Search and destroy

My cousins 95 jeep isn't starting. It doesn't even crank it has a new starter, someone told him it was that so he put a new one in. Should have got it tested first. and it starts sometimes but most of the time you turn the key all the way and nothing. The stereo comes on all the electrical except the starter doesn't turn. Any suggestions?

raminboy

this might help.... Me and my dad both have cherokees, his is a 97 and does the same thing... He said its a neutral switch or sensor... Is yours an automatic... Also if when it does start does it die randomly... If it does probly the crank position sensor is bad and that would cause both the problems

tjwalker

The "neutral safety switch" is for sure a primary suspect. If it's failing, you won't get juice to the starter.

Something to try is to put the shift lever into neutral before turning the key or wiggle the shift lever while in park and turning the key. If either of these techniques allows the engine to turn over, the NSS is the culprit. And check your backup/reverse lights. Those are on the same circuit as the NSS and oftentimes they won't come on with the engine in R when that sensor is acting up.

Here are two links about "refurbishing" the NSS. Often restores full function and is worth a try before forking out for a new one, which can be kind of spendy.

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

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm

Search and destroy

So I'm like 90% sure it's the neutral safety switch. I had him do it in park wouldn't start had him do it in neutral and it started. From then on it started in park. I also checked the reverse lights and they wouldn't work and my dad said every time he saw it the reverse lights didn't work. I dont know how big of a Job it is to rebuild or even replace the switch though so I told him to start it in neutral when it won't start in park.

rklettke

Its an easy job once the switch is off. Those two write ups are what I used and it went smoothly

tjwalker

It's not that hard. Be sure to give a generous application of a penetrating lubricant to the two bolts ahead of time as they can sometimes be a bugger.

I'd recommend that you do it though; eventually it may get to a point where it won't start at all.

Search and destroy

Not even when it's in neutral?

Roler

Like TJ said, make sure you marinade it in penetrating stuff.
Did mine as well, but still broke some or the wire thread parts off the switch were it surrounds the shaft.

Search and destroy

Well is there any picture write ups on this? pictures makes it easier to do. Also I'm not going to be doing much if this I'm going to help my cousin when he needs it that way he can learn how to work on his own jeep. Will this be easy enough for someone new to a lot of this?

tjwalker

Read post #3 for two links with pics.

Search and destroy

I see them now. Guess my iPod wasn't loading them. Thanks I guess were doing this next weekend.