I have a 96 XJ Sport with an auto trans. The other day as I was leaving work my jeep would not start, when I opened the door the buzzer was working, and when I turned the key the ignition buzzer turned on. I tried to jump start it even though I figured it didn't need it. I was right, that did nothing. I called a buddy of mine who I usually go to for this type of advice, he said that it was probably the Neutral Safety Switch, and that I should just put it through the gears and try to start it again. I did this, it worked perfectly. Fast forward to yesterday, the same problem, same symptoms, except this time changing gears did nothing for me. I went on some forums and tried the paperclip bypass trick, nothing happened. I tried jumping the connection from the back side of the plug, still nothing. Is there something that I am doing wrong, or could this be a bigger problem? I am 5 hours away from home at college, and I live in the dorms so my work space is pretty non existent. I am just wanting a quick fix so I can make it to work the next 2 days, then I have a full week off and I can use that time to clean it or replace it.

 

Try adjusting it. there is a bolt on the top corner (front side of jeep) that you can loosen and adjust the angle. That might get it to work better. the best thing to do would be to take out the NSS and clean it, no need to buy a new one. there are plenty of write ups on it. I had to do it on my XJ and it only took about 40 minutes. search here or google and you will find what you need.

 

Well, no real 'quick fix' i can think of.. but a screwdriver across the starter solenoid will bypass the NSS until you can clean it up. If you're unfamiliar with this, just short the big wire to the little wire on the solenoid on top of the starter.. you should be able to reach it from above in the engine bay. Key 'on' of course, and be aware it just might start up

http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-...ty-switch-nss/

Really good NSS repair article there ^^

good luck!

 

Thanks! I'm going to try and adjust it here in a bit, and if that doesn't work I guess ill be shorting the solenoid for a few days. Thanks guys! If anyone else has some insight to what might have caused bypassing not to work I would love to hear it.

 

I know that you said that you moved the shifter though the gears but did you try to start it in neutral?
here's a write up on how to clean the NSS.
http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-...ty-switch-nss/

 

Yes I did try to start it in both neutral and park. I spend the last 20 min or so trying to adjust the NSS but the bolt is on there pretty damn good. Gonna have to break out the WD40 or something.

 

Yeah they can be a pita to loosen. Just be careful they can break pretty easy too if you force it to hard.

 

Thanks for the advice, that would be a big problem haha.