

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• Wrangler and CJ
• Starting my jeep off starter with screwdriver cuz ignition just crapped out.

1. Starting my jeep off starter with screwdriver cuz ignition just crapped out.

   It's like there must be a safety switch somewhere. Turns over but sounds like its not getting gas

   Sent from my LML212VL using Jeepz.com mobile app

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2. Re: Starting my jeep off starter with screwdriver cuz ignition just crapped out.

   Ign needs to power CKP and CPS to power guel pump

   Sent from my iPhone using Jeepz.com mobile app

   "Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up" - Jesse Jackson

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3. Re: Starting my jeep off starter with screwdriver cuz ignition just crapped out.

   Your post is confusing to me. Since I’m not exactly sure what your symptoms are I’ll list a couple scenereos and related problems.

   1. Your Jeep doesn’t crank with the key but starts fine with your screwdriver method.

   The starter signal from the ignition to the starter is being interrupted. Could things like a faulty aftermarket alarm, starter solenoid or relay. To check if it’s the ignition switch. Find out the wire color for the starter wire at the ignition and see if it gets 12v while turning the key to start. If it doesn’t then the ignition is bad.if it does then the problem is from the ignition to the starter.

   2. Your Jeep doesn’t start with the key and only cranks when you short 12v to the starter wire on the starter.

   This could be a blown main power fuse.check the main fuses and if they look good pull them and reseat them. I’ve seen this fix cherokees. If it doesn’t help find the constant 12v power wire to the ignition and test it. If it has 12v move on to testing the ignition wires. If they don’t get 12v when turning the key on the ignition is bad.

   3. If your Jeep cranks but doesn’t start with the key and the screwdriver method.

   This is the most common as there’s a lot of things that can cause it. This is what happens when your vehicle doesn’t recognize the chip in the key, your fuel tank is empty, fuel filter is clogged or you don’t have spark.

   Last edited by Chevytruck_83; 12-15-2019 at 02:14 PM. Reason: Adding info

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Can I drive my Jeep without the key fob?