g1teg

Hi all,

I have a CEL on, and the code is for the neutral safety switch.

I bought this 99 Cherokee about 8 months ago, and the previous owner told me the NSS needed to be replaced.

I have no symptoms, other than the CEL, that there is an issue. I have cleared the code with a reader, and it comes back, not immediately, but after driving for a while (not consistent timing).

Ideas? Should I just take it out and clean it? Hate to potentially mess up my NSS, or create a bigger issue, if nothing is actually wrong.

Thanks,

Maple__Man

I dont know if its any different from the ones on the 89, but my 89 used to have a bad NSS and it was actually kind of nice cause you couldnt start it without getting in the engine bay and arcing on the NSS, so it was never able to be stolen. on the other hand, if you cant stand having to do that youd be better off replacing it. if you dont have to worry about inspections i would just take the bulb out for the CEL lol.

aroundincircles

if it is like the one on my 89, it is a 45 minute job to clean it and get it back in. You would have to be working on it with a sledge hammer to mess it up. Bleepin jeeps video is a good place to start.

Mine liked to strand me in random places, so cleaning it was important. I haven't had an issue since.

g1teg

ok yeah, I watched to BJ video, both for cleaning and removal.

How hard is it really to get to those zip ties though? Thats honestly what has kept me from doing this job so far...

Also, I hate to take something apart which seems so fickle, (springs, and lateral adjustment on reinstall etc,) when it is technically working just fine!

rgr4475

Did the previous owner bypass it? I bypassed mine and it caused the CEL to go on. I actually drove it like that for a while before attempting to take it off to clean it. Being a Northeast U.S. vehicle, it was seized on there and actually broke attempting to take it off. I bought a cheap eBay replacement and that one failed 6 months later. I bought another eBay replacement that was a different brand, a little more expensive but had a 10 year warranty and has been good ever since.

Personally I hate looking at CEL lights when driving and I would attempt to clean it. And I know it's rare but it is a safety feature that prevents you from starting it in gear, but it has happened.

g1teg

I dont think that he did bypass it. He doesnt seem like that kind of guy. Owned it since new, and it had just 80k miles on it...

breaking it taking it off is exactly what I am worried about. This is my DD and I really do need it to be running. Waiting for a NSS would be a kick in the ...

rgr4475

Understood but you can bypass it and drive it if something goes wrong in the taking off and cleaning process.

g1teg

OK,

Ive read that bypass can cause more harm than good, but I suppose for a week while waiting for a part to show up, wouldn't be a big deal.

Thanks for the idea.

rgr4475

I drove it bypassed for about 3 months with no problems.

aroundincircles

it was super easy to get out. you loosen one bolt, take another out, and then cut 2 (at least for me it was just two) zip ties. and it almost just falls out after you un clip it. I just used a box cutter to cut them, made sure I had a strong light to see well since its dark in there.