boeingxtreme

I've got an 88 jeep cherokee. Replaced starter relay, and starter with new solenoid. Still acts up. What happens is you turn the key to the start and everything on dash starts and fuel pump starts but starter doesn't turn. Then turn it back and fourth about 4 times and starter makes a noise but stops. Then turn it back and to start again and it cranks and fires right up. What is going on? I'm almost out of ideas. Did the same thing before the new starter.

4Birdman

Might be the ignition switch in the column.

boeingxtreme

That was my final idea, but i haven't read up on taking apart the column.

KCXJKID

Your best bet would be buying a replacement column. It will save you time and money in the longrun. Good luck!

4Birdman

I once had a Grand Prix that did the same thing, but once you got it started it wouldn't disengage so it would just wind the starter on the flywheel. I've never taken apart an XJ column, so not sure how hard it is. I'd bet that's your problem though.

EDIT: I do have a column out of a 89 2-door Cherokee if it will fit your Jeep and you are interested.

KCXJKID

Another thing to check..just to be sure is the nuetral safety switch. Hold the key to start position and shift the jeep from park to nuetral and back to park to confirm its not it. From the sounds of it Im leaning towards the column tho...

boeingxtreme

I think it's been removed because you can start it in any gear. Ill pull it out when I have a chance. Got the Haynes manual out right now.

boeingxtreme

Maybe I can get a column at junkyard. I'm gonna sell the jeep here in a few months. Just doesn't help when it doesn't start on first turn.

4Birdman

I'm guessing it is a manual if you can start it in any gear. In that case it will be the neutral safety switch on the clutch pedal. If your Jeep will start while it is in gear you have other major issues to deal with! Haha.

boeingxtreme

Nope it's an automatic. Can start in gear. Driven it 20k miles. Just know that you don't start in gear. Which idk why someone would in the first place. I'm tired of dumping money in it. I've got a wrangler that gets many upgrades and this things my daily and it seems to get more work.

BlacknBlue

nuetral safety switch

The Rooster

Clean the nss and see if it then starts in park...