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

 

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

 

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.

 

Ok guys thanks I'll give it a try

 

And yes its automatic

 

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.

 

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.

 

Easy. BleepinJeep has great videos.

 

Thanks I love bleepinjeep they are awesome.

 

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

 

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

 

yup. done a tune up yet?

 

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


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

 

Is this the vehicle with the electrical issues?

 

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