95 grand cherokee wont start in park

[jason kolacinski]

Hey,

I have a 1995 grand cherokee with a v8 5.2L (limited). Its an automatic transmission. Im having problems starting it in the park position. Everthing inside comes on radio,lights, antenna, but when i go to turn the key to actually start the vehicle nothing happens. No sounds no nothing. I was reading some other forums and tried to do what someone said which was to put it in neutral and try and start it. The first time i tried this it started right up. I want to know what this means, do i need to replace any parts? I also saw that someone said to turn the key 3 times fast on then off and leave it on, on the 4th turn to get a code. I tried this and my check engine light flashed 5 times, then paused, then flashed 5 more times. Does this mean anything? The check engine light does not stay on normally. Please let me know what i should do.

Thanks,
Jason

[porscheguy9999]

My 95 GC has never had that problem. Mine has the 4.0L Inline 6, but that probably doesnt make a difference. It may be that the ignition wires could be frayed. I honestly don't know, but my guess is as good as yours.

[dksob81]

Code 55 - End of fault codes.

I have the same exact problem every once in awhile in my 94 (same engine). I ussually just take it out of park and place back in park ot push forward/pull back on the shifter while trying to start and it ussually starts right up - my Shift linkage needs adjusted.

You probably have the same problem.
If taking it out of park and placing back into park or pulling/pushing on the tranny shifter lever doesn't help (if it only starts in NEUTRAL, then the Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) aka Park/Neutral Switch is bad.

[Caribbean ZJ]

Sounds like a bad starter. have someone tap on the starter while you turn the key. If not then a dirty neutral saftey switch.

[jason kolacinski]

Thanks for all the information. Im thinking its the neutral safety switch now. It might be going out or be dirty like you said. Dont think its the starter cause it starts everytime otherwise. After i start it in neutral, i can then start it in park again, for a while.

Thanks,
Jason

[dksob81]

Yea, your NSS prolly needs cleaned.