So I'm supposed to jump it across the posi and the wire from the solenoid? I jumped it across the two studs on the starter, and yes that negative I was talking about I know it grounds through the starter to the engine block, it's still a ground. Thanks for the information though. Towing it home right now to take a better look.

 

Oh yeah and it has had a new starter less than a year ago and still has the warranty on it. However it's from the previous owner, but he told us when we bought it to call him if there were any starter issues. I'm going to probably pull the starter today and test it. Thanks for all the help guys, it's greatly appreciated.

 

you need to jump it across the solenoid in order to get it to engage the flywheel. The solenoid is what pops the gear in and out. That's why just jumping the motor batteries caused it to just spin.

It sounds like the solenoid is the part that is shot. I believe on early cherokees like yours you can replace just the solenoid, and not the whole starter (unlike newer cherokees that you have to replace the whole assembly). That part should only cost ~$20.

 

New update, I think it's the neutral safety switch because the reverse lights don't come on when it's in reverse . I'm taking it apart today to see if that fixes it. If not I'll look at the starter solenoid. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

yup that's a dead giveaway of a bad NSS

 

Yup. So I bypassed it and now she starts up great. Well except for the fact that when I had my helper test it I had forgotten to take it out of reverse from when I was testing the lights... Right into the garage door... Not very bad because I had the e brake on and she knew that immediately rolling backwards was not a good thing. oh well. If it gives us any problems I'll just take it off and clean it and see if that fixes it, we don't have the time or vehicles right now. Thanks for all the help. Oh yeah, keep this in mind, 25 feet seems a lot shorter when your towing a vehicle...

 

shouldn't take more than an hour to clean up and reinstall. You won't pass any sort of inspection with it bypassed, and it may throw a CEL.

 

Ok ok, I'll take it off and clean it next chance I get. Although I don't have to pass anything with my situation. Oh well I don't really want to **** the computer off.

 

I'm not sure how you bypassed the NSS, but if you just jumpered it out, the computer won't know the difference.

Just make sure, as you already know, that the vehicle is in neutral or park before starting it.

It sounds like you have enough mechanical savvy that refurbishing the NSS won't be a problem for you. In the long run, it's probably the best solution. It will definitely be safer and your back-up lights will work again.

 

I have a similar problem, as my Jeep will not crank and I have performed several tests to determine the fault but have not discovered what is wrong. Since I have restored my Jeep, I have already replaced the battery, the primary harness (going from the battery terminals to the starter/electrical distribution box/alternator), the starter relay and the starter with a new solenoid. I have also verified that the neutral safety switch is working when in Park and in Neutral. I have also verified that there is voltage to the starter relay when the key switch is turned to the crank position. None of this however has helped me get power to the solenoid for cranking. I have run out of answers and have towed the car to the dealer. I suspect that the Vehicle Theft Alarm controller is the cause of the problem. If that isn't working correctly, the car won't crank. I have run through the diagnostics, which all check out, and have disarmed it manually, but the car still will not crank. Does anyone have a clue as to what might be wrong? I would really appreciate some help from somewhere. Thanks, John

 

Wish I had an answer for you.
I suggest posting this in the Grand Cherokee Tech page, there are guys there that can offer advice.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/

 

Hey Im having the "no turn over" problem and realized the small wire running from the starter is not a ground but the "trigger wire". This wire is connected to the starter but I found the other end free floating around the relay box. I can't seem to find online a picture of where the end of this little bugger is supposed to go. Does it run into the fuse box or "relay box" or does it connect somewhere else. I don't think the Cherokee will start until I reconnect this wire.... duhhh.... a picture of it hooked up to its proper location would be awesome! Thanks!

 

Pin 29 of the starter motor relay (located in the underhood fuse box).

 

hey man! This worked for me but how do I fix it !?

 

Here's some help:
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=1747