1998 Jeep Wrangler Electrical Short in Steering Column?

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2001 Jeep Wrangler

sounds like you may have melted the ignition switch and it is just partly working. (i have done this myself before) it is located on the lower part of the steering column you maybe able to use a mirror and a flash light to see if it is melted. ( mine was, but the jeep still started) the switch will have a few wires running to it also a metal rod that comes down the column from the key switch. (please rate this if it help Thank you)

On a 1986 jeep I believe it has a "wiper-turn-signal assembly" that is all part of the turn signal lever. (I think its a GM/Chevy style.) The new models have an assembly that's in the steering column behind the steering wheel. If I'm correct that its all part of the lever, that is almost definitely the problem - 98-99%. Pretty much the same answer for the newer versions also. I have replaced over a couple hundred in my "career". Keep smiling.

Check for un-isulated connection on the hot wire lead. It might have been after-market but on mine the connection would short out, blowing a fuse. 1 inch of heat shrink tube fixed the problem.

any earthing point is open of wiring, check all earthing points, problem will solved.

I hate to state the obvious but you didnt say. have you checked your wiper relay and the fuses? Locted ubder the hood in a black box passenger side. Hope this helps.

yes. check the relay and the wiring from lighter and from steering column see see if any wires are frayed or damaged.

I have seen this problem several times and it was the assembly under the steering wheel at the top of the steering column. There are many electrical connections in there for turn signals, wipers, horn, headlight dimmer, etc. The electrical contacts could be dirty and not conducting current or they could be misalligned or broken or just plain worn out.

If you're up to it, take steering wheel off and take a look. If there is an airbag, and you've never removed one of those, I wouldn't even start -- take it back to the shop and tell them what you suspect the problem to be.

try replacing the ignition switch(not the ignition lock[where the key goes]).it will probably be located on top of the steering column , towards the bottom.but before going through with this make sure the connectors to the switch are fully plugged in.

I have/had a similiar problem with mine. My 94 Cherokee's radio would cut out, the wipers wouldn't come on, the climate controls would die, and the cigarette lighter would not work. This happened at any time. So knowing nothing about auto electrical, I took it in and the guy took all of five minutes to diagnose the problem as the ignition switch.