chilixj99

Got into my Jeep this morning and it started right up as always. Got to the gas station, turned Jeep off and filled her up. Got back in and when I went to start it nothing happened. The radio and dash lights came on but it would not crank. I tried a few more times and got the same result . I sat there a few minutes trying to figure it out and make sure I wasn't going crazy. I tried again and it started right up like nothing was wrong.

Drew

JakeWI

wow i am having the same issues right now. it doesnt happen all the time. check for loose or corroded wires. otherwise next time it happens try throwing it in neutral right away and starting it then. If that works let me know. Then it could be the TPS or something around that ballpark.

chilixj99

Where should I look for loose or corroded wires at? I tried starting it in neutral this morning and that didn't work.

Jsny1010

take a small hammer or something hard and tap the starter (not hard) a few times, if it starts after that your lookin at a new starter...

if not it might be the Neutral Saftey Switch? theres a few threads on that one... either way its not a bad fix.




(tapping the starter turns the solenoid)

tampaviking

You should start at you battery and follow those wires to the engine and starter. Mine did it and I think it was the solenoid on the starter going out. It is definently a frustrating problem. But taking a starter off is pretty easy so you could get it tested.

BlueXJ

Corroded wires at the battery or follow those cables to their destination and check for corroded wire ends there. Also don't forget the ground wires from the battery as well.

BowtieGuy3

Sure fire way to figure it out is this:

Mess around with the NNS, mine did the same thing...
To be sure about the starter, just drop it and bring it to your local auto parts store, most do testing of starters, and if it is bad, you can get one right then and there, but it still may be your NNS. In my case both were acting up and my starter was fried. It's just removing the NEG cable from the battery, removing the 2 power leads, thewn dropping 2 bolts...Couldn't get any easier...

BuckB91XJ

Yep, the guys have this one nailed down. Next time this happens, shift into nuetral and try to start it there. If it starts right up in N, then your NSS is going bad. If you still have nothing I would rule out the NSS at that point. Mine started messing up in Park before Nuetral. If you still have no start even in N. Then find something big and heavy to "tap" LOL on the starter with. If after tapping the starter works good for a couple of starts and messes up again then you have a bad starter. If both of these net you no help, then the next thing I would do is check connections at the starter and the battery and most importantly that ground that gets caked with grease, oil and dirt on the rear passenger side of the engine block. We had this problem with my sons old XJ and after cleaning away the solid chunk of oily dirt that was around this grounding point, we found his battery cable was hanging on literally by a couple of strands. The connections get corroded at the starter, too, because the good old heater hose switch that is directly above the starter is known for it's inability not to leak. Oh, you can crank your hose clamps tighter and then crack the damn plastic POS. I hope this helps.

juicy_j

Had a similar issue with mine. Electrical problems are those that need to be diagnosed systematically. First check your battery terminal connections, and follow both to their destinations. Make sure you check any connections for corrosion and ensure that they are tight. If everything checks out ok connection wise go ahead and tap the starter lightly with a hammer or something. If this allows for an easy start than your starter needs to be replaced. As starters become worn out the brushes inside it sometimes become too far away from the spot where they make continuity and initiate the start. Tapping the starter lightly can sometimes realign continuity temporarily and allow for a normal start.

BowtieGuy3

I've always gottes p*ss*d and moved the shifter back and forth violently between P and N, that sometimes got mine to light up.... But it all comes back to the NNS and maybe the Starter....

chilixj99

Thanks a lot guys. I check all the wires and if it happens again I'll try to start it in neutral or tap the starter. Thanks again for the help.

Drew

BowtieGuy3

You can also grab a wrench (I think it's like a 10mm or a 12mm) and adjust the NNS with the key to "ON", and you should be able to hear the starter circuit energize while under the Jeep.

chilixj99

What's the NNS? Where's it at and what does it do?

BowtieGuy3

Neutral Safety Switch, it on the right side of the trans, between the cooler lines, with the gear selector shaft sticking out the end of it... It has a big 2?mm nut on it, and a smaller bolt at the top for adjustment...

BowtieGuy3

Here's the link Blue gave me when I was having probs. with mine....
Read it all the way thru before you do anything though, you might be able to get away with an adjustment...

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm