My 1999 Cherokee started having start up issues lately. It would randomly not start but all the electronics would work and everything. If i moved the shifter to neutral and then back to park, it would start. Now I am told I need a new neutral safety switch which is $390.. Anyone have any advice on this? Is their a way to avoid buying the new switch?

 

Yeah you can disconnect it and clean it to make it work like new (do a search and you'll find many threads on this). Is this a mechanic telling you this? If you really wanted to replace it with a new one, search eBay. I think I found one selling for about 120. Over 300 is just ridonculous

 

yes the mechanic told me $390 for it, he says it is the price straight from jeep

 

http://www.carpartswholesale.com/v5/...Listing+Page:1

I have this on my 97 and it works flawlessly. No need to spend big $ on an NSS anymore.

While you can take them off and clean the original switch, it's pretty easy to break it taking it off so this gives you a good backup plan.

 

I had the same problem with my 91, i would have to push the tranny selector to get the Jeep started.

I removed the Neutral safety switch from the tranny, split it in half, cleaned all the contacts, installed it back on the tranny, and it has been working great for 3 years know.

If i remember correctley, there is a little adjustment on the screws that hold it too the passenger side of the tranny to help adjust for when it does and doesn't start...

 

I'm assuming since your Jeep is in da shop you may not want to do this yourself (the NSS clean-up) Here's an excellent article with step by step and pics. Have a look and decide if you'd rather try to fix it for free, replace it, or what.

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

 

""$390 for it, he says it is the price straight from jeep""

Guy should be reported!^ Nice link kjc, I need to do mine but am not looking forward to it.
..................Signed, The Jiggler.

 

Does anyone have a handy advice on how to remove the lower cable/tie rap when attempting to remove the NSS (XJ 97)!? I cant reach it with anything (the upper one is just do-able). Thats the only thing that keeps me from removing/cleaning it myself.

 

A long screwdriver? Stick it in and twist/pry til it breaks. Coat hanger wire bent on the end like a hook. Push it in, hook it on the tie down and pull it til it breaks. 10+ year old plastic shouldn't put up much of a fight.

 

I have a miniature set of "dikes" (diagonal cutters)(Wire cutter). Can cut up to 10 gauge and would about fit in a pack of smokes. Handy tool, but I lost them.

Plastic tie? A long kitchen knife, with the back against the wire?

 

Tin Snips.

 

My 97 xj is doing the same thing, it usually does it after I use my jeep and it's nice and warm, I go to turn it on and it doesn't turn over (it does it randomly usually wen I'm far from home lol) I wiggle the shifter and it turns on, sometimes or I'll just let it cool down, I changed the starter just to rule that out, I've been told by many people on this forum to clean it and it will work fine, around me it is like 260 I'm going to clean and if that doesn't work I guess I'm taking a trip to auto zone.

 

Just order one from the link I posted earlier in this thread. Less than $50 for a new one

 

Ive fixed up tons of these, nothing too it. After you clean em up smear silicone all over it. About half the ones ive seen are full of muddy water. I've never had one act up again after fixing it. Dont tighten that nut up too tight when putting it back together or you wont be able to shift from park! Also plenty of dilectric grease inside.

 

I probably dont have 50 bucks in fixing 10 or so of these things. Ive you are handy with tools just fix it.