I drove my '98 Cherokee 4.0 AW4 to the store, just 10 blocks down the street, so not even enough time to warm up, and when I went to leave it wouldn't start.

I get a single click when I turn the key, but the starter doesn't react at all. After searching through several threads, I decided to check the starter/solenoid and the neutral safety switch... crossing my fingers its not the NSS!

I pulled the starter and had it tested, it passed. I took it apart and cleaned it thoroughly, then reinstalled it practically knowing it would be the same. No luck.

I have 12 volts at the battery, so I jumped the two posts at the starter motor, and it starts right away. So... on to the NSS. I disconnect the NSS plug from the main harness and put a multimeter between the 'B' and 'C' terminals on the NSS plug, its reads good continuity, but to check it, I shifted to drive and see that the meter reads infinite.

So the NSS seems to test good, right? I then jumped a paper clip between the 'B' and 'C' terminalson the main harness in an attempt to bypass the NSS function and tell the computer that the tranny is in Park or Neutral. Still no crank!

Im a decent mechanic, but pretty green in the electrical department, so any help is appreciated. What else should I check? Its not a ground or power to the starter issue, right?

 

Did ya test the smaller wire on starter for current when Ignitions turned to start for current ?

 

No, I didn't. Should I get 12 volts there?

 

Id say at least 10 where did you get starter tested..

 

OK, just tested it. I get no voltage on the smaller post when the key is turned. I get 12v constant in the larger post whether key is turned or not.

 

You stated nss checked out good that leave ignition switch.

 

In case your not sure on the nss heres a write up on it ...http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/

 

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How do I test it? Also, in the process of doing all this, my buddy put the negative cable on the battery to roll my windows down and when I went to reinstall the starter, the wires arc'd against the chassis. There doesn't seem to be a starter fuse, should I test the relay or check anything else?

 

If you got 12 volts on the big wire you should be god there check all fuses for current in and out.

 

Similar thing happened to my dads 94 chevy. He'd turn the key and one click. I jumped him and it ran. He thought NSS, but it tested good and so did ignition switch. After I jumped him and let it run a bit, he shut off to see if it'd do it again (and it did). Long story short it was the battery of all things. In the beginning it definitely didn't sound like a battery was it was. Maybe not your case, but just some input.

 

Have you moved shifter back and forth while keys in start position...?

 

OK. And can I use the multimeter to test the starter relay? If so, jumping what contacts?

 

Im not tto familiar with testing nss ,mine standard shift cant seem to find any thing either .Maybe another will chime in on testing it.

 

Can you start it in Neutral? Do your reverse lights work?

My thought is also the battery. I'd get it tested too.