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98 jeep: no power to starter

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Old 10-29-2008, 01:50 PM
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Lightbulb 98 jeep: no power to starter

Ok...so I replaced the starter on my 98 jeep 4.0, and I know the old starter was bad (wouldn't even click on a bench test), but now it seems that I am not getting any power to the starter at all. Is there a fuseable link, and if so, where is it located? Anyone have any other ideas on what might be going on? Winter is coming and I need both of my Jeeps running.

- old starter was definately bad
- new starter works fine
- wires are in excellent condition
- I hear the clicking towards the fuse panel when I energize the system
- volts read at approx. 14V
~R.L.~
Old 10-30-2008, 12:27 AM
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Try starting in neutral to eliminate the Neutral safety switch.

Lights working?

Check your grounds.
Old 10-30-2008, 06:38 AM
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Bowtie it would be advisable to fill in the data on your profile page so we can answer your question without asking you more questions. Overland assumes you have the automatic trans. I want to know if that is the case and that it is an XJ and not a ZJ that you have.
On an XJ sometimes a BFH to the starter will work if the brushes inside are dirty or not well seated to jar them into place. Eventually the starter will need to be removed and cleaned and/or replaced.
Old 10-30-2008, 08:27 AM
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If your from the "the South Side of Chicago" Go see Bad Bad Leroy Brown Hes the baddest man it town he knows all about starters! LOL!
Old 10-30-2008, 10:01 AM
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New starter. The BFH worked for a bit on the old one til it died totally. It is an XJ with a 4.0L and AT. No power in P or N, Lights work fine, No dimming upon start, no gauge fluctuations upon starting either. All chassis ground connections are secure and corrosion free.

Last edited by BowtieGuy3; 10-30-2008 at 10:11 AM.
Old 10-30-2008, 11:06 AM
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My 98 does it sometimes. I just have to pop the hood and jump the 2 wires on the starter with the IGN turned on. then she will fire right up
Old 10-30-2008, 12:36 PM
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So, again, is there a fusable link somewhere in the starter wiring that would pervent the starter from getting power/solenoid from engaging, and if so, where in the harness is it? fuses are all fine, and relay is good.
Old 10-30-2008, 01:20 PM
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where are you taking the 14v reading at? at the starter?
Old 10-30-2008, 01:23 PM
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Hot post to gnd., Hot side of relay/fuse block to gnd., + BAT to gnd., across BAT terminals. Voltage variance of 0.13 on average throughout system.
Old 10-30-2008, 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by BowtieGuy3
New starter. No power in P or N, Lights work fine, No dimming upon start, no gauge fluctuations upon starting either. All chassis ground connections are secure and corrosion free.

Sounds from your above description that it is a NSS problem. Try this link>>>

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm
Old 10-30-2008, 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by BowtieGuy3
Hot post to gnd., Hot side of relay/fuse block to gnd., + BAT to gnd., across BAT terminals. Voltage variance of 0.13 on average throughout system.
next i would be cerious to see what im geting at the starter when the key is turned...
Old 10-30-2008, 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by BlueXJ
Sounds from your above description that it is a NSS problem. Try this link>>>

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm
Ok..now that sounds like an idea. The back up lamps were kinda being picky for a little while, usually resulting with me jiggling the shifter to get them to light. Lemme give that a shot and I'll keep y'all posted. 'Til then, keep the ideas coming...
Old 10-30-2008, 05:09 PM
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Rebuilding the NSS can save you having to replace it. That is a savings of over $125 so if that solves your problem it only costs you a little time and some dielectric grease.
Hope it works for you. It sure fits your symptoms.
Old 10-31-2008, 12:51 AM
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Another thing to check...and it's a freebie. It is possible to kick the ignition switch at base of steering column, ask me how i know.

Theres a rod coming down from the ign cylinder to the switch on pass side of the column. Check and make sure it's depressing the switch. The switch itself is adjustable at the mounting screws IIRC.

This would cause the same symptoms, power to everything but starter.

Good Luck..
Old 10-31-2008, 01:06 AM
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maybe its the battery. . . or maybe the engine.


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