Lion1988

Well guys I got a 1997 jeep cherokee 4.0 and the dang thing won't even try and turn over... when I turn the key the lights and everything come on but the car won't try and start

cruiser54

Automatic trans? If so, tried wiggling the shifter between P and N while wiggling the key?

Sandyman

If its handy now, go and jiggle your shift lever and try it. If it doesnt work then try starting in another gear. No luck move the lever through the gears a few times and repeat. You can also put your jeep in reverse with your lights are on and see if your back up lights are working. If any of these work I think it is the neutral safety switch. Easy try for starters (no pun intended)

Ha quick draw Cruiser beat me to it. Do what he says.

Lion1988

Ok guys thanks I'll give it a try

Lion1988

And yes its automatic

Lion1988

Well guess what guys it worked. I started it in neutral and put it in park and then turned it off tried to start it in park and it wouldn't work so I jiggle the handle and it worked, so how do I fix that or what causes it.

Sandyman

It's easy to fix and most work after cleaning it. Bleeping Jeep on youtube has a good video on the Neutral safety switch NSS. That video will tell you and show you everything. Cruiser may offer more also.

cruiser54

Easy. BleepinJeep has great videos.

Lion1988

Thanks I love bleepinjeep they are awesome.

Lion1988

It's always something well the starter is going out I think

Lion1988

My idle seems low how do I adjust the idle on a 97 cherokee

VTJeep

yup. done a tune up yet?

EZEARL

Its controlled by the IAC(idle air control). Try this and see if it helps.


http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=10844

Turbo X_J

Is this the vehicle with the electrical issues?

Cherokeegirl89

im having the same issue. but figured it out, my damn starter went out.