Chrysler Repair: Gauges dont read and car doesnt start, jeep grand cherokee, economical approach

Question
I have a 2000 Jeep grand Cherokee limited, my car was working fine til a few months ago I went to start it and my gauges didnt read anymore and my car wouldnt start,it turend over but didnt start. We put in a new battery which seemed to have solved the problem,today I tried to start it and the same thing happened again, the gauges dont read it turns over but it does not start, what could this be

Answer
Hi Elke,
My suspicion would be that one section of the ignition switch (of which there are three or four) is not making contact necessary to close the circuit that powers up the powertrain computer and the gauges. Without the computer, it won't fire up.  You would need to have voltmeter and the wiring diagram for the switch (which unfortunately I don't have to be able to share it with you) to prove that theory.
You might try getting a spray can of electrical contact cleaner from an electronics supply store, then I think if you study the steering column area just in front of the steering wheel you will probably find some secrews on the under side which when removed will allow the removal of the top and bottom covers so that the ignition switch would be accessible. Then using the straw tip on the spray can you could squirt the fluid into any accessible cracks or holes in the switch to bathe the innerds with the fluid which may then clean the contact surfaces inside the switch. That would be an economical approach.
I suspect that if you merely move the key between the off and the 'run' position several times that you might re-establish the internal switch contact necessary to get it going again to a shop if you don't want to try my suggestion.
Good luck with project. It is not likely anything major.
Roland