Gen light really confused 96 XJ Sport
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Nashville,TN
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Recently have replaced the following on GF's 96 sport:
-Battery
-Battery Temp Sensor
-Battery Cables
-Alternator
-Starter
As of yesterday everything was running perfect for her. No CEL. Nothing.
This afternoon she tries starting it and only gets a click.
When you first turn the key the GEN light appears but turns off. Then when completely turn over, everything goes out - lights, radio, etc. Get nada.
No codes appearing. Checked all connections - good.
I am stumped. Please help.
-Battery
-Battery Temp Sensor
-Battery Cables
-Alternator
-Starter
As of yesterday everything was running perfect for her. No CEL. Nothing.
This afternoon she tries starting it and only gets a click.
When you first turn the key the GEN light appears but turns off. Then when completely turn over, everything goes out - lights, radio, etc. Get nada.
No codes appearing. Checked all connections - good.
I am stumped. Please help.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Nashville,TN
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Crazy coincidence...
Here's something I came across:
"I would try to rule out the ignition switch...
Try turning on the blower switch on your heater and "try" to start your Jeep. As you turn your key to the 'start' position, the blower motor should turn off. If it does not shut off, that would indicate a bad ignition switch."
I turned the heat ON and then gave it shot AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP???
Turned off. Tried again normal. Same result as before.
What sorcery is this???
Here's something I came across:
"I would try to rule out the ignition switch...
Try turning on the blower switch on your heater and "try" to start your Jeep. As you turn your key to the 'start' position, the blower motor should turn off. If it does not shut off, that would indicate a bad ignition switch."
I turned the heat ON and then gave it shot AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP???
Turned off. Tried again normal. Same result as before.
What sorcery is this???
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 952
Likes: 55
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
Eh? Hard to understand what's going on from your description, but it could be the Neutral Safety Switch.
Try putting it in neutral and then turning the key. If that doesn't do it, keep trying it by sliding the shifter from park to neutral. Eventually the switch engages.
Try putting it in neutral and then turning the key. If that doesn't do it, keep trying it by sliding the shifter from park to neutral. Eventually the switch engages.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 952
Likes: 55
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
Is that your Jeep in the video, Jordan? If so, the engine bay looks real clean and nice. Great video too.
Last edited by OldTires; Nov 29, 2016 at 01:48 AM.


