Okay so I got in my jeep (1998 xj, auto) after a weekend sitting and it started fine. Got out, filled with gas and it wouldn't turn over. All the power (radio, odometer, etc) turn on but the engine does nothing when I try and turn it over. No starter, nothing.

I thought it could be the nss so I held the key on and wiggled the shifter and also tried to start it in neutral. Nothing. So I swapped a good relay for the starter relay. Still nothing. Battery cables are good.

Only thing I can guess is my starter gave out? Or could it still possibly my nss?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Do the headlights dim when you turn the key to run? Do you have 12V @ the starter? Did you disconnect & re-connect the battery?

 

Try tapping on the starter with a rubber mallet. If it turns over with that technique, buy or rebuild your starter.

If above doesn't yield any clues, as Turbo mentioned, it's time to test. Get a meter. If you don't have one, buy one. Anyone working on their XJ needs a basic multimeter. With the key in the ON position, you should have approximately full battery voltage at the starter. If you have that, your starter is bad. If you don't have that, then you have to start working your way back into the engine bay to the battery to find out why.

Good luck and keep us updated!

 

Jumper the NSS and start it . There are several write ups online as how to bypass the nss .

 

Well guys right after posting this I went out and tried starting it again while wiggling the shifter. Lo and behold, started. So gonna clean it and hope that solves the problem.

 

Definitely NSS issue then. Here is a link to the procedure I use to refurbish the NSS.

http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/

 

Welp, after being "gentle" trying to pry the nss off. I tried a suggested method of loosening the bolt but keeping it on to help pry the nss off without breaking it. After about 30 min messing with it the bolt started to slip off and strip the threads. It got bad enough I said screw it and went to town prying it. Ending up having to use a small pry bar and even then it was hard to get off.

Anyways, as you can image. It broke. New one is on its way.

Question is, if it was that hard to get off how am I going to get it back on without breaking it?!

 

What brand NSS did you order? I have had terrible luck with "el-cheapo" NSS units. It's one of the things that I use Mopar only.

Removing an item is always harder than putting on a new one. It will install fine.

 

I did buy a cheapo nss. Lets hope it holds up. If not I'll have to invest in a quality unit. That's good to hear though. I should just be able to slide the new unit on the shaft without any problems

 

Clean up the shaft with some fine emery cloth to get rid of the rust. A little anti seize won't hurt either.