96 Cherokee starting issue

[dvaldez70]

Hi all,
I recently had a problem starting my 96 Cherokee. I did some research and believe I may have the problem identified but wanted to know what you all thought since I may have unduly been influenced by my research. Here's what happened:
I put the key in and turned the ignition to start the vehicle. I get all the panel lights, the radio comes on, and every indication it is going to start but it doesn't. No noise what so ever coming from the engine. No starter, no clicking, nothing. I tried moving the shifter from park to drive and back a few times. No success. I tried rocking the vehicle in part, rocking her in drive, and moving the vehicle a small distance in neutral, all without success. Finally I let the vehicle sit overnight and sure enough it started on the first try the next day. Since that time I've started the vehicle about a 1/2 dozen times without issue.
It's a Cherokee Sport, automatic transmission, 4.0L engine.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

[87B2XLT]

I'd check all the electrical connections, starter/solenoid, key switch, wiring, etc. Sounds like there was something 'loose' or some such and it 'had to sit overnight'.... that's one of them gremlins that can drive ya nuts until you find out what caused it. What did the research say.... to call Ghostbusters / MIB? ;D

Dave G

[dvaldez70]

I've replaced the starter ignition switch. I'm also going to replace the Neutral Safety Switch but with the weather I don't have a dry place to do the work. If it happens again I'll do the starter last.
Thanks for the advice.
Dan

[87B2XLT]

No problem... sometimes these things can be simple.... sometimes these things can nickle and dime ya to death. Hope you get 'er all figured out. Oddly, I thought when I saw the title of the thread, it was going to be the usual XJ fuel-delivery-related-problem ....

Dave G

[BroknCJ]

Hey, my 96 XJ does that occasionally...Neutral safety switch. When it acts up I usually can put it neutral (has the auto) then just jiggle the shifter a bit while turning it to start and nine out of ten times it will fire up. Doesn't do it too often and I've been too lazy to get around to replacing it.

[KarlVP]

Crankshaft position sensor.

[Shawn]

Karl, I may be reading this wrong but I wouldn't think the CPS would do this. It sounded like motor wasn't turning over. I was under the impression the CPS would be looked into if the motor cranks but does not fire.