Jeep ignition and security system
Asked by Brian Dec 21, 2020 at 09:31 AM about the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee SE 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I bought this jeep knowing it had set and
didn’t start when parked so far I have
switched the neutral safety switch battery
ignition cylinder and ignition switch to get no
crank no start but it arcs on the starter and
turns over as long as I hold the screwdriver on
the starter posts then I found the little black
security box in the back seat and plugged it in
and the security system is engaged I don’t
know what to do from here
3 Answers
On something this old with the security system involved your best bet is to get a factory shop manual, not a repair manual like a Chilton's manual, and fix it yourself. Unless you can find an older technician who remembers these systems nobody is going to know how to fix it. I learned that lesson with my '94 Fleetwood after spending $700. and getting a wrong diagnosis!! You can get a shop manual on Ebay or Faxon Auto Literature in Riverside CA. Hope that helps! Jim
Update I reset security system manually but I still can’t find out what’s wrong with the ignition switch I tested for continuity and it has it all the way till I go to turn the key to engage the starter. The new and old ignition switch/cylinder will NOT engage the starter. I can arc the starter all day long with a screw driver though.
I did some research on this and here's what I found out so far. Turn the ignition to the run position but don't try to start the engine. Is the check engine light on? Is the security light on? If the check engine light is not on, leave the key in the run position. Watch for the check engine light to come on within 30 minutes. If it does, try to start the engine. If the engine will crank once the check engine light comes on the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is bad. Apparently they were a common failure point on these vehicles. The security system module is supposed to be under the glove box, not in the back seat. If the check engine light comes on immediately when you turn the ignition to the run position, check the hood switch. Apparently that's a problem spot too. Hope that helps! Jim
