I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee and when I put the key in to start it tonight (while it was pooring down rain might I add) the key turned over and it sounded, but the engine made this real loud metal on metal sound when it was in 'Park', when I put my foot on the brake and put it into another gear it drove and the noise stopped, but the problem was the key got stuck in the ignition and I couldn't turn it off. I finally had to get a trusted friend to keep their foot on the brake and in first gear, while I went I disconnected the battery. I first took off the positive terminal and it remained on, then I took off the neg. terminal and it instantly stopped. I'm no mechanic, so any advice spelled out well would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

SOURCE: 1999 jeep Grand cherokee

If you have a connecting rod problem, likely it is not the rod itself that has failed, rather, the crankshaft bearing on that rod or the wristpin. Usually though when either has failed, the knocking is an all the time thing, varying with engine rpm. A good tech can usually tell the difference between the two just by listening. A beraing failure is generally also accompanied by a drop in engine oil pressure as well. not so for a wristpin. An intermittent noise (tapping) can also indicate a valve lifter problem... though a lifter can also make noise during a low oil pressure situation. Lifter noise is heard from the top of the engine, both other noises are from underneath.
I would first have a different shop give you a second opinion. If it turns out to be a rod bearing, generally this damages the crankshaft and also sends bearing material throughout the entire engine. To properly repair would require complete teardown and rebuild, or replacement of engine. This does not hold true for lifter or wristpin problems, unless severe, though either can be expensive, even if you do the job yourself..
How long is your powertrain warranty?
Definitely get a second opinion before doing anything else!

SOURCE: 2000 jeep grand cherokee- ignition

I had the same problem today - January 30th 2009. what i did was spray some WD40 in the cylinder and sprayed the key with WD40, then inserted the key in the ignition, then "lightly" and i mean "lightly" tapped the end of the key with the end of a wrench (my brass hammer was not in reach) 3 or 4 times. removed the key and then inserted again - then "all was well. the ignition turned, car started, and i will now wait till the next time something goes wrong with the car...

Gene

anwar alkhaldi

• 197 Answers
• Posted on Mar 18, 2009

SOURCE: Turned ignition key to

make sure u put the battery in the right way i mean u dont switch the terminal , and make sure bothe cable are tide ?
let me know please
thanx

Dar

• 2007 Answers
• Posted on Aug 09, 2009

SOURCE: Jeep Wrangler 1989. Wont Start

clean and tighten battery connections, starter connections and ground.

SOURCE: 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. brake lights would not

Check the brake light switch, located under the dash above the brake pedal. The other noise may not even be related to brake lights staying on