that because they don't load test them
it a free spin test and can slip by

 

Remember how I said I was baffeled? Get this one! We came home from work last night, turned the key and it started. It had been sitting for about 3 hours. Now we have to wait to see if it happens again. Almost sounds like something is "getting" hot ! I have a spare relay that I will try if it happens again, if that doesn't work, jump at starter, drive home and start from scratch with some of everyones suggestions. OOOh, how I love a mystery!

 

that would be a NSS problem
it starts off erratic then fails
or could be just a bad starter if its the original it would not hurt to replace it any way if you have the money easy do it your self job

I have a wire connected to the solenoid running up by the battery
so I just touch it to the pos bat term to start so I don't to crawl under there in an emergency

 

That "won't start when it is hot but, does after it cools off" Is classic BAD SOLENOID. If you have never replaced the starter since you've owned this XJ, I'd get a new starter. That's just me, though. Because I have had this same thing happen to me 2 times with two different 4.0 powered XJs....and both times the starter passed the bench check at autozone but, the new starter fixed the problem both times.

 

you still would not be able to jump the starter if it was the solenoid
if the key wont work but jumping dose then its the start wire system that is the problem

 

Awfully funny how when I was going through my "no hot start problems" Jumping it would start it everytime.

 

and you went through two starter on the same jeep with the same problem ?????

 

Um...NO! Went through the same exact problem on an 87 XJ with the 4.0 Renix motor and then on a 91 XJ with the 4.0 HO motor. I'm really done debating this with you, Mike.

misty, I hope the pointers I have given you from my personal experiences, helps. My personal experience is all I can offer.

 

A good bebate is fun as long as no one gets mad

I'm just trying to say that swapping the starter my have fixed the problem but not the issue

bad voltage on the starter wire will cause the solenoid to go bad
but jumping will make it start
changing the starter will get it to work cus it can handle the low voltage for a time but will fail sooner

typically if you jump the starter and it starts normally
your problem is elsewhere in the starting system

and I agree if its the origanal starter it need to be replaced regardless if its the problem or not

 

You know that makes perfect since and I totally agree with you.

 

I have had the same issue with the NSS where it would not start in neutral or in park. When in neutral I had to hold the shift lever over to the left to get it to start. Hope this helps. I still have problems from time to time, just can't afford to fix it yet.

 

I too have had the same problem. All I do is move it to Neutral and it will start. Try that first or run it from Park to Neutral a couple of times. If this works definately the NSS. There is a way to pull it off and clean it rather than replacing for $150-$200.

All the above may be true but if you can start it in Neutral its the NSS. Buck knows his stuff!

 

http://www.cherokee-jeep.com/1-2swremov.htm
try this link before going out and replacing your nss
mike37 bad voltage.....? its a straight line off your starter relay which is a straight shot to your battery test the voltage with a meter at the starter if you have corosion on the line this will limit the travle of voltage in which you need around 11volts at min to start and in no way will a low voltage cause your starter to give out if your getting low voltage on it compaired to the batterys voltage replace the 12v wire to the starter relay then a new wire from a connection marked "sol" on the starter relay straight to the starter there should also be a connection labled "I" also check voltage on that with ignition cranking

 

yes it will low voltage will cause the solenoid to not engage properly and caused burning of the contacts and that causes low voltage to the starter low voltage to the starter cause slow crank and heat of the starter motor