XJSawyerOB

Ok so I got my first Cherokee about a week ago. Its a 1996 Cherokee Sport with a 4.0L. The first day I got it, it ran great no problems. The next day I went out to start it up and nothing happened. The starter didnt even kick. So I figured it was the battery, so I went out and bought a new Diehard battery. I put the new battery in and it still wouldnt even try to start. I got out the jumper cables and jumped it and it started right away. So for a few days it started first try, then we get to thursday. I go to start it and the starter doesnt even make a sound, so i jump it again and take it to a mechanic. The mechanic somehow gets it started by cleaning the contacts on the battery. So I go to pick it up later the night and guess what, it wont start again. Can anyone tell me what is wrong with this thing before i start replacing parts.

jpdocdave

when it won't start, does the bulb check come on for the first few seconds of the key being turned on? if not thats usually an ignition switch sign. not too common on xj. the only thing to do is check power at the starter when it won't start. if power is sent to the starter motor, and no crank then the starter is bad. if power is not there, check fuses, relay, wiring, and switch. could be a weak connection at starter to.

XJSawyerOB

The Bulb check does come on and everything lights up. Also the radio and everything else inside the Jeep works. Just not the starter.

92briarwood

I'm having the same problem on my '92 Briarwood. I have power to everything but it wont crank.

Donnie_K

try jiggling the shifter... if you can get it to start eventually that way, it's the Neutral Safety Switch.

though if jumper cables make it start, that's likely not the case.

98 JeepJeep

X2 start at the Started than work your way back....try playing with the shifter when it acts up...the NSS may be dirty.

guest02

I vote for bad Battery Cables!!!
The most likely culprit... They might seem fine, but how are they inside the insulation, ya know?
Besides, they're cheap and easy to replace. That would i would do first.

It could be the NSS...
Next time it does it hold the key all the way on, depress the button on your shifter and move the shifter a little bit. If it cranks and starts it's your neutral safety switch. (a common problem on XJ's)


It could be the ignition switch as well...
Turn your heater fan on and then turn your ignition switch to start, the fan should turn off when the vehicle tries to crank. If it does not that would be a bad ignition switch.

Just some suggestions.