I have a '91 Cherokee Sport. This just happened to me today. It wouldn't start, didn't turn over, nothing, jumped the starter and it started. My question, can I assume it's the NSS? Is there a way to test it to determine if it is the NSS or starter? I have been reading some threads, I haven't checked yet to see if the backup lights are working. Any ideas?

 

The NSS typically goes bad in "P" position. If shifting into "N" causes your Jeep to start right up, it is definitely the NSS. Also, in my 91 XJ Sport I have an Intermittent "no start" issue. Giving the shifter just a gentle slap forward while in the "P" position causes it to start fine. This problem also would indicate a bad NSS. You can pull your starter off and take it to your nearest friendly neighborhood Autozone store and have it tested for free.

 

I neglected to mention, it wouldn't even start in neutral. Just dead silences when key turned.

 

If your Jeep is dead in P and N, I'd say your problem is more likely a power issue, I.E. battery or battery connections.

 

lights, radio & gauges all work. We are baffled. I was hoping someone would be able to tells us if there is a way to test the NSS ti see if it is bad or is the problem between the steering column and the NSS

 

try to start it in N if it start then you need to bypass the NSS

 

before ya start taking stuff apart definitely check all electric connections, inspect and test the batterie, make sure the termanls are clean and tight. you may find that is your problem, always start small.

 

it was jumped at the starter and it will start so its not a bad battery

 

the black colored plug by the fire wall passenger side
center two wires on one side marked B & C on the side connect them that will bypass the NSS you my get a code

 

Sounds like the solenoid is weak on the starter. That is usually the case when you can't start it with the key but, you can jump it at the starter. You will only get it to start like that for a little longer then it it will crap completely.

 

if you say so. i am just sayin that is wear i would start. why think that it could not be a bad connection. i would say that half of the electrical issues i have delt with has been because bad, loose, or dirty conections. i say start small

 

if it will turn over by jumping the terminal its not the battery but could be a bad solenoid connection

 

X 2, MISFIT makes a very good point.

 

if you jump at the starter the green lines and it starts
the only wire that is effected is the solenoid wire

bad NSS bad relay key switch or connection for that wire

make sense?????

 

Or a sticky solenoid. I've seen two starters bench check good that had bad solenoids in them.