Starting 89 jeep cherekee without ignition key

SOURCE: 1994 jeep cherokee steering column housing removal

there is a small round spring clip on the 3/4'' steel shaft almost hiden by metal plate push down on plate with plate pushed down have a trusted friend carefully remove steel spring clip with a small scriber or similar careful not to poke friend with tool good luck with this project

SOURCE: 1998 Wranger Ignition Key Stuck / Steering Column Locked

I have had this same problem on 4 of my Jeeps. A locksmith provided me with two answers.
This key thing happens to me at least once a week.
It is a common problem with Jeeps. 1998 Wrangler, 2007 Cherokee and two 2000 Cherokees all had the issue.


1. Replace the tumbler assembly. $150. USD (Not!)
2. Place the key in the ignition, smartly impact the key on the **** end, end that is sticking out of the ignition. (Harder is not better) strike straight on as to not break the key off. 4 or 5 strikes should fix the problem every time.

FYI - flooding the switch with WD-40 will not fix the issue, it is a tumbler problem.

SOURCE: Replace power steering hose on 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Parts are not cheap. I'm not sure how hard it is to get to your lines but line wrench/crows foot are probably needed. They are like a boxend wrench with cutout to go over line.

SOURCE: How do I remove the ignition lock cylinder from

here are the instruction the first set are the instruction on how to remove the turn signal switch as you will need them to remove the ignition

Removal & Installataion of turn signal switch

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the steering wheel.
   
3. Loosen the anti-theft cover retaining screws on 1976 models and lift the cover from the steering column. It is not necessary to completely remove these screws.
   
4. Depress the lockplate and pry the round wire snapring from the steering shaft groove. A lockplate compressor tool is available for compressing the lockplate.
   
5. Remove the lockplate, directional signal canceling cam, upper bearing preload spring, and thrust washer from the steering shaft.
   
6. Move the directional signal actuating lever to the right turn position and remove the lever.
   
7. Depress the hazard warning light switch and remove the button by turning it counterclockwise.
   
8. Remove the directional signal wiring harness connector block from its mounting bracket on the right side of the lower column.
   
9. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, use a stiff wire, such as a paper clip, to depress the lock tab which retains the shift quadrant light wire in the connector block.
   
10. Remove the directional signal switch retaining screws and pull the switch and wiring harness from the steering column.
    
11. Guide the wiring harness of the new switch into position and carefully align the switch assembly. make sure that the actuating lever pivot is correctly aligned and seated in the upper housing pivot boss prior to installing the retaining screws.
    
12. Install the directional signal lever and actuate the directional signal switch to assure correct operation.
    
13. Place the thrust washer, spring, and directional signal canceling cam on the upper end of the steering shaft.
    
14. Align the lockplate splines with the steering shaft splines and place the lockplate in position with the directional signal canceling cam shaft protruding through the dogleg opening in the lockplate.
    
15. Install the snapring.
    
16. Install the anti-theft cover.
    
17. Install the steering wheel and connect the negative battery cable.
    
18. Check the operation of the turn signal switch.
    

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
   
2. Remove the turn signal switch as described earlier in this section. You don't have to remove the switch completely, just set it aside.
   
3. Insert the key. Position the key as follows.
   
   • 1976-83: With manual transmission, put it in the ON position; with automatic, put it in OFF/LOCK.
     
   • 1984-86: Two detent positions, clockwise, beyond OFF/LOCK.
     

1. Working through the slot next to the turn signal switch mounting boss, use a thin screwdriver to release the lock cylinder.
   
2. To install, insert the key in the new lock cylinder. Hold the sleeve and turn the key clockwise until it stops. Align the cylinder retaining tab with the housing slot and insert the cylinder. Push the cylinder in, rotate to engage, then push in until the retaining tab engages the housing groove.
   
3. Complete the procedure in the reverse of removal.
   

SOURCE: Steering column diagram needed for 1989 Jeep Cherokee

If you intend to keep the vehicle long term, I would suggest you invest in a Haynes Manual, That is worth its weight in gold, for this and any other project..
Regards,DT