starter starts while Jeep is running

[thistle3585]

I am guessing that this is an electrical issue. When I bought my CJ5 , the PO had removed the ignition from the column and installed one on a plate attached to the dash. Twice, I have turned off the key and the engine continued to run and the starter engaged. The only way to get the starter to stop was to turn the key to the point where it normally engages it then I could turn it off normally. Unfortunately, I have heard a "kerchunk" when the starter disengaged. Once it is off, I can restart the Jeep. It may take a couple extra turns to start but it does start.
I am guessing that I need to replace the key ignition system. I do not know why the ignition was pulled from the column, so I am wondering if I'd be better off simply replacing the entire column then trying to install a new ignition in to it. I do need to replace the steering shaft, so I guess this would be a good time to do both. Is this a pretty straight forward process? What range of years can I pull a column from? Any ideas or suggestions? Do's or don't's before I start?
Thanks
Andrew

 

[jasonmark1993]

My 73 is my first jeep and the ignition switch comes from the factory in the dash. Your sure yours came in the column originally?

Either way, it does sound like a switch(electrical portion)/tumbler (mechanical portion) problem. Some vehicles have a tumbler that is separate from the switch and a rod runs down the column to engage the switch. Others have it as one unit like mine..the key goes into the switch essentially.

Im guessing yours is similar to mine and is an integrated unit. Since you can manipulate the problem by moving the key, Id assume it is the switch. An easy check would be to disconnect the wire on your starter relay that comes from your ignition switch and hook a volt meter to it. It should only get batt voltage in the "start" position. Im guessing you have a second smaller terminal on your starter relay that is labeled ignition. This also gets 12v while cranking.

Id confirm operation by seeing when you get voltage at what terminal on the relay. Then unhook them and play around with the ignition switch. You should be able to recreate the problem and see 12V on the "crank wire" when you go to turn the key off. Its possible that you have a hot wire that is touching that wire; but again, the most likely problem is a faulty switch like you mentioned.

As far as the steering shaft...you mean the portion in the column? What is making you want to replace it? Sloppy? Im not sure what years you can steal from but so far it seems that Crown and Omix reman parts are very nicely priced.

 

[jasonmark1993]

Hey so it looks like yours did have a column switch. Sometimes they are a pain to get to. The jeep parts site has a universal dash mount right next to it so thats probably what he did. It does not look like the factory one was integrated meaning you would buy and replace the switch and lock cylinder separately. Depending on the configuration, there may or may not be a piece that goes between the lock cylinder and the switch itself.

Id pop the column cover off and take a look at it.

 

[thistle3585]

Thanks. A new $8.00 switch resolved the problem for the time being. I'm not opposed to leaving it in the dash but I have a huge hole in the side of my steering column where the old one was. How does the column cover come off? I wondered if it would be easier to put a new column in instead of trying to piece together an old one.

 

[jasonmark1993]

Should be one of two ways;

There will either be some long screws that are likely recessed into the column panels or they just snap together. Just search the entire column for screws and if there are none, carefully try and pry them apart.

As far as having that hole in the column; I think you are stuck with it unless you move the switch back up there.