hello, i have a 1995 jeep cherokee sport. 4.0... and i just got it out of the shop for leaf springs.. but i brought it home and put oil in it. then went back to start it and nothing.. i can turn the key and all lights dim or flicker, no crank, no nothing, took the battery in and had it charged and checkd, its fine. if i dont turn the key all lights and radio will slowely come on and work to their fullest. no fuse is blown. any idea? maby the starter? a ground wire? im not sure can you help me?

 

If the Battery is good and when you turn the key, it doesn't even "click", it's probably either the Ignition Switch or if you have an Automatic, the Neutral Safety Switch(NSS) is acting up.


My suggestion is:

Test your Ignition Switch... Turn your Heater Fan "on" and then turn your Ignition Switch as if to start it, the Fan should turn off when your Cherokee tries to crank. If it doesn't, your Ignition Switch is bad!

If your Ignition Switch checks-out good, move on to your NSS.

To check your NSS... Turn your Key to the "start" position, as you do this, reach around with your other hand and press the Button on your Shifter, then gently "rock" the Shifter back and forth ever so slightly. It should start right up!


Let us know how this goes, huh?

 

oh, i will go try that, thank you. but rock my shifter gently if i have an automatic? did you mean manual?

 

do you have a stick or auto tranny?

 

auto trans.. 4.0

 

Okay then... try that with an automatic!

 

just tried. i held the key in crank position and put foot on brake. and all the lights dimed heater shut off and the buzzing sound when u first turn the key or when the door is ajar when from full loud to quiet. and i rocked it gently from park all the way to 1-2-3 blah blah.. no crank, no click , nothin.. someting else?

 

just try putting it in neutral see what happens.

 

all the accessories seem to have the most power when its in neutral. but when i try to start it still all simmers out and no crank or anything.. solinoide?

 

most likely.

 

is there a possible way to get a starter tested? because i dont want to buy one if i dont need one.

 

Try the NSS test again!

Really... this is a VERY common problem with XJ's.


This time... just barely, and i mean, barely move the shifter forward (towards the dash), and rocking it slowlwwwwwly back, While Still in park!

Try this several times, SLOWWWWLY and GENNNNNNNTLY until it starts...

 

im pretty sure auto zone tests them

 

Yupp... but you "get" to take it out to do that.

 

doesnt seem to want to work. i kept it in park. twisted key, and very gently moved back and forth without shifting it started the door ajar sound after a while. but it died back out