I have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. When I bought it the guy had lost the keys and decided to rip the ignition switch out (I'm guessing with a dent jerker) and put another one in from a junker.

The problems I am experiencing are intermittent and as such, are hard to troubleshoot. First, when you go to start the engine the switch will stick, so that you have to be sure to turn the switch back a bit after starting. It doesn't hang in a manner that will cause the starter to continuously turn, it seems to stick in a position just short of that, but past the "on" position that it should be in. If you do not turn the switch back, the engine will start and run, but none of the climate control (fan/AC etc) will function and various warning lights (check engine, air bags etc) will stay lit on the cluster. Otherwise, if you start the engine and turn back the switch to the correct position it all works, most of the time.

The "information center" screen thing only works intermittently and will some times flicker on and off, display all doors open or just not work at all (all black).

The major problem and the reason I am writing here, is that at times the engine will stall (sometimes at 60mph on the interstate), this too is intermittent and VERY random. I can drive the Jeep every day for two weeks with out issue, then every day for a week it will stall, or just not even want to start at all.

In trouble shooting this problem (ie throwing money at it), I first did a full tune up(wires, plugs, dist cap, rotor button, coil and even a new distributor sensor), thinking the stalling might be caused by a failing coil or sensor. I also put a new throttle position sensor on it. It ran like a charm for a few days, then it stalled.

So, thinking maybe I was barking up the wrong tree, I turned to the fuel system. Being an intermittent problem, I don't believe it would be the actual fuel pump as I have heard that they either work or don't (please correct me if I'm wrong). So, I went and bought a new fuel pump relay and put it on and for about a week, the Jeep ran great, no stalls or even hiccups, then today I went to go to the store and the Jeep wouldn't start. It would just turn over, sputter a little and die. I finally got it to start and when I put it in gear it died again. So I had my friend drive me to the store, when I came back (about an hour later) the Jeep started right up and we drove around the block, pretty as you please.

Could this all be electrical issues related to the broken ignition switch? If so, is there a way to bypass the switch and just wire in a toggle and push button?

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

*UPDATE* Turns out my issues were caused by the computer going bad. The dealership wanted $700+ for a new one, but I bought one remanufactured over at autocomputerexchange for $180 shipped. Installed it yesterday and so far so good.

I hope my results helps someone with similar problems.