I have an 95, Just recently would not crank over. So i was able to crank by screw driver on starter termanals, So not the NSS switch.
I took off the neg clamp on battery snd just for the hell of it put it bsck on snd it cranked right up. Also check engine light would come on every once in a while. Well i started it up dome 20 times just to make sure and it started every time. I was looking at neg clamp snd it was judt alittle to big for termanal so went to wal-mart no stock st all they suck.
Went to auto psrts and got a smaller on that fits good and starts every time and no check engine light, So my point is check everything out not just what you think is wrong

 

also you can see my spelling sucks, I have lap top and spilled coffie on key board, Not coming out right sometimes. Have ordered new one and on the way.

 

Since you are doing that. You might as well do it right and clean all of the grounding points not just at the battery. That is one of the main reasons for a hard start and it is always recommended.

 

My checklist would have caught that immediately!
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/no...cklist-155216/

 

battery terminal are one of the most over looked items from people performing thier own maint. so dont feel bad that you missed it!

 

nice check list, I will save it.

 

This test rules out a defective starter or solenoid, not an NSS switch. Jumpering pins 3 & 5 (I believe) on the NSS pigtail to bypass the NSS switch is a good test to rule out NSS problems, as is shifting to neutral prior to cranking. I've never consided Wal*Mart for any of my Jeep Cherokee repair or parts needs, and would advise others against it.

Good call on the battery terminal. My starter has been turning over more slowly lately, indicating a dirty connection. As part of routine maintenance, I pulled the battery and relay box connections for routine cleaning. It looked shiny and tight when I began, but I cleaned it anyway. When finished, the starter turned over MUCH faster than before.

Lesson: even if it looks clean and shiny, clean it up once a year anyway. One cannot discern a bad connection by looking at it.

Incidentally, I replaced the entire battery/charging system wiring with OEM equipment that included stainless-steel/copper banded connections to the battery. It ran about $75, but was worth every penny. This was 5 years ago, and I have not had a battery/charge related problem since. It works better than lead or bronze posts, and is much easier to clean and maintain.