Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

neutral safety switch

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-20-2012, 01:00 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
wmpttr125's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default neutral safety switch

my reverse lights would not come on so I removed and cleaned my neutral safety switch. The zip tie holding the wires in place was not there and both bolts on the switch were not very tight. Seems like it has already been removed before. Anyways, I cleaned it and re installed it, the reverse lights worked but the shifter inside the Jeep would not move freely through the gears. When I adjust the NSS so that the shifter moves freely through the gears it won't go into 1-2 in drive and the reverse lights no longer work. Am I adjusting it wrong? Is the top bolt (the smaller one) supposed to be tight all the way?
Old 12-20-2012, 01:13 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
DFlintstone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Nor-Cal Coast
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 17 Posts
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Default

I've never had one off. The last line in this link mentions the large nut just a tad tighter than hand tight. Also I think I saw that posted, that it can bind if that's too tight. Good luck! >> http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
Old 12-20-2012, 01:17 PM
  #3  
CF Veteran
 
ZINGGG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Seal Beach, CA
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
Default

You just gotta keep adjusting it until you find the sweet spot where your reverse lights work and it starts in both park and neutral. Once you find that sweet spot, the top bolt should be pretty snug.
Old 12-20-2012, 01:22 PM
  #4  
Member
Thread Starter
 
wmpttr125's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I found the spot where the reverse lights come on and it starts, but when I tighten the top bolt the shifter inside the jeep won't really move. It takes force to shift into reverse and it won't go into any other gear
Old 12-22-2012, 03:44 PM
  #5  
Member
Thread Starter
 
wmpttr125's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I got the NSS where the reverse lights work and it starts but the check engine light comes back on
Old 12-22-2012, 06:16 PM
  #6  
Member
 
Bruce in Montana's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I do recall a write-up regarding a similar problem....just can't find it. Anyway, the shaft, of course, comes out the other side and it's easy to pull it in too far (or not enough) while tightening the nut, if it has a little slack.

That may be the issue of the shifter binding. Maybe (1) get the shifter moving properly with the NSS off/loose and then (2) while holding the drivers side in place, tighten/adjust the switch.

Sounds good in theory anyway
Old 12-22-2012, 06:50 PM
  #7  
Member
Thread Starter
 
wmpttr125's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I'll have to give it a try sometime
Old 12-22-2012, 08:52 PM
  #8  
CF Veteran
 
F1Addict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,381
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

The housing of your NSS remains fixed (small adjustment bolt) while the actuator arm inside swings through its range of motion based on input from the shift lever. The only thing that could cause it to bind are 1) Something was left inside the NSS housing that is interfering with the actuator arm. 2) The lock nut is way too tight 3) There is an issue with your linkage unrelated to your NSS.

The actuator lever (big locking nut) rotates independent of the housing (small adjustment bolt) thanks to a rubber bushing between the two parts [see picture]



If you've tightened the pinch nut too much or somehow damaged the bushing so that the actuator arm doesn't move freely, it would result in the problems you've described. Also, if your NSS isn't completely seated you could potentially torque the housing when tightening the adjustment bolt causing the arm to bind. The best way to tell is to remove your NSS again and make sure that the actuator arm pivots freely in the housing and, with the NSS removed, move your shift lever through all gears. If it's still binding then the problem is with your linkage, if not, check that bushing, adjust, and lubricate. If you've damaged the bushing you may be stuck finding another NSS.
Old 11-12-2022, 05:56 PM
  #9  
Newbie
 
Jeeprancher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Northern Arizona
Posts: 9
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Litre
Default

Does anybody know what size the adjustment bolt is ?
I know it’s said that some are 12mm and some 13mm . What I need to know is the length , diameter and thread pitch my Heep won’t start . I crawled under and that adjustment bolt is missing . What length and thread pitch is this thing supposed to be ?
Old 11-12-2022, 10:30 PM
  #10  
CF Veteran
 
Saudade's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,463
Received 402 Likes on 327 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Should be item #10

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/part...e_harness.html
Old 11-13-2022, 12:23 AM
  #11  
CF Veteran
 
Roler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 3,084
Received 296 Likes on 246 Posts
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

Originally Posted by Jeeprancher
Does anybody know what size the adjustment bolt is ?
I know it’s said that some are 12mm and some 13mm . What I need to know is the length , diameter and thread pitch my Heep won’t start . I crawled under and that adjustment bolt is missing . What length and thread pitch is this thing supposed to be ?
Mate! How many threads have you posted this in !? Every NSS thread? 🤣🤣
The following users liked this post:
doublechaz (11-13-2022)
Old 11-13-2022, 07:45 AM
  #12  
CF Veteran
 
Saudade's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,463
Received 402 Likes on 327 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by Roler
Mate! How many threads have you posted this in !? Every NSS thread? 🤣🤣
Apparently this has spread to other forums as well.
Old 11-13-2022, 08:17 AM
  #13  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,864
Received 1,524 Likes on 1,236 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

This crap gets old real quick for those of us who have to clean up the mess!!!
The following users liked this post:
doublechaz (11-13-2022)
Old 11-13-2022, 08:11 PM
  #14  
Newbie
 
Jeeprancher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Northern Arizona
Posts: 9
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Litre
Default

Originally Posted by cruiser54
This crap gets old real quick for those of us who have to clean up the mess!!!
Sorry man . I’m just in a tough spot . Need to get this thing on the road . I just figured I’d have a better chance getting an answer if I asked on multiple threads . The things are old and I didn’t know if I’d get an answer at all because on that . I’m not ver computer savvy so excuse my ignorance.
Old 11-13-2022, 08:48 PM
  #15  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,864
Received 1,524 Likes on 1,236 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

It's okay. It's just that as a moderator, that kind of machine gun posting makes a lot of work for me. Cleaning up and consolidating threads/posts.
I know you're new here and welcome here. Just understand that on CF questions get answered quickly and accurately. I bet you've seen that now.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Papabear2
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
5
11-20-2022 07:00 PM
phishsihp
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
07-01-2015 02:22 PM
schadelh
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
04-21-2013 09:34 AM
BOOMroasted
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
12-07-2010 03:24 PM
Sturmzinck
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
10-18-2009 12:51 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: neutral safety switch



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:18 AM.