neutral safety switch - help!

[orderxaos]

Hi all,
I just had a starter changed a couple weeks ago, and another day I drove the jeep to a gas station and it wouldn't start again, after playing with the shifter I finally was able to start it from neutral, and drove to my mechanic who said that it was my NSS and tried to repair it but said it may need to be replaced soon.

so I'm stuck in the parking, and I understand that I should be able to jump the "relay" or "solenoid" but don't know exactly how. I can see this should be a simple thing to many of you, so i would really appriciate any input. thanks!

[JDPascal]

Try the info on this link. Works good if the contacts arn't worn out.

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

JD

[89ltd]

what year, model?

[Saudade]

When he "tried to repair it" did he take it apart similar to the link JD posted? If not, then that should do the trick. If he did that already, (and you trust him), then it may be time for a replacement. However, I'd check the adjustment first.

[orderxaos]

thanks much for all responses,

yes, I do trust him that he did take it apart and try to repair it (the jeep has a few things corroded so no suprise there)-I did see this link before as I looked through the site (thanks anyway)

- now what I would like to do, as its pretty cold out and also I dont have much time to try to figure this out by myself -I just wanna start it so I can drive it to mechanic.

I heard one guy saying one need to get under the car to jump the solenoid with a screwdriver but what and how exactly to do i dont know - can anybody explain? thanks a ton! i dont see the starter from under the hood so I guess its easier to get to it from under...

jeep is '93 cherokee sport 4.0

[orderxaos]

I tried putting wire on the positive cable from battery on what I believe to be the solenoid to another cable that I suppose is going to starter but nothing happend... maybe i'm not doing it right or maybe the wire is too thin to bring the voltage thru? I couldn't fit the screwdriver there as not enough space....
not sure if I wanna get under the car- theres was water after snow melted there -can I jump the starter from under the hood?


Hello? anyone? please I need a hand!

[AlohaBra]

[quote=orderxaos]I tried putting wire on the positive cable from battery on what I believe to be the solenoid to another cable that I suppose is going to starter but nothing happend... maybe i'm not doing it right or maybe the wire is too thin to bring the voltage thru? I couldn't fit the screwdriver there as not enough space....
not sure if I wanna get under the car- theres was water after snow melted there -can I jump the starter from under the hood?


OK--mine is a 97 so the starter and solenoid is located below the oil filter. Using a remote starter switch with two clips, put one clip on the wire from the battery(the fat one)..then remove the one with a flat clip (the skinny one) and then push the switch (or jump) if you are just using wire....to this flat connector on the solenoid. The starter should crank...if not the the starter solenoid is bad. Make sure the key is on and the car is in neutral or better yet, park, and the brake is on. You are jumping the solenoid , not supplying the large amperage needed to run the starter....that is what the solenoid is for.

You can also buy a ready made remote starter switch for about $20 and it should have instructions with it.

You can buy a used NSS (read salvage yard) and overhaul it before putting it in. New they cost $250 plus tax and labor the put it in. Mine had 120K and it worked fine after repair. You need it though, because it runs the reverse lights and will also give a check engine code on the later models.

[orderxaos]

Thanks man, maybe first I try to go the high tech route with a "screwdriver option", as I dont have that remote starter switch. So I assume you have to get under the car in your case as well? thats a great tip in terms of getting a used one - cause i was offered to get a new one for $200 but the condition of the jeep is in - it just not worth it...
thanks again

[capetonian]

if it is the nss no need to spend all that money on a new one, with my 90 cherokee, ran 2 wires to a push button switch on dash, one wire with in line fuse to battery positive and joined other to green wire next to battery (starter relay activating wire), problem solved for less than $10
only negative is that it will start in any gear - but if you have a brain that should not be a problem

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by capetonian

if it is the nss no need to spend all that money on a new one, with my 90 cherokee, ran 2 wires to a push button switch on dash, one wire with in line fuse to battery positive and joined other to green wire next to battery (starter relay activating wire), problem solved for less than $10
only negative is that it will start in any gear - but if you have a brain that should not be a problem

Good idea for a temp repair....but on the late models you will have a check engine light for the NSS or at dealers they call it a "Prindle swithch for PRNDL)..better to overhaul it. Later on the reverse lights won't work.

[89ltd]

Originally Posted by capetonian

if it is the nss no need to spend all that money on a new one, with my 90 cherokee, ran 2 wires to a push button switch on dash, one wire with in line fuse to battery positive and joined other to green wire next to battery (starter relay activating wire), problem solved for less than $10
only negative is that it will start in any gear - but if you have a brain that should not be a problem

what you have done is bypassed the ingition switch or starter relay, the nss switch is a negative wire , not positive.

[trannyman52]

?????automatic transmission???????that switch should be less than 35.00
easier to change than trying ALL the BS of jumping the starter!!!!!!!!!you can change it right in the parking lot!!!!!