1989 Jeep Cherokee goes dead as soon as you release the ignition from the start position. Replaced the ignition switch that mounts to the steering column, but it's still doing the same thing. Any other advise?

this is covered in the FSM. best is to ask a lock smith, (no kidding)
it is also cover at all 3 top online fsm sites (vitrual fsm)
at alldata.com
mitchells.
and chiltions online.

the tumbler just dont fall out, it has protections from thieves (weak)
most cars, you must remove the key assembly
the pull the tumble pin, hidden and blocked by the mounted assembly.
those are generic words.
the steps can vary if car has steering wheel, vert adjustment option.
here is a non Air bag quote

Without Air Bag The ignition switch is located on the lower part of the steering column.

1. Place the ignition in the LOCK position.

Ignition/dimmer switch assembly

1. Remove any components necessary to access the switch.
2. Remove the two switch mounting screws.
3. Disconnect the switch from the rod.
4. Disconnect the wiring and remove the switch.

To install:

1. On non-tilt columns:
   1. Move the ignition switch slider to the OFF unlocked position (move the slider all the way down, then back two clicks). The remote rod hole in the ignition switch slider should now be centered.
   2. Insert the remote rod in the ignition switch slider hole and install the ignition switch on the steering column. Tighten the attaching screws to 35 inch lbs. (4 Nm).
2. On tilt columns:
   1. Insert the ignition key in the lock cylinder and turn the cylinder to the OFF unlocked position.
   2. Move the ignition switch downward to eliminate any slack and tighten the attaching screws to 35 inch lbs. (4 Nm).
3. Install any components removed for switch access.

What happens if you jump the starter relay (make sure it's in park/neutral)

you need an ignition switch thats the problem

For 1989 Jeep Cherokee the Flasher is located:
* Front seating area, driver side, under dash, above kick panel, mounted in bottom of convenience panel for Hazard flasher
* Front seating area, driver side, under dash, above kick panel, mounted in top of convenience panel for Turn signal

Hope helps.

remove the steering wheel via popping the horn cap off undo the main nut with a 4 way tire lug wrench then removing the plates screws covers and turn signal lever after that ull need a t15 torx bit to undo the screw holding the switch in reassembly is is easy just in reverse order replacement keylock cylinder is 14.95 at autozone

If you are having trouble with the brake lights and radio, the problem is not under the steering wheel but at the base of the column. There is an ignition switch that runs just about everything. The key switch runs a rod down to this switch. I removed the bottom panel of the dash and loosened the column. It drops down where you can get access to the switch. You just have to be careful and put the new switch in the same position as the old one, it needs to be coordinated with the key position, so start is start and run is run. If it "is" the turn signal switch you want to replace, you will need a steering wheel puller to pull it off. There is a locking spring washer that sits in a groove that you have to pull off first. It is pretty hard to get this washer back in position because you have to compress a tension spring that works the horn, so make sure you really need to take it off.

I think you may have a worn out ignition switch! The on position might be bad and all the works is the start position.

You can check to see if the engine is getting power with the key in the on position. If it isn't, you need a new one!

The alternator or coil positive contacts are good places to check for juice! You can use a test light and watch the light go on and off.

Good luck and be careful!

Try these steps...

Step 1 Disconnect the negative battery cable from the terminal on the battery. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers by unscrewing or unclipping them.
Step 2 Remove the steering wheel by lifting off the center cover, disconnecting the horn wire and removing the retaining nut and washer. Make a mark on the steering wheel spline and the wheel itself so you can line it back up precisely. Pull the steering wheel straight back to remove from the shaft.
Step3 Take off windshield wiper and turn signal switches by pulling them off as you did the steering wheel and disconnect the wiring. Slide the spacer sleeve off of the steering column.
Step4 Unscrew the ignition switch mounting screws. Pull out the ignition switch. Disconnect the wiring connector from back of the ignition switch. Simply loosen the tabs and pull it out.
Step5 Insert your key into the ignition. Turn the ignition switch to the locked position. Depress the retaining pin with a small screwdriver and turn the key to the Off position to free the cylinder. Once it is free, turn the key to lock position and remove the key and key cylinder.
Step 6 Install your old key cylinder into the new ignition switch assembly. Make sure the contacts in the cylinder and assembly line up. Reattach wiring to ignition switch, slide it into place, screw in mounting screws and reassemble steering wheel and switches.

Thanks
Smith

change the idle air control valve