Okay so my Cherokee hasn't been starting as easily lately. One of those stopped to get gas, then wouldn't start for a couple of minutes then all of a sudden, starts. No turning over, no (loud) clicking. If I open the hood, I do hear a faint clicking near the junction box.

This happened three times over a month or so. Then, last week, it wouldn't start even after several minutes of attempting, unlike the previous times.

So I got under it today and bridge the starter while my wife turned the key and bam, starts fine. But when she puts it in reverse, the reverse lights didn't come on. So I'm thinking NSS.

We take it to my folks house to pick up a couple of things. When I get there, I try reverse again and the lights come on. Turn off the car.

I try starting it a couple of times and the starter sounds sluggish and it won't start, but it is at least turning over.

10 minutes later we leave and it starts fine. Just like it should. And it did this three times. So I head home...

So should I be tearing down the NSS??

 

Yes. This sounds like your NSS is marginally in adjustment.

I'd recommend "refurbishing" it, which often restores full function.

Here is a good link.

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

However, the "sluggish" cranking that you describe is not likely related to the NSS.
For sluggish cranking, clean the battery connections, load test the battery and verify that you aren't seeing much of a voltage drop between the battery and the starter with the key in the ON position.

 

X2