If the Jeep is new to you, take a look at the bottom of the starter anyway. It might have some dents on it from the P.O. Mine did so after I gave it a wack it started up and thats when I noticed multiple dents on it. Oh and when I did get it tested it passed so I put it back on and still nothing then after replacing it, it started right up. Well after the usual renix cranking time.

 

When my starter went bad it tested good at 2 different parts stores but, it was still bad. If your starter quits working, you tap on it, and it starts working again....it is going bad and eventually the tapping will quit working and most likely that will be when you are 100 miles from civilization, 4wheeling. Spend the money, replace it now.

 

a weak battery will kill a starter on a jeep quick, so make sure your battery is good, and if youve had it submerged in water that can corrode the starter on the inside, but for sure check the connection on the starter, its one wire with a connector on the end, its pretty big so you can't really miss it, i had this problem twice, and ended up changing both of the starters out... it was cheap, but it fixed the problem, and make sure you check out different places for prices, i saved about 20 dollars by shopping around

 

I had a starter relay that was corroded and giving this same effect. Might want to check that out (passenger side, right above the wheel well)

 

Doesn't look like anyone's mentioned it yet, but I had this same issue on a car I owned. Tried the tapping method, and it worked most of the time. Everyone told me that it meant the solenoid was going out. I pulled out the starter, and the brushes were worn. New set of brushes is only $30 or so from your local NAPA so if that's the problem it's a pretty easy fix.

 

I don't know what the price difference or availability is up there, but if you're gonna spend $30 on brushes, might as well spend $30 more and get a whole new starter....JMO

 

Whole starter up here (for a new one, not a reman) is $100+, easily. Reman's are usually around $60-$75, but I've seen tons crap out within weeks.

 

Just personal pref. I got a reman on the 98 now, original lasted damn near 11 years. I threw a reman in it, works fine. Never saw the advantage of getting a new one, except one of those hi-torque, gear reduction starters for hi-po chevys. New or Reman, I just wish they'd have a tag to tell you if it was built/rebuilt on a Friday or a Monday. lol

 

Alright, got in the Jeep this morning and wouldn't start again. Switched to neutral and it cranked right up. NSS??

 

Definitely sounds like NSS

 

x2. Makes sense. God those things are faulty.

 

x3...That's a big affirmative there good buddy!

 

Alright, to recap. Jeep wouldn't start in park yesterday, shifted to neutral and started. This morning Jeep wouldn't start in park or in neutral . Got under the Jeep and tapped the starter with a hammer, still no start. Does this mean it's still the NSS or the starter?

 

More than likely it's the NSS.

 

So even though it wouldn't start in neutral this morning then it's still the NSS?