I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee . Runs perfect . Strong start. Then random no crank? ALL gauges on, windows works, radio etc.. But no sound when you crank the key. I do hear the fuel pump. Already replaced ignition switch .
(New battery. New radiator. Upgraded to a lower temp thermostat to eliminate overheating issue. Backseat upgrade from grand Cherokee, so I now have headrests in back seat)

 

Did you have the cranking problem before you changed the ignition switch?
Or is that why you changed it?
How often?

Since you don't even hear the starter solenoid click, I'd check the usual suspects first:
battery cable clamps
ground connections
starter relay
loose or corroded starter terminal connections especially the solenoid terminals

If all that checks out ok, get yourself a voltmeter if you don't have one and check back.
Ideally the Jeep should be in the fail mode for troubleshooting.

Also possible its an intermittent bad starter, starter solenoid or something with the new ignition switch install.

 

Might be the neutral safety switch. Mine has gone through a few.

Next time it does this, put it in neutral and try to start it. If it starts, it's the neutral safety switch.

 

X2

 

Holy smokes, forgot all about that!
To the OPer if you're still out there, yeah next time no crank try what nickfancher1 suggested first, it'll only take a second.

If it does start in neutral the NSS might need cleaning, adjustment or replacement.
I'd try cleaning it first since its an intermittent problem.

 

You just save my day

 

Can I revisit this thread. I'm having the same issues as OP. 2000 jeep cherokee sport auto trans. Random no crank, no click, no start. I know it's not the NSS as the few times it's happened, I've tried popping it into neutral. This happened again to my wife last night. I showed up couldn't start it. Ended up jumping the solenoid on the starter and it fired right up. Now today it starts with the key everytime. Thanks

 

 

I’m having the same exact issue, has anyone found a concrete answer?

 

When it will not start in park, first play with the shifter. Then try and start it in neutral. I would also look at replacing the 4 main cables in the engine compartment. You can buy off the shelf at Oreilly auto parts(not perfect fit) or there are several people on the different jeep sites who sell kits.