Starting troubles...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L V6
So can't seem to figure out what is wrong with the starting system, but I'm beginning to think its wiring. Suggestions, ideas, or comments? This is getting VERY annoying! 
Problem - Simple and easy, turn the key in the ignition = Nothing at all. No attempt to turn over, no clicking, no nothing.
Repairs made recently - New ignition, new starter (includes solenoid), new fuel pump and filter, new heat exchange valve. I have looked over and verified everything is still installed and connected properly, and that contacts are on everything and squeaky clean.
Notes - I have checked the battery using a multimeter on a few occasions, and it seems to sit right around the 12.9 mark, so I don't believe its the battery.
I've somewhat ruled out the alternator as well because the battery is holding its charge, and even on long rides (including a recent 13 hr drive), I've no problems.
I've also attempted to check the wiring using my Haynes manual wiring diagram, but I can't seem to follow all the wires it mentions, not to mention most of them start getting wrapped at various points and branch off all over the place. However from what I could do, everything seemed grounded and attached fully.
Odd notes: I've been having to start it the old school way of sticking a screwdriver down onto the starter and basically jumping it that way, and it fires right up with no hesitation every time.
Also, if I take the vehicle out for at least a 15 min drive or so, it seems to have no problem starting up. Take a short drive however (under 15 mins, which my drive to work is about 5 every day) and this problem persists.
I'd appreciate any help, advice, or anything at this point. I'm running out of ideas fast!

Problem - Simple and easy, turn the key in the ignition = Nothing at all. No attempt to turn over, no clicking, no nothing.
Repairs made recently - New ignition, new starter (includes solenoid), new fuel pump and filter, new heat exchange valve. I have looked over and verified everything is still installed and connected properly, and that contacts are on everything and squeaky clean.
Notes - I have checked the battery using a multimeter on a few occasions, and it seems to sit right around the 12.9 mark, so I don't believe its the battery.
I've somewhat ruled out the alternator as well because the battery is holding its charge, and even on long rides (including a recent 13 hr drive), I've no problems.
I've also attempted to check the wiring using my Haynes manual wiring diagram, but I can't seem to follow all the wires it mentions, not to mention most of them start getting wrapped at various points and branch off all over the place. However from what I could do, everything seemed grounded and attached fully.
Odd notes: I've been having to start it the old school way of sticking a screwdriver down onto the starter and basically jumping it that way, and it fires right up with no hesitation every time.
Also, if I take the vehicle out for at least a 15 min drive or so, it seems to have no problem starting up. Take a short drive however (under 15 mins, which my drive to work is about 5 every day) and this problem persists.
I'd appreciate any help, advice, or anything at this point. I'm running out of ideas fast!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L V6
It's a brand new starter and solenoid, so shouldnt be that. Connections are solid on it and clean as well. Plus if I do the good ol screwdriver start on it, it fires right up without hesitation.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
i had changed that post sounds like the ignition switch on the bottom of the colum the key turns it from a long rod down the coloumill post a pic its easy to change my 94 did the same thing about 3 years ago
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L V6
Trying to read my Haynes manual and make sense of where exactly that is... alittle help though? It's not too specific, and I've never dealt with a NSS before.
Edit: Is the NSS something I'll be able to troubleshoot and possibly fix or clean and replace it on there? Or is it more of a remove and replace part?
Edit: Is the NSS something I'll be able to troubleshoot and possibly fix or clean and replace it on there? Or is it more of a remove and replace part?
Last edited by macgyver; Oct 27, 2010 at 03:11 PM. Reason: Second question
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Here, There, Everywhere
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2
http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1i/bl713i.htm
hopefully this can help. i think the nss is on the trans. im not sure never had to mess with one cuz mine is manual.
hopefully this can help. i think the nss is on the trans. im not sure never had to mess with one cuz mine is manual.


