Jeep will not start
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: 08070
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have a 1995 jeep I have replaced everything I can think of and this thing still won't start. I've replaced starter, positive cable, ignition switch, all fuses, neutral safety switch, and some of the big fuses in the box under the hood. It will get power because the lights come on the radio turns on fuel pump but when I go to start it nothing absolutely nothing happens
. I don't get it. Is there something I'm missing?? Help please.

. I don't get it. Is there something I'm missing?? Help please.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 93
From: Syracuse, NY
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Even though you replaced the NSS. Have you since tried jumping it in order to rule it out fully? Your symptoms still match a NSS issue. Perhaps it is not adjusted properly, or you got a failure out of the box.
There are other things that can cause a no-crank like you are describing. But fully ruling out the NSS would be a good cheap first step.
There are other things that can cause a no-crank like you are describing. But fully ruling out the NSS would be a good cheap first step.
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 560
Likes: 25
From: West Covina, Ca.
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Note from DJ
In your opening you stared
QUOTE:
It will get power because the lights come on the radio turns on fuel pump
Question about RADIO TURNS ON FUEL PUMP
Is that what you meant to say
In your opening you stared
QUOTE:
It will get power because the lights come on the radio turns on fuel pump
Question about RADIO TURNS ON FUEL PUMP
Is that what you meant to say
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Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 560
Likes: 25
From: West Covina, Ca.
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Note from DJ
X2 on jordan96xj advice if your problem is no CRANK or is it Cranks but NO START.
If it no crank try placing the shifter in Neutral not Park and shake it back and forth with the key in the start position.
Don’t forget to keep us posted for more advice or what solved the problem so we all learn something.
X2 on jordan96xj advice if your problem is no CRANK or is it Cranks but NO START.
If it no crank try placing the shifter in Neutral not Park and shake it back and forth with the key in the start position.
Don’t forget to keep us posted for more advice or what solved the problem so we all learn something.
there is some adjusting to installing the NSS. it pivots a bit. maybe try bypassing all the relays and get power to the starter directly? if that works maybe its just grounding issue. there is one by the battery, air intake, back strap to back of engine, behind the distributor, next to the air filter...
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 30
From: Detroit, Michigan
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Note from DJ
X2 on jordan96xj advice if your problem is no CRANK or is it Cranks but NO START.
If it no crank try placing the shifter in Neutral not Park and shake it back and forth with the key in the start position.
Don’t forget to keep us posted for more advice or what solved the problem so we all learn something.
X2 on jordan96xj advice if your problem is no CRANK or is it Cranks but NO START.
If it no crank try placing the shifter in Neutral not Park and shake it back and forth with the key in the start position.
Don’t forget to keep us posted for more advice or what solved the problem so we all learn something.
X2
Have you figured out what it is? My daughters just started doing this same exact thing last night. Hers is also a 1995 Cherokee. After work today I'm going to try a few things.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 30
From: Detroit, Michigan
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The idea is that if the linkage to the transmission is gummed up, broken, or out of alignment, or if the NSS is dirty it will result in the Jeep thinking it's not in park or neutral, the only two places that it should be able to crank over. It's a safety thing.
No crank is a way different diagnosis than no start. If it doesn't even turn over, you look at different things. A detailed description is important about how it's acting goes a long way to us even guessing what's broken.
One of the ways to check the linkage and NSS is to make sure no one's standing near the Jeep and try to crank it while messing with the shifter. Wiggling , trying it in drive or reverse... again, while parked all alone. If it suddenly turn over, the NSS is out of alignment.
No crank is a way different diagnosis than no start. If it doesn't even turn over, you look at different things. A detailed description is important about how it's acting goes a long way to us even guessing what's broken.
One of the ways to check the linkage and NSS is to make sure no one's standing near the Jeep and try to crank it while messing with the shifter. Wiggling , trying it in drive or reverse... again, while parked all alone. If it suddenly turn over, the NSS is out of alignment.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Bel Air, Maryland 21015
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If it is a no crank scenario you can jump the starter using a remote switch with the key on.
If it starts and runs then you know what path to follow.
If it were me, I'd be looking at the wiring in the connector on the ignition switch on the steering column. Specifically that wide 7 wire connector.
I've had to replace the connector ( once ) as well as the switch ( twice ) on my sons 95 XJ.
One brand new switch failed within short time ..... so I went to the junk yard and found an XJ with a good switch unit, and because I found three keys inside that vehicle, I pulled the door tumblers as well. Ended up installing junk yard switch, and tumblers and all is well ...... for now!
If it starts and runs then you know what path to follow.
If it were me, I'd be looking at the wiring in the connector on the ignition switch on the steering column. Specifically that wide 7 wire connector.
I've had to replace the connector ( once ) as well as the switch ( twice ) on my sons 95 XJ.
One brand new switch failed within short time ..... so I went to the junk yard and found an XJ with a good switch unit, and because I found three keys inside that vehicle, I pulled the door tumblers as well. Ended up installing junk yard switch, and tumblers and all is well ...... for now!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Bel Air, Maryland 21015
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
At least not on mine, and no ticking noises either.


