Intermittent Non Starting

[cherokeedoc]

I have a 81 Cherokee Chief 6 cyl auto that has recently had me pulling my hair out with intermittent starting problems. Most of the time starts no problem, without warning and usually when I have to be somewhere on time I turn the ignition and get nothing. Lights, fan, battery show power, no response from engine. I've replaced starter, cables to starter and solenoid on fender, ignition module thingy at bottom of steering stalk. Currently I'm bridging with jumpercables from the battery to the starter side of the solenoid, but this means I have to get outside and under the hood in all of our BC rain.

This website rocks, I can't believe I've survived on my own for 4 years without it.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Welcome to the forum! ;) I guess the only thing left that you have not changed is the N safety switch. This switch is located on the drivers front corner of the transmisson. It wil be the only wires going to the trans, provided you have an automatic. Also you could ground out the pole on the backside of the selinoid, that conection is the N Safety switch.

[cherokeedoc]

Thanks, I'll look tomorrow. Any thoughts on where I might find a replacement. Any precautions on removal??? Already had ignition module explode when fiddling with it.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

LOL Well I doubt Canadian Tire (Crappy Tire) would have it, but Trans shop should or go to the wreckers and get a used one. Might get some Fluid out the hole when removed.

[cherokeedoc]

Cheers, thanks. Yeah those crappy tire fellas don't really understand the FSJ. I stay away from their parts.

[Sbonley]

Another source of intermitent ignition problems is the ignition control box, located on the fender.

[cherokeedoc]

I did have the ignition control box replaced at dealer when first bought jeep 4 years ago. How often do they wear out?? I've replaced the NS switch, the plug seemed a bit loose @ the contacts. I'll try testing at the solenoid again. I'm suspicious about the NS switch though as the backup lights don't seem to work....any other thoughts??

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Originally posted by Sbonley:
Another source of intermitent ignition problems is the ignition control box, located on the fender.Ignition control box will not prevent the engine from turning over, even with the box off the vehicle..........engine will turn over. No warning when they go and no set time as to when they go, I have had new ones last a month, to swap one and never worry about it again.

[cherokeedoc]

Update: Replaced Neutral Safety Switch, no difference, won't start with ignition, but will start if jump battery to solenoid. Searching around engine, noticed wires to coil were very delicate. Played around with the wires and tried ignition again....Started! Started 10 times on demand. Drove it a bit and back to non-starting. Figured replace coil wire harness...drove all over town, found one, rewired coil. Tried again and nothing! I agree that the ignition box may be the culprit, but it just started so beautifully yesterday and now nothing. Anything else? Did I blow something in all of my cursing removing the coil?

[Earthmonster]

I might be waaay off here, but I have had a similar problem with 2 of my wags. And All I had to do was adjust the linkage so it was in PARK... lol. I found that just because your tranie is in park dont mean the switch is made. your problem may be different, I dont know. but twice now I have fixed this problem by adjusting that one nut linkage....

[cherokeedoc]

Thanks earthmonster, that is possible, now I'm kinda new at all this tranny business so I'll head off to read about how to adjust the linkage

[gsmikie]

also try starting it with the shifter in neutral

[cherokeedoc]

SUCCESS. Turns out I had attached an errant wire to the coil bracket without noticing. Pulled it out and bang, starts every time now.
Thanks for the troubleshooting guys!