I have had an intermittent issue with my Cherokee starting. I was told by the dealership that the problem is the Starter Solenoid Switch. They want almost $500 for the part. They claim that this is a transmission part. After calling around for the part, no one knows what this is. Is this Chrysler's f'd up name for the Neutral Safety Switch? Has anyone had any experience with this?

 

There is a relay in the PDC that could be the problem. When it doesn't start is there a clicking noise? Have someone try to crank it and stand near the PDC box.

Also try hitting the solenoid on the starter, little cylinder on top of the starter, with a small hammer or something solid when it doesn't start. Sometimes the plungers stick. The starters and solenoids are integrated on the XJ's so you can't replace the solenoid without changing the starter.

 

Update?

 

Hi

I have the same issues and have yet to try this but sounds like it'll work. Two further questions.....Could this also be a relay problem? And to make things slightly more complicated, in my incident the car was running fine then mid way just shut off then stopped, after which I have not been able to restart. Just clicking noises coming from near the relays with a different sounding clicking coming from the relay nearest the firewall.

Any other ideas or comments?

Thanks in advance

John

 

are you getting fuel?

 

Yes fuel is not a problem. When I put the key in, all the lights come on as normal then as I turn the key to start all the lights go off, nothing just clicking from relays. Doesn't even attepmt to turn over, so appears that electrics are at fault somewhere?

John

 

Have you tried the basics like cleaning both ends of the battery cables?

 

X2 on batt. cables

 

Had the exact same issue/symptoms a number of years ago (and of course I was a miles off road during hunting season-blessedly was packed for camping). It was the starter solenoid, but $500 sounds crazy to me. I don't remember the cost, but it was < $300 and the work was done by a good old boy i trust. He may have given me a deal, but not below cost.

 

on my 95 xj the starter relay is 2nd from the right in the top row (position F) in the PDC... I don't know how the dealer is coming up with $500, but would be looking elsewhere...pretty simple circuit...ignition sw..relay...solenoid on starter...but battery connections must be good!!!!!

 

Realised that my battery wasn't that great so chnaged that to start with, now getting a starter motor attempting to start but nothing. Sometimes it makes a wirring sound attempting and other times nothing. I take it this still means a starter?

I#ve cleaned the terminals as they had lots of oil and grease on them and also tapped it with a mallet but no luck so far.

I've also come to realise that these things are going to be a nightmare to take off? Is this the case?

 

sounds like a stuck solenoid. try tapping the solenoid (on top of the starter) with a hammer at the exact moment that someone else turns the key. if this starts it it's a stuck solenoid. $40 and two screws will get you a new starter and solenoid. really easy fix i just did on my truck.

 

Good advice but let's hope the OP has it fixed by now...