Ok, so I have a 99 Cherokee limited...

The CEL came on throwing code P0705. I also have all the symptoms: vehicle starts only after wiggling the handle and/or only starts in neutral.

Here's what I've done.

1. Removed and cleaned the old NSS. Then, adjusted it by tightening the bolt down just as the reverse lights turned on. It started in Park and reverse lights came on in R. But in neutral, it did not start.
2. I re-adjusted the NSS to different positions and re-tested. Same result (no-start in neutral).
3. Bought a new switch. Installed and adjusted the same as before. Although this time, the Reverse lights stayed on through the whole range of movement when adjusting the NSS. So I started with it as far clockwise as I could, and kept repeating the P start and N start test while adjusting it counter-clockwise until it passed.

So, eventually I was able to get the jeep to start in P, have reverse lights in R, and start in N at least 10 times in a row.

I then clear the code, and drive for 20 miles. Then, the code COMES BACK!

Its the same P0705. I also have no other symptoms. I've flushed the tranny within 5k miles and everything works fine, including OD.

Does anyone have any ideas? I'm not sure what else to look for.

Is the fact that the R lights are on throughout the whole range of motion on the new NSS, a sign that the new one is bad?

I can't pass SMOG in California until I get this resolved

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

That shouldn't happen, so I'd say it is. Where are you getting the part(s)?

 

I got it online.

I looked at the new switch again. I realized that when I line everything up with to the neutral line, the hole in the metal casing for the bolt doesn't line up enough for me to put the bolt in... If that makes sense.

Basically, when I line up the neutral line I can't bolt it.

So, I took the metal backing from the stock switch and took the plastic/wire harness and bolted them together. (including the new connectors and arm)

The fit was millimeters off but I was able to line up the neutral line and bolt the switch down.

Passed the P and N start test with reverse lights.

Then, I cleared the code and drove 27 miles. Came back on at mile 27!!!

Any other ideas?

Where is the ground wire for the NSS?

 

So I never got my CEL resolved and I'm taking another shot today.

I got my multimeter and I was going to do some tests on the connector to the transmission.

I noticed that a pin and cavity were missing... Is this the culprit?!

 

Are you sure that's the Transmission Range Sensor connector? Looks more like the Transmission Control Assembly connector (Solenoids). Although both connectors have 8 pins/cavities, the Range Sensor connector has a pin missing but it's in the middle of the connector, not off to one side.

 

LOL ya disregard my last post.

Hopefully I fixed it. I bought a used OEM sensor from craigslist. Cleaned it up, adjusted it and installed. Check engine light came off and has been off since. Hopefully it stays off long enough for me to smog. Gonna drive it about 120 more miles and see.

The aftermarket one was bad and my original was also bad because I cleaned it and it didn't work.

 

It's a brave new world out there with aftermarket parts. The QC is now done by you.