It has 0 degrees F the last two nights and 6 degrees when I woke up. Went to fire up the Jeep and it wouldn't start. Battery is fine, as everything lights up. Battery is new, and alternator is new. All the gauges are lighting up when I turn the key in the ignition, but the engine will not turn over. It's silent. Nothing out of the engine. I'm assuming it's something due to the extreme cold. Where do I start? The starter or ignition system?

 

The NSS.

 

"Jiggled" the grey connector for the NSS inside the engine bay, and also the wire near the switch on the transmission and still won't start.... guess ima have to take it off and clean or replace it... uhg. Looks like a PITA with the way the wires run up into the engine bay. + there is snow on the ground outside. Greeeaaaaaaaat.

If the NSS is causing this, shouldn't the Jeep start by shifting it into Neutral? just a thought. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

Correct. Or by jiggling the shifter in Park.

 

well, it doesn't start in Neutral. same symptoms. Where to look next? Check grounds?

 

have you tried having somebody turn it over and tap on the starter with a hammer. oh you said nothing, so no click of the solenoid? my 1998 xj did that but is was the ground wire pulled out of the battery terminal.

 

Not yet, but I will. But yeah... no clicking from the starter, nothing.

 

Just went outside and it started... hmmm, this one is a mystery. 30 degrees out now. Any ideas on where to reliably test for this intermittent issue? Battery and alternator are new, starter is about 3-4 years old, so not original.... Wouldn't start earlier when I put the car into neutral, so thinking it's not the NSS. My guess is still the starter... but it doesn't sound sluggish when starting

 

Next time it does this, get a meter and with the key in the "ON" position, measure the available voltage directly at the starter. You should have approximately full battery voltage there.

If you do, then the problem is your starter. If you do not, then you have a problem with control electronics (NSS or starter relay), wiring, cables leading to the starter or grounds. Start working your way back from the starter into the engine bay to the battery.

Wouldn't hurt to freshen all engine grounds as it is a common source of gremlins and should be done periodically anyways. Can't tell much by looking at them. Disassemble, clean thoroughly then reassemble.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Could be corrosion in the battery cables.

I'd double check that the cables are clean and tight and maybe get a battery test at your local parts retailer. Just because it's new doesn't guarantee it's not bad. In fact, with the way things are these days I'd say it's even MORE likely to be a failed battery if it's been recently replaced.

If all of that seems OK, I'd just replace the cables. I got the custom set from XJWonders - his cables are super nice and he does great work but is going to stop making cables (if he hasn't already), so if you want some, I'd check with him ASAP. Buy yourself some as an xmas/Hanukah/Kwanza present.

 

Yes. Start with the basics.

 

Cables are relatively new and battery is 1 month old. no corrosion at all, and with OBD2 scanner in and bluetooth app is reading 13 and change for battery. I may the battery tested. Going to test starter with multimeter next. Thanks for the helps guys... know these "gremlins" posts can go down a rabbit hole sometimes. Merry Xmas

 

Anyone have any good recommendations for a decent/affordable multimeter? Figure it's time to buy one for the Jeep finally.

 

They are all pretty good and affordable. Walmart ussually always has a couple in stock from different manufacturers to choose from in about the $20 range. See what they offer online in your price range, and check out the reviews. Get familiar with the functions some of the more expensive higher end models come with, and compare the functions to lesser expensive models. Then, pick the one that most closely matches up to those $100 ones.

It does not need any of the fancy gimmickry like some of them claim, like point and shoot readings or junk like that. I think those types of manufacturers are trying to make up for having an overall inferior product by offering up their gimmicks.

There are a few functions some of the mid-range models have that are kind of worth it. These will run you closer to $60 - $75 or more, but it is not necessary. Most multimeters all have the same basic functions all the same.

I used a free one I got from Harbor Freight for several years whenever if I needed it. It was really cheaply made.. It always worked perfectly fine for the applications. I finally broke the Harbor Freight one this past year, and I got one from Walmart. It was on sale for $16 (down from $30).

 

I have a Fluke multimeter for the heavy lifting, but this Innova is what I have as a meter for day to day stuff. Performs admirably and is likely the best $20 you will ever spend. Good luck!