1999 cherokee sport, starts when it wants?
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Model: Cherokee
1999 cherokee sport, starts when it wants?
i recently purchased my first jeep, 1999 jeep cherokee sport. got a killer deal on it so i jumped on it for winter.
the guy i got the jeep from said "sometimes if you turn the key and it don't turn over. just jiggle the shifter (auto) because the linkage is loose and it don't read its in park. then it should start right up"
well it gave me a few seconds of delay the past few weeks. but eventually always started.
now this morning i can not get the jeep to start. key turns and dash lights everything starts up like normal just the starter won't kick on.
buddy said its probably my starter, but when it does start it starts strong and normal. any ideas?
(at times if it don't start first time i can slam my driver door and it will start, maybe from shocking the starter?)
thank you
the guy i got the jeep from said "sometimes if you turn the key and it don't turn over. just jiggle the shifter (auto) because the linkage is loose and it don't read its in park. then it should start right up"
well it gave me a few seconds of delay the past few weeks. but eventually always started.
now this morning i can not get the jeep to start. key turns and dash lights everything starts up like normal just the starter won't kick on.
buddy said its probably my starter, but when it does start it starts strong and normal. any ideas?
(at times if it don't start first time i can slam my driver door and it will start, maybe from shocking the starter?)
thank you
#2
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Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If it work only when you messed with the shifter I sounds like it is your NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) Try starting it in neutral and other gears and if it does that will be your problem. Just make sure that you are holdin your brake peddle when starting in gear.
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Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
#5
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Definitely the neutral safety switch here; it's a very common problem on the 4.0 They can often (not always) be "refurbished" to restore full function.
I recommend you start by spraying a good penetrating oil on the fasteners for the NSS a couple of days before you try to remove it. It's easy to break the part if you don't.
Here is another link to a good article on "refurbishing" the neutral safety switch. Between this article and the link to the one zombie posted, you should be able to get the job done.
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
I recommend you start by spraying a good penetrating oil on the fasteners for the NSS a couple of days before you try to remove it. It's easy to break the part if you don't.
Here is another link to a good article on "refurbishing" the neutral safety switch. Between this article and the link to the one zombie posted, you should be able to get the job done.
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
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#8
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As TJ and others mentioned, sounds very much like bad NSS symptoms.
And yes, better soak that in some penetrating stuff, if you plan to clean yours because it can be a PITA to get it off its shaft. I tried, but ended up ordering a new one in the US.
( Here in OZ that switch costed $1024 (yes, over a grand!!!)at the dealership. Found it online for less than 10% of that). Good chance your problem will be solved.
pm: you have backup lights working? Is coupled to the NSS as well.
Let us know how you go.
And yes, better soak that in some penetrating stuff, if you plan to clean yours because it can be a PITA to get it off its shaft. I tried, but ended up ordering a new one in the US.
( Here in OZ that switch costed $1024 (yes, over a grand!!!)at the dealership. Found it online for less than 10% of that). Good chance your problem will be solved.
pm: you have backup lights working? Is coupled to the NSS as well.
Let us know how you go.
Last edited by Roler; 01-02-2013 at 03:19 PM.
#10
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I had the same issue as yours, plus my reverse light went out. After a year or so if jiggling steering wheel or shifter, it wouldn't start. Luckily I found a local jeep repair shop that replaced it for approx $480 (parts and labor). The dealer wanted $890 ($480 for the NSS rest was labor).
After replacing the NSS my reverse light is back working and never had and issue starting.
After replacing the NSS my reverse light is back working and never had and issue starting.
#11
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Model: Cherokee
thanks a lot guys. it is the NSS. if i hold the key forward and just get tension on the shifter towards reverse it starts every time. took a lil seat time to figure out a reliable trick. getting it repaired asap.
once again thanks!
once again thanks!
#12
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7 Stroker I6
I had the same issue as yours, plus my reverse light went out. After a year or so if jiggling steering wheel or shifter, it wouldn't start. Luckily I found a local jeep repair shop that replaced it for approx $480 (parts and labor). The dealer wanted $890 ($480 for the NSS rest was labor).
After replacing the NSS my reverse light is back working and never had and issue starting.
After replacing the NSS my reverse light is back working and never had and issue starting.
I thought this was my problem awhile back but in my case it ended up being the starter, but atleast mine is cleaned now.
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