TIPM issue with a twist?
 

Forgive me if this has been covered, I've been searching read reading a lot of threads and haven't found anyone with this issue.

2009 Rubi Unlimited

Jeep will start by pushing the start button (x2) on the key but not if I use it in the traditional manner of putting it in the ignition and turning it. When I do try the traditional way all the lights and everything comes on as normal, it just wont turn over? I then take the key out of the ignition, push the (x2) button on the key, the doors lock and it fires right up. I then put the key in the ignition and turn to the "on" position and I can drive away.

So this morning I went to my local dealership and spoke to a service adviser, he said I'm a couple months outta warranty and my TIPM is "bad". I asked how he knew that sitting at his desk? He got that look on his face and said "trust me", and then told me it will cost $1400 + $180. I said Ill start it with the button on the key forever before I pay that kind of money.

Any advice? Should I remove the TIPM and check connections?

Also, the first thing I did was install a new battery.

Thanks in advance for any help...

Nthsa
 

File a complaint with the national highway safety admin. Not being able to start your vehicle is a safety issue.

clearly you aren't the first person with this issue. the jeep is barely 3 years old. kick and scream till it's fixed.

Have you tried another key?

Yes, same issue with both keys. Last night it didn't want to stay running, I'd use the button on the key to start it and it would run for about 5-10sec then die. This morning it fired up and worked as it had been. I've disconnected the battery and decided not to drive it till I can get this problem resolved.

You can try to fins a used TIPM on ebay or if you get lucky at a local junk yard for a couple hundred and put it in yourself. It's not too hard from what I've read on other posts.

Well I was outta town for a few days and came back with a clear head and just started looking at all electrical connections, I decided to use the OBDII scanner and see if there was any codes (even tho I had no CEL), as I put my head down in front of the seat to plug it in I noticed a large crack in the plastic on the underside of the steering column directly under the ignition cylinder. It looks as someone has gotten in a slammed their knee into the column, so I took the plastic off from around the steering column and found this (hope the picture shows up).

Attachment 472060 As you can see the plastic is busted and the wire is exposed.

This piece goes on over the ignition cylinder and is what "reads" the key, so I went to the dealer and purchased the part $120 had them program it $180 and it's all back to normal.

Just wanted to let everyone know what it was.

No Ties.