I have a 93 XJ with the 4.0L and I have a strange starter issue. When I start and run the engine for a short time, say to move it in the driveway, the next time I try to start the starter won't turn. There is no clicking from the soleniod at all. The temp gauge goes through it's full sweep like it normally does when starting but thats it. If I then give the starter a few taps she fires right up.

Any idea whats going on? I have an immobilizer from our local insurance company. Could this be the problem?

 

If you tap the starter it fires right up every time? You can always pull the starter and take it to a local auto parts shop and let them put it on a tester and see if it's faulty or not. Takes about 15 minutes to pull it off, it's pretty easy.

Maybe check the grounds on your immobilizer too?

 

x2 on the starter. there is a reason you have to tap it to get it working.

 

You need a starter.

 

X3. Gotta look at "cause and effect" principle. If tapping the starter allows it to turn over, replace your starter. Go new, not rebuilt or reman.

 

I have a new starter ready to install. Just seems strange that it would start fine every time except after short trips.

Oh well, time to get dirty I suppose.

 

My 92 does the same thing when I drive my kids to school in the morning...3-4 minute trip. When I come out to start it everything that you said happens. My problem is in the NSS. Try pulling the shifter sligtly back out of park while holding the key in the start position.

It only does this on short trips...and only when it is cold. I don't know why....just happens.

Later,
Codfish

 

My money is on the NSS. (also^) Try jiggling the shifter in park/neutral while holding the key turned to start.

Maybe those "few taps" / whacks? are "radioing" to it. If jiggling works there's this;

http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/

 

So now we're wondering if the starter fixed the problem for you or not! How'd it go? Pretty simple install, no?

 

When you install your new starter, clean the mating surfaces. The starter is grounded to the block. If as other posts suggest, it's your NSS, try hitting neutral when it won't start. I'm guessing the new starter will do it. I don't know what an 'immobilizer' is.. do you?

 

Unfortunately I was away from anywhere with a computer all weekend and didn't see your responses. So I didn't get to try them out. I will test the NSS fix first when I leave work today.

An immobilizer is something that the insurance company in Manitoba requires you to put on your vehicle if it's on the most stolen list. Jeep Cherokees are #8 on the list. So I had to put out 150 dollars to get a little flashy light that "apparently" won't let it start without the key fob they give me. So in a word, it's stupid.

 

I just fought a similar gremlin with my 99 XJ. There's a lengthy post here. As the others stated, the most obvious is a stuck solenoid/starter if tapping on it gets it going. However, this also seemed to "fix" my problem, but in the end it did not....if that makes sense....you'd have to read my thread.

After a few months of battling, I've finally narrowed it down to the ignition switch which I just replaced yesterday. If your key feels loose when you turn it, you might have a similar issue. I was really surprized at how much firmer and more positive my key turns now after replacing the switch.

 

Here's a link to my nightmare:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/99-...-start-112040/

 

BTW, "tapping" the starter can also cause a loose cable or sol. wire connection to make contact, so also try jiggling THEM while the key is turned. (installing a new $150 starter will fix that!)

Not at all saying the starter isn't the problem, but it's supper easy stuff to rule out.

 

Checked the NSS last night. Didn't help at all. I think if it was a loose wire wouldn't it not start at random not just after short trips?