Last year I bought a 94 Jeep GCL ZJ w/89,000 miles. After new diff and viscous coupling only have driven it 3,000 miles (min 5 miles a week to everything running.

It has always started reliably but just experienced a "problem":

After being idle for a week it started fine. Stopped at one store and it restarted fine. Stopped at an auto parts store (ironic?) and restarting was a little strange.

It would crank for about 3/4 sec, the stop for 1/4 sec, continue cranking for another 3/4 sec, then stop for another 14/ sec. No clicking or droning sound of a low battery. After a few cycles it started up and drove fine.

Once home, turned off, then restarted twice and it worked fine (I hate intermittent problems).

At first thought it may be a coil on the starter or solenoid (probably original). But then found out about the neutral safety switch.

Now that I know a little more I'll check whether jiggling the shifter or putting into neutral helps.

I wouldn't mind getting a new starter if needed so I can depend on the jeep ($70 to $100?). But to then also change the NSS could be expensive (some as low as $15, up to $125, depending on type. I have a NP249 Full time AWD Tcase, but can't find out which style is needed (simple plug type for full assembly with cable)).

I have read that just cleaning the NSS may help.

Any thoughts from anyone?

Dave

 

starter

 

Well that was dumb of me. I mentioned type of Tcase when the NSS goes on the transmission. I think I have a 42re (1,2, D, and R).

D

 

Still trying to find out if I have the small $15 NSS (like a fat spark plug) or the larger lever assembly w/cable and connector ($300)? 42re automatic trans.

Been too stressed to get under and inspect, but I know that's probably the right way.

Dave

 

Just realized the one person to respond with a one word response is listed as "banned".

Any guidance from veterans or masters?

D

 

Hi David, maybe the "banned guy" is right, because when the neutral switch is gone then the stater is not going to work, in this case the starter works with a hessitation, i would go with the starter or the battery. i hope it helps good luck! ...anyway when you fix the problem please don´t forget telling us what was the culprit.

 

Clean and tighten the battery connections before you change any parts. Oh, you have the small inexpensive NSS on your ZJ.

 

If the NSS switch is bad then put trans in neutral and see if it will start.if it starts then it's the NSS. If it won't or doesn't operate properly it's your starter

 

Sometimes the linkage can be slightly off too and if you push forward towards park and turn key and it starts then that could be it as well. That's generally on the xjs though not zj/wj

 

Thanks all. I think I'm heading in the same direction:

1. Quadratech says the 94 has the less expensive NSS. The 93 w/AW4 has the more expensive one.
2. If it was the NSS I guess it wouldn't start unless I jiggled the shifter or put in neutral.
3. Started a few more times and started w/no problem. I'll try a few more times before next step.
4. Battery is reportedly "new" (according to las owner)but could be as much as 3 years
old.
5. Next step will be to clean battery and starter terminals - generally a good idea anyway.

I wouldn't mind getting a new starter before next winter if it is the original, but will have it tested by a shop before I do that.
Dave

Thank again all. i let you know how things turn out.

 

Some times it´s not necessary to replace the starter, if you still have the original starter, it can be cleaned inside and grease the bushings, maybe it is holding too much dirt (this happened to my starter), my 2 cents.

 

Followup. Cleaned battery terminals, body ground, and starter terminals; sprayed sealant on connections. No problem since that one time.

D

 

Something just struck me. Brain lightning? You said it only happened that one time, right? I'm thinking the engine was loaded up with fuel and caused a preignition condition which stopped the crankshaft from turning until the pressure bled off. I've had this happen to me a couple of times. It usually happens when the engine is hot and I try to start it almost immediately or after only a couple of minutes. It usually stumbles a bit when it starts after this happens.

 

i think dave is onto something.

very common in our 4.0L well, at least in my TJ. lol.

 

Dave1123

I think you are right. When it happened my thought (scary) was that the engine stopped turning for a fraction of a second (seizing motor).

Maybe I turned it off too quick w/o letting it idle a little (leaving extra gas in cylinders).

I can plan on letting if cool a little more before restarts. Anything else I should do to prevent same? Now I understand it I'm less concerned, but like to be pro-active.

I haven't given it a tuneup yet (doesn't seem to need it; I've still only have put 4,000 miles on it, but winter is coming), only oil changes.

D