Odd XJ starting issue

untchabl

I like rocks
Joined
Mar 30, 2009
Location
Bear Creek, NC 27207
My 95 XJ has an odd starting problem. Sometimes when I turn the key it will start right up. Other times when I turn the key nothing will happen. If I move the shifter (auto trans) around a little bit, it will start. Don't have to take it out of park, just move it around a little. Just wondering what could be causing the issue? I'm a newb to Jeep's but I was thinking something along the lines of a neutral safety switch or something similar.
 
Any difference between year models? OBD1 vs. OBD2, etc? Or would I be better off taking mine off and taking it with me to compare with the junkyard part?
 
and there is no need to buy one.. just take your apart and clean it up and ut it back on.

here is a decent write up on it
http://www.jeepin.com/features/nss/

fyi.. read entire thing before you do it so you DO NOT break it.
 
and there is no need to buy one.. just take your apart and clean it up and ut it back on.

here is a decent write up on it
http://www.jeepin.com/features/nss/

fyi.. read entire thing before you do it so you DO NOT break it.

x2, did this on my racerig XJ a couple months ago. A new NSS is like $400 @NAPA, removing it, cleaning it is not bad at all. Hardest part is getting it off the tranny, it can be tight.

If starting in Park doesnt work, even with jiggling, try Neutral.
 
* Safety Disclaimer *

You can also use a paper clip or similar to jumper the NSS wires under the hood so it starts in any gear. I did this once on my son's XJ when he was at App. I would recommend the cleaning option or alignment procedures listed above as a first step.
 
Thanks for the info guys. I will definitely try cleaning it before I buy another one, any way to save some $$$ is good with me. Thanks again for the help.

And with doing some reading on the links mentioned, I believe the NSS may also be the cause of the transmission not wanting to shift into OD sometimes.
 
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