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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
Ok; so your starter and everything else involved there is working ok. It starting up everytime, rules out things 'downstream'. Although technically your NSS isn't bypassed, if it would be faulty it wouldn't allow for starting.
So now let's move upstream and see why your starter isnt getting juice through the trigger wire;
First check continuity through this cable. Its silly to overlook this but needs ruling out.
If that's good, we move further upstream to starter relay and ASD in the underhood fusebox and will do some testing there next.
PS: For one of my experiences in diagnostic gymnastics regarding an intermittent no-start scenario, have a little light reading through this thread
I just saw a picture of the nss pins in the post you said to look at. I think I jumpered the wrong pins so that may be my issue all along.
I'll be back when I have time to work on it again. Thanks.
Where does the starter trigger wire terminate after leaving the starter?
Here's the diagram from the relay downstream.
Pin D10 on the relay comes from Fuse 10 (20a) in the PDC. Pin D13 comes from Fuse 19 (10a) in the junction block. Make double sure both fuses are good. Fuse 19 gets power from the Ign switch in START. Puts 12V to the relay Pin 13. The D11 pin on the relay is essentially grounded through the NSS and energizes the relay. Once energized, Pins D10 and D14 are connected and sends 12v down to the starter solenoid. Jumping pins 7 & 8 on the main harness side of the NSS provides the ground without the NSS. On the main harness for the NSS, Pin 7 on it's own should show 12v with the key in START. Pin 8 should show continuity when checked against ground. One the NSS (switch) side Pins 7 & 8 should show continuity in both Park and Neutral and open on any other selection.. Just make sure your testing the correct side of the connector.
Note: the NSS is also called transmission range sensor.
What year is that diagram, Saudade?
I have a slightly different diagram for my 97, which might be similar to the OP's 99 ( haven't got a 99 FSM to check). See below.
Mainly wire to starter is not brown but lightgreen/black - in case OP wants to check.
OP: Two wires ending up on your starter there, the above mentioned wire and a 6 gauge red cable.
What year is that diagram, Saudade?
I have a slightly different diagram for my 97, which might be similar to the OP's 99 ( haven't got a 99 FSM to check).
It's the '99. I simply "clipped" off the top above the relay otherwise they look the same, just different terms for the NSS.
It's the '99. I simply "clipped" off the top above the relay otherwise they look the same, just different terms for the NSS.
Its still different though, looking at the wire running from starter relay to starter motor. Yours is brown, mine transitions to LG/BK. Doesn't make much difference for it's function but might be good to point out in case someone wants to chase wiring.
Edit: Since your pic is from a 99 FSM, OP's wire will likely be brown
Its still different though, looking at the wire running from starter relay to starter motor. Yours is brown, mine transitions to LG/BK. Doesn't make much difference for it's function but might be good to point out in case someone wants to chase wiring.
Edit: Since your pic is from a 99 FSM, OP's wire will likely be brown
I looked in my '97 and you're right. For some reason the color changes downstream from the C108 connector. Both show BR (brown) from the relay to C108.
I looked in my '97 and you're right. For some reason the color changes downstream from the C108 connector. Both show BR (brown) from the relay to C108.
Yes, major upgrade for the '99 there!
They actually simplified something 🤣
No start, no turn over. Starter doesn't even click.
Batteries are charged (I have a dual battery setup), I have dash lights but turn key to start and nothing happens.
What I've tried so far:
Checked all fuses that I'm aware of. All were good. Switched relays around, no change.
Replaced starter with new one. When I bench tested the old starter if was working fine so not the problem (oh well I have a pretty clean new one now. lol)
After replacing the starter it fired right up. Thought everything was fine but next time I tried to start it, same issue. Short the contacts on the new starter and it starts up.
I tried starting in neutral in case it was the parking gear interlock thing but it will not start in park or neutral so I assume that's not the issue but could be wrong.
I replaced the electronic side of the ignition switch. No change.
I am getting power to the injecter/fuel pump circuit for about 1.5 seconds at key on which I think is the way it should be.
On key all the way to start position I am not getting power to the starter trigger wire at the starter.
What am I missing here? Pulling my hair out? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
I had the same problem and it turned out to be the starter relay.
