Back-up Light Switch

I have a 1994 Cherokee 4WD 4 speed Automatic w/inline 6 cyl. When I go into reverse neither of my back-up lights come on. It's not the bulbs, they are fine. The lights used to come on intermittently when I would wiggle the shift cable, but not anymore. I asked a mechanic and he said the problem is in the neutral start switch and it can not be adjusted. I got a price for the part at a local part store for $230.00. Does anyone know if turning the adjusting bolt while the car is in reverse will get my lights back on? Also, is there something else I should be looking at?

Okay, I haven't done this, but here's what you can do. Simply remove the neutral start switch and recondition it.

The switch is on the transmission, if you have a manual it will show you how to remove it. Once you have it off, take it apart and clean the hell out of hte inside. You might lightly sand the contacts with some fine sandpaper as well. Get everything in tip top shape then bench test it.

If all tests good (which it most likely will) put it back on and you're golden.

Do this soon, the back-up lights not coming on is just the beginning of the problems, later on it will make it impossible to start the vehicle. The NSS is what tells the car it's in Park or Neutral (or just Neutral for a stick) so it will allow the starter to go, it also handles the back up lamps.

Sequoia

Heres a good write-up:

http://www.jeepin.com/features/nss/index.asp

I have a 1994 Cherokee 4WD 4 speed Automatic w/inline 6 cyl. When I go into reverse neither of my back-up lights come on. It's not the bulbs, they are fine. The lights used to come on intermittently when I would wiggle the shift cable, but not anymore. I asked a mechanic and he said the problem is in the neutral start switch and it can not be adjusted. I got a price for the part at a local part store for $230.00. Does anyone know if turning the adjusting bolt while the car is in reverse will get my lights back on? Also, is there something else I should be looking at?

For rebuilt switch Email [email protected] $100 plus return core. Also provide written instructions on removal and replacment. $60 deposit for return core.

Reconditioning the NSS does the trick-- not that hard to do and saves a lot of money. But BEWARE-- don't be fooled by the article about how easy the NSS will come off. Using a screwdriver to pry it off will work, but only if the rectangular shaft is clean. Mine had several years of gunk and weathering on it making it one of the more difficult removals I've done. The threaded pieces to which the retaining nut hold broke on mine, mostly due to the pressure from only one side.

What I recommend- use the nut only to get it away from the tranny, then get behind the NSS on both sides and pull it away with channel locks or pry it off with long screwdrivers. The equal pressure worked for me, even though it was extremely stubborn. Some WD-40 helps as well.

Oh yeah-- the zip ties-- another bear to cut. Best bet is to cut one from the top and one from the bottom. (If the cable doesn't move easy, you've probably got more than one tie.) Good luck!

I also followed the instructions on my 97 Cherokee. Great directions...even the part about the ties being the most difficult part of the job!!. After reconditioning am still having the same problem. The back-up lights will come on when shifting between park and reverse, but in reverse they will not stay on. Any other ideas for what the problem could be?

Replace the switch!

If it was me I would go with some auxillary backup lights since the XJ lights suck anyways. But if you cleaned it good then you might need to buy a new one. not sure. But I promise I wouldn't buy one. Unless Chris Dunaway will give you a guarantee that the lights will work.

If it was me I would go with some auxillary backup lights since the XJ lights suck anyways. But if you cleaned it good then you might need to buy a new one. not sure. But I promise I wouldn't buy one. Unless Chris Dunaway will give you a guarantee that the lights will work.
If you don't have power to both back up lights the NSS is the only part in the equation that controls power to that circuit.

If you don't have power to both back up lights the NSS is the only part in the equation that controls power to that circuit.

Thanks. I was inclined to replace the switch, but I didn't want to waste the money if it wouldn't be the switch. The power does come through to the lights...always when the gear shift is in the space between park and reverse...sometimes when it is actually in reverse.

Is this sequence(R&R) the same with an 88 Wagoneer? Sounds like the problem that has just started on mine.