I'm new to the forum so I'll do my best to explain the issue...I have an 07 Sahara automatic 4 door with 75k. Everything is stock Bought it used a month ago and I notice about one out of every 40/60 starts the ignition seems to engage for a few seconds too long. The engine will fire but the starter keeps engaging. It will always stop itself. I don’t have to turn the key back or anything like that. It’s not a huge problem but I want to find out what it is. I have called a few service centers to check out service bulletins and looked over a ton of forum topics- starter/cam sensor/ignition. This doesn’t seem to be one of those common problems. Both service guys told me to try and spray a little graphite in the key cylinder which didn’t seem to make much of a difference. If anyone has had this happen please hook me up with a little info! Thanks

 

I brought my jeep in to have the clock spring replaced, after that, the ignition was sticking. Cause, the shroud around the ignition had not been centered properly. I loosened the 2 screws under the steering coloum, and presto, the tumbler went back to the proper.position, tightened them up while holding the shroud center, problem solved. I did however not have the problem of the starter continue to engage..
Sent from my phone with big thumbs, so ignore the typos

 

My ignition itself seems to be free but I'll take a closer look to double check. It really seems like it's something electronic with the ignition or mechanical with the starter. No codes being thrown. I also feel like when it happens it will do it a few times in a row. Then stop for a week or so and pop back up. Thanks for your input!

 

A sticking Bendix gear on the starter is most likely your problem. It can be intermittent until it progresses to the point where it becomes inoperative. Remember the TIP start will make your starter crank even with the key released making it seem as though the starter is ''operating on its own''. A sticking ignition cylinder is noticable by the key not moving from the ''start'' position on its own.Back in the olden days you could buy a replacement Bendix for your starter, I doubt that they are available nowadays.

 

I could see a sticky bendix being the problem.. I have had them stick before but usually the opposite way.. cold weather would hold it in for a few seconds before engaging.. I'm going to swap out the starter and hope it works.. Cheers!