Hi,

My reverse/backup lights don't always come on. I have been led to believe that it is the neutral safety switch.

When I go to look up parts to replace I keep finding two completely different things calling themselves a neutral safety switch.

There is this



Then there is this



I have not gone digging around on the jeep trying to find the location yet.

However what is the difference in these parts and do i need both???

Thanks,

Brad

1998 Jeep Cherokee 4WD 4.0L MFI 6cyl

 

It's the first one but it's super easy to clean it out and regrease. There's no reason to buy a new one.
Here's a write up about it.
http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm

 

Definitely try to clean it first. I am dealing with the same thing on my 98. I had a hard time trying to get it off and was afraid I was going to break it so I aborted. The weather got warmer and it got better. As expected with the cold weather it is sticking and I have intermittent problems. Once the weather gets warm I am going to do this once and for all.

 

If it just your reverse lights no coming on, and you are sure its the NSS, you dont have to take it off....try adjusting it a little first. Loosen the top bolt a bit, this allows for small adjustments. If that fixes the issue, you can leave the cleaning till later.
When you do decide to clean, soak the nut/shaft in some penetrating oil for s few days and go slow on it. Be patient.

 

Heres an actual switch & electrical contact lubricant. Some types of grease and lubricants tend to dry and gum up after a while when used with electrical contacts and switches.

http://www.lubriplate.com/Online-Sto...5-oz-tube.aspx

http://www.lubriplate.com/PDFs/PDS/3_23-DS-ES.pdf

or try a general purpose lithium based lower viscosity grease lubricant. Lubricants with a similar consistency of heavy duty axle grease & lube, such as some dialect greases, have a tendency to eventually dry and gum up the switch mechanisms, contacts and springs.

 

Just fyi, you can find them on ebay for $30-$40. I bought one of these off of ebay a couple years ago and it has been completely fine. Felt and looked the same quality as the OEM one also.

 

Thanks to everybody!!!

I will try the adjustment and see if that will fix the problem. Then try the rebuild later.

Thanks again!!

Brad