87 Cherokee - Renix

Yes another no start thread. I've read a bunch, d/l and saved a few.

So ocassionally the jeep doesn't start. Usually it was only in the mornings when it was cold, yesterday it was afternoon, warm outside, then again at about 12 midnight when we were comming back from a BBQ we were an hour late to because it didn't start - it's becomming more and more often.

Starting system no start. Power all works, turn key no crank, no audible click sometimes- I'm certain nothing is getting to the starter, the relay bank on the passenger side clicks, can't figure out which one, one of the two middle ones, put my fingers on them, but the click is strong enough to feel it on both. Guess I could remove them and isolate which one is clicking.

So yesterday afternoon, it starated after tapping the dist coil, coincidence I'm certain. Last night didn't start till I tapped the metal relay that the small positive wire from the battery comes to first. I'm not sure what each relay does. Could anyone tell me what each does? And my missing on on the left side of the picture, so all 4, including the metal one. And has anyone replaced the black plastic housing for them, and cost? They're melty looking and nasty. I got most of the corrosion off the relays but can't do anything for where they plug in.

 

Keep it simple, most likely the starter. They usually stop working when the get warm, and when they sit for a while they will start again. Check for voltage at starter solinoid (mounted on starter). Test the big lead first, should have 12 v constant. Then while someone cranks, check the smaller "s" terminal, Should have 12 v there also. The smaller one is what turns the starter on. I fyou have voltage to both of those points, then its a starter.

 

Dunno what step I did, but it starts just fine, all the time now. Took the starter relay off (cause I wanted to take it apart and check inside but stopped when I couldn't bend even one of the tabs). Cleaned the contacts, put it back on. Two wires were backwards, guess it was that way from when we bought it.

The ground, and ignition (two bottom) were switched. Not sure why it would even matter, since both are grounds anyway, just the ignition closes ground at the cylinder. Perhaps that's why it started even before I switched them back the way they are supposed to be.

The wire on the relay going to the starter solinoid is loose, just worn out terminal end I need to replace sometime. But I don't think that was causing it not to start, seeing how I wiggled it all over the place and it didn't make a difference.

 

That relay housing looks nasty. I'd get it out of there.

Also keep in mind that the "neutral safety switch" is in play here. Next time it happens, try wiggling the shift lever while turning the key, or try starting in neutral. If either of these techniques allows the engine to turn over, the problem IS your neutral safety switch.

They can often be "refurbished" and returned to full function. Here is a link on how to get that done. Good luck.

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

 

Ya I read a NSS rebuild/troubleshoot, not that one but I believe it was one from this forum. I kept in mind that could be the case, but wiggling in park/neutral did nothing, and since I did hear relays clicking half the time I figured it ruled out the switch since if that was bad, it should have done nothing at all. I do want to take it apart and clean it, but as a preventative maintainence one day in the near future.

I really do want to swap out that relay housing. So can anyone tell me what each of the 4 spots are for? And has anyone tackled it. Needa find it online to get an idea of price. Sure I can find it generic for cheaper but I'd rather get that one so it has the same mounting locations.