Hello Everyone, I have a 98 Sport with 133 K on it. It has been serviced regular and taken care of like the jewel it is. I didn't drive it for about a week after it had been fine. I got in to start it and take it for a drive and when I turned the key nothing at all happened. Interior lights all came on but I assumed the battery had gone low so put a good charge on it and its a good battery. I turn the key to start it and still nothing at all happens but all electric components in interior as well as exterior work fine. I really don't want to have it towed to the shop, don't have much money and 70% disabled. I don't think it could be a major deal after it worked fine but don't have a clue what to check for that might be simple and maybe fix it myself. Any ideas of where to start looking and the most obvious places to start looking would really be appreciated. It is currently my primary vehicle and Winter is pretty much here in NY State's Adirondacks. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Curt

 

Try wiggling your shifter a bit while turning the key to start. Maybe the neutral safety switch is gummed up.

 

Yes, check the NSS and also check the condition of your harmonic balancer. You should do a load test on the battery, it may be able to top charge but when under load it doesnt have enough.

Let us know, I'm gonna watch this thread

 

Dukie564 has a nice write up in xj write up sexn. Also my own after work project (read: updates appreciated haha)
Good luck

 

A Freudian Slip my dear?

 

No, haha, just shorthand on my phone.

 

If nothing else give your starter a love tap with a hammer it may have just seized up. It could just be time for a new starter.

 

Hook a test light, or a volt meter to the little wire that goes down to the starter solenoid..............This is the trigger wire when you turn the key to the start position.
Have someone turn the key while you watch the test light......................If you have voltage there, then your NSS and ignition switch are fine..........and your starter is going bad......


If you don't get any voltage there when the key is turned to the start position, then it could be your NSS (try it in both park and neutral. It should start in both those positions)
It also could be your ignition switch....................
You will have to probe further to find out which one lets no power through.


When my starter started to go bad, I would have to give it a tap with a hammer (like RockStomper suggested) and it would crank right over.......
As the starter got worse, I would have to tap on it more often..........
I changed the starter before it left me stranded somewhere..........

 

Well guys I really appreciate the tips but there was only a couple I could do myself as I live alone and none worked. I will take the battery down and have it checked today but that is a new one on me but worth taking a shot on. Thought the love taps might work because I had a Chevy once that needed that street love! But, nope.
Really, thanks to you guys who tried to help me out and I'll let you know the outcome!

Thanks
Curt

 

Wouldn't an open circuit for the CPS or the CMS also cause this type of engine non-turning over problem?