scottclmbr

I found a solution to my problem on this thread I think so I thought I would contribute. I have 1997 cherokee, 2wd. Automatic trans. it has been a great car. Over 217k miles on it and besides some groans and creeks runs like a bat out of hell. It had been sitting around and did not start so I borrowed my friend's jumper cables. Before I even tried to jump it, it started right up. I drove it around for about 10 min., parked it, and it started up a gain. did not understand but problem was solved, until the next day. would not turn over at all. lights, radio, horn, everything worked fine. When I would try to start it I would hear something "start up" toward the rear of the vehicle, something click in the glove compartment area and something click somewhere under the hood. Wierd. would not start. Tried is several times and finally started. drove around for about 10 min. parked it and it would not start again. Gave up on it for the next few days. So, after reading some post here. I tried the advice that said to put it into Neutral and wiggle the gear shift. got it started that way pretty quickly. Also, could leave it in park, wiggle the gear shift and got it started every time that way. I may have read it but does this give an indication of the problem? I would seem to be in the consol right? Anyway, I hope this helps anyone else with the same problem.....

ET JEEP

The yellow wire connects the ignition switch to the relay. It supplys electricity when the key is turned to start. The electric flows to the relay, pin 85 or 86, then thru the relay to the other pin to the park neutral switch to ground. When this happens the relay is activated and the starter engages.

To test this wire disconnect it at the ignition switch. Then connect a continuity meter between the ignition end and the relay socket. You should have continuity if the wire is good. If it is bad you need to run another wire. You may be able to find the wire out of the relay socket and join another piece to it. This will help in not messing with the power distribution center.

A body shop probably will take some measurments and make a determination if it can be pulled into reasonable shape. Not really too sure so maybe a body repair person can comment.

Tshay

is there any power to anything in the jeep before you try to crank it? If so It might be a neutral saftey switch mine has to be adjusted from time to time. after a short drive i turn my cherokee off and than I try to turn it back on and it makes no noises the key just turns. I put it into neutral and sometimes that does the trick but there are those times it just wont start. I would look into it if I were you though they can be quite pricey

Kelly Marshall

I've been struggling with the same problem, and have discovered that the issue is something I haven't seen mentioned here. The problem is the socket that the relays plug into. When the relays are plugged in all the way like they should be, they do not have a good connection. It's like having an old electric outlet that's loose - you plug something in and get no power, and you have to pull it partway out and/or bend the plug to make it work. How do I fix this?