Im having issues with my wifes 2000 jeep cherokee sport 4.0 auto trans. Random no crank, no click, no start. I know it's not the NSS as the few times it's happened, I've tried popping it into neutral with no luck still. This happened again to my wife last night. I showed up couldn't start it. Ended up jumping the solenoid on the starter and it fired right up. Now today it starts with the key everytime. Also ive noticed that when i turn the key and try to start it. The radio shuts off. Dont know if that matters on not. But Thanks! Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

When the problem isn't happening, have you verified it starts in neutral? Reverse lights work? I'm just hesitant to rule out the NSS without more troubleshooting.

 

I haven't yet. I'll check here directly and report back. Another issue I know of is, when signaling left, only on the rear lights, my hazards come on. Not sure if it's related or not.

 

If it “fire right up” after jumping the starter solenoid, that probably is indicative of the PCM and other electronic safety systems working fine. I would replace the starter and go from there AFTER verifying that the power wires to the starter are sound.

Money may be tight but it seems that these XJ’s have almost all exceeded 2x their expected lifespan. It relatively won’t cost much and it’s probably time for an overhaul of the key systems. I’ve owned a few aircraft and they all operated like new as many of the components are completely replaced after so many hours of use.
Consider replacing the battery cables “Big 3” or “Big 7” kits, and replacing the Starter and Alternator. Cheap investments to keep these tanks on the road. With the average car payment being >$800/mo (that’s almost $10k/yr!), throwing a couple grand at the XJ to keep it running like it was new is totally worth it. I digress..

 

You can verify (eliminate) the NSS by jumping (bypassing) the NSS. Use a jumper (piece of wire or paper clip) and jump pins 7 & 8 (on the harness side). If it cranks, your NSS is bad. Your backup lights not working is also a sign but not conclusive. Just be aware that you can start with the shifter in gear so be careful.

Turning the key to START does shut off accessories like the radio.

 

How did you jump the starter solenoid? Across the two main power terminals, or jumper power to the trigger wire to the solenoid? If you just jumped power to the trigger wire, then it's likely upstream somewhere. Possibly NSS, starter relay, or maybe even the ign switch

 

I have the same issue. But mine is only when the tilt wheel is all the way up. It works fine if the wheel isnt tilted to the top. So I am thinking I have a wiring problem. (but that is another chore for another day) Does yours act differently with the steering wheel in different positions?

 

yes, it starts in neutral and yes I have reverse lights

i jumped it from the main lug, to the remote wire

No, still doesn't start. No matter the key position, wheel position, if I'm shaking the **** out of the wheel, nothing. Normally after i jump it. Its fine for a few days, but here this evening, i had to jump it to go to the store, also when I left the store.

 

So if jumping from the main lug to the remote wire works, I'd say the main suspects are NSS, starter relay, or ignition switch. Could be wiring in the column too and oldnslow mentioned, but that would be less likely in my opinion.