Four problems related to ignition switch have been reported for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph with the air conditioner activated on high, smoke began to emit from the ignition switch. The air conditioner was turned off in order to stop the smoke from emitting. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,015.
1996 Jeep cheroke while driving with blower on (air) , steering column started smoking and melting the plastic housing. Cause was determined to be ignition switch was not heavy duty enough to handle blower motor current and the wires in the harness burned and melted. Wires and switch was replaced and 1 year later same thing happened again causing the interior to fill with smoke while driving and the wiring harness to burn up again. A mechanic at a dealer told me this was a not uncommon problem with that Jeep model. I was told that the Chrysler van used the same switch and harness and there was a safety recall for them but nothing was ever done about the Jeep Cherokee !!.
Ignition switch failed.
Owner saw smoke coming from igniton area. Notes circuits may be overloading. Cause unknown. Please provide further details.