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Strange Starting issue

OCMI_Teddy

NAXJA Forum User
Location
San Diego
This has been going on for the past 4 months or so. I have a 96 XJ SE with approx 200k on the ticker. Every once in a while my XJ will not start after I run it and then turn it off. When I go to turn it back on nothing happens, the starter doesn't even click. Sometimes if I wait a little while it'll start up just fine, also today I discovered that if I put the car in Nuetral and let it move just a little bit it'll start. (all plugs, wires and battery are fairly new.)
 
i have the same sort of problem with my 92, i was told that it had something to do with the neutral safety switch. what works with mine when it happens is to put it in neutral, and push forward on the shifter (with out the button pushed in) and hold it while i turn the key. it has worked everytime i've had to do it. i haven't bothered to find the problem since i figured out that little trick.
 
It does sound like the Neutral Safety Switch. The problem is that in time, things will get worse. They may be a pain to remove, but there's some good articles out there on how to fix it. I did it on my 1994 XJ, and it's soooo much better.

Another way to tell if your NSS is acting up is if you have no/intermittent reverse lights when the Jeep is in reverse.

:)
 
XJPhoenix said:
It does sound like the Neutral Safety Switch. The problem is that in time, things will get worse. They may be a pain to remove, but there's some good articles out there on how to fix it. I did it on my 1994 XJ, and it's soooo much better.

Another way to tell if your NSS is acting up is if you have no/intermittent reverse lights when the Jeep is in reverse.

:)

It's definantly the NSS then, my reverse lights sometimes don't work also. Thanks guys, I'll look up the write-ups.
 
Is an easy fix. just climb under there remove the switch. disassemble and sand the contacts lightly/.and reinstall. You have to adjust it once you put it back on.. (dial it in) in order to have backup lights in reverse and such
 
Thanks for the link ^^^^
 
OCMI_Teddy said:
Thanks for the link ^^^^

You're welcome. I was going to add more but I only had time to post the link.

You may have a bit of trouble pulling the NSS of the shaft. Just take your time. A little lube and some gentle prodding should allow it to slip off. Once off, disassembly and cleaning is pretty straightforward. Just use a reasonably cleared and clean space to do it. Losing one of the little springs will ruin your day. Don't ask how I know. ;)
 
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