1994 Grand Cherokee 4WD 4.0L won't start

johnson636 · #1 03-07-2006, 01:02 PM

Well, my problem is, out of the blue, my jeep won't do anything when I try and start it. It acts as if one would try and start a vehicle while its in drive; it won't turn over or make any sounds.

I know its not the battery because I took my old battery out and replaced it with one that was tested and I got the same results. I tried jumping across the solenoid to see if it would crank. From my understanding, if you jump the solenoid and the vehichle cranks, then the solenoid is bad. Well in my case nothing happend.

I got a suggestion that the starter has gone out. But in all my dealings with a failing starter, I had some early warning that it was going bad. Generally a very loud screetching noise.

Anyone has had this problem

BenBB · #2 03-08-2006, 07:47 AM

If it is not the starter, i think that last week people were talking about the Neutral Saftey Switch (NSS). That could be bad or just need to be cleaned, because i know that it can prevent the jeep from doing anything at the start.

dksob81 · #3 03-08-2006, 08:48 AM

BB is right, the NSS could be the problem, it also could be the ignition switch.

Try putting the tranny in Neutral then try to start it.

If you jumped the the starter you should have cranked if not then the starter is bad.

johnson636 · #4 03-08-2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksob81

BB is right, the NSS could be the problem, it also could be the ignition switch.

Try putting the tranny in Neutral then try to start it.

If you jumped the the starter you should have cranked if not then the starter is bad.

Yes, I did try to jump the starter, but nothing happend.

Now what is this "NSS" and where is it located?

dksob81 · #5 03-09-2006, 07:58 AM

NSS - Neutral Safety Switch, it only allows the engine to turnover if the tranny is in PARK or NEUTRAL. It is located on the driverside of the tranny right below the shift lever on the tranny (on 5.2L engine, not sure on the 4.0L), has a 3 wires electrical connector.

I don't think the NSS is the problem if you tried jumping the starter, from the switch of the starter to the power wire, then the starter has to be bad.

bringselpup · #6 03-09-2006, 08:33 AM

Doesn't the action of the solenoid throwing the starter gear forward to connect with the flywheel govern the 12V to the starter motor somehow? So if the solenoid doesn't actuate there won't be any 12V to the starter? To keep the starter from just spinning needlessly if it hasn't thrown the gear forward.

NSS is on the passenger side of the tranny on mine. Shaft from the shifter linkage goes all the way though the tranny out the other side.

Caribbean ZJ · #7 03-09-2006, 10:59 AM

the brushes in ur starter are gone either replace the starter or have a repair guy replace the brushes ...... had this happen B4 and u wont hear anything when turning the key...... If its the NSS it should start in neutral.

johnson636 · #8 03-09-2006, 12:05 PM

Guys, you won't beleive this, but turns out it was only the cable connector not having good connection with the battery post. Now being a man, I was very embarrased to have my vehicle towed for a bad battery connection. I just new I went through all the simple and obvious battery troubleshooting before concluding it was something other than the battery.

The cable connector had gotten so that I was unable to unloosen it to fit it completely down on the battery post, so I started wacking at it to try and get it to fit down further.

The mechanic, which is an usher at my church, fixed the cable where it fit compltely down onto the battery post giving it a better connection. He charged me $20.00, but I gave him $40.00 for being honest

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