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possible starter issue

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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 11:28 AM
  #1  
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From: lake of the ozarks mo
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default possible starter issue

The past week I've had an occasional issue with starting.I'll go to turn my key and nothing happens,but everything has power (radio comes on lights ect.)but if i jump starter solenoid it'll start and other times it starts just fine with the key.any suggestions?
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 11:39 AM
  #2  
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From: Uniontown, PA
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Assuming its an automatic, it sounds like your NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) is going bad (Usually just corroded/dirty. Needs cleaned). When this happens trying wiggling the shifter, or put it in neutral.
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 06:14 PM
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From: Coleridge, NC
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: Inline 6
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Try heydockyle's method. If AT, make sure to bump shifter all the way into park or drop it into N and try. Should start no problem. Otherwise have that starter tested, may be time to replace.
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Old Oct 20, 2014 | 07:59 AM
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From: Louisville KY area
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Cleaning NSS
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Old Oct 20, 2014 | 09:57 AM
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Thanks,it seemed to have worked it's been 2 days and no problems
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Old Oct 21, 2014 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by kjmitchell
Thanks,it seemed to have worked it's been 2 days and no problems
Nevermind I was wrong.now it won't do anything even if i jump the starter solenoid.got stuck at a gas pump today and had to have a friend tow it home after work.would just the solenoid be bad or entire starter.how do i test for a bad solenoid?
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Old Oct 21, 2014 | 07:42 PM
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Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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If you jumped the starter at the solenoid, did the solenoid move, or did nothing happen, like just a click ? If the solenoid didn't move the starter drive at all, you likely need at least another solenoid. How many miles on that starter ? maybe time for a new one....
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Old Oct 21, 2014 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by steelybill
If you jumped the starter at the solenoid, did the solenoid move, or did nothing happen, like just a click ? If the solenoid didn't move the starter drive at all, you likely need at least another solenoid. How many miles on that starter ? maybe time for a new one....
nothing happened,not even a click,Not sure of miles it was replaced 2-3 years ago.I did notice it has a lot of oil that has dripped on it,is it possible maybe the oil is shorting it out?
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Old Oct 23, 2014 | 01:27 AM
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
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I had the same issue. Everything would come on but no crank, it would work and not work just try giving a few goods hits with the business end of a crescent and see if it'll start after that..i also had some oil and grime build up around my starter when it started doing this, may of gotten inside starter and it builds up on contacts..if everything is happening how I've explained then waste no more time lol it only gets worse...

If it doesn't start after you tap then have someone else crank it while you tap on it, just beware of moving parts if it does start with you reaching in there
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Old Oct 23, 2014 | 07:38 AM
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
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This could be as simple as corroded battery connections and/or cables.

When you turn the key to Start, do the dash indicator lights dim or not?
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Old Oct 23, 2014 | 10:42 PM
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From: lake of the ozarks mo
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
This could be as simple as corroded battery connections and/or cables.

When you turn the key to Start, do the dash indicator lights dim or not?
it's not the battery,i replaced it about 2 weeks ago.everything comes on and stays on just no crank
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Old Oct 23, 2014 | 10:44 PM
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From: Prescott, Az
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Originally Posted by kjmitchell
it's not the battery,i replaced it about 2 weeks ago.everything comes on and stays on just no crank
I didn't say battery. Answer the question I asked so we can help you.
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Old Oct 25, 2014 | 02:34 AM
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Figure it out yet?
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Old Oct 25, 2014 | 04:26 AM
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From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
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Originally Posted by kjmitchell
it's not the battery,i replaced it about 2 weeks ago.everything comes on and stays on just no crank
Check cables .....
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Old Oct 25, 2014 | 04:27 AM
  #15  
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From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
I didn't say battery. Answer the question I asked so we can help you.
Exactly....
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