wont start..

[jeepgeek2002]

as in .. turn key and nothing . no click no clack, nothing. The column is loose as hell.. Im looking at replacing it instead of pulling the steering wheel off and pull everything off to tighten the 3 bolts.. I heard its a PITA.
So i thought it was that transmission lock issue so i put it in Park 3-4 times. still nothing. Put it in N .. nothing.
Turn the key. the lights go out in dash briefly and nothing. Wife said it happened to her before so she put the steering column to the side and it started. i tried that and still nothing,
So what could it be?
You think if i replace the steering column (drastic measures) will fix this issue? or could this be a fuse? wire?
hard to answer via net.. i know
just looking for ideas.

 

[thechief86]

At this point, the column has probably been loose long enough to Damage some wires. I have tightened the bolts before and had them back off again after a while, and it is easier to just replace the column. This would also replace any damaged wires that might be in there. So whether it starts or not, I'd do that first.

If that doesn't work- I'd pull off the neutral safety switch, and clean, repair, or replace it, whichever works and makes the most sense. If that didn't work, I'd try
To turn the ignition on, and see if you can bypass the switches all together and just arc the solenoid to turn the starter. If that works, maybe just wire in a push button for the remote wire on the solenoid. If it doesn't, you have another issue.
Grounds are a common issue for no-start xj's, as well as poor connections at the battery (corroded terminals) check your ground strap on the back of the head to the firewall, and the battery cables at both ends. Good luck man!

 

[yellowx]

if every thing else fails check the wire bundle behind the left headlight on rustys jeep he totaled he had a problem similar and the bumper bracket had rubbed a hole in the insulation on the main wire there in that bend his sat for 3 wrrks until we found it

 

[jeepgeek2002]

How is Rusty these days i dont see him on FB much..
Yeah i found a bunch of write ups on on how to fix the steering column and about the NSS. expensive sucka!

People who race their jeeps in ECORS or JEEPSPEED.. do they have any steering column replacements? more heavy duty?

i found a couple columns on ebay for ~$150

 

[thechief86]

Junkyard, brotha $40

 

[jeepgeek2002]

i figured what the heck..might as well see if i can take this darn thing apart.. so i ordered a wheel puller with the plate pusher..
Worst case i replace the entire column as i had originally planned.

 

[thechief86]

There ya go... Worst thing you can waste is time with that one...