96 4.0 XJ wont crank

Hi all, new to this forum.
My 96 zj (hit wrong button in heading) wont crank over when I turn the key to the starting position. Not getting anything, no starter clicking. I have read previous posts about the nss and tried to start it in neutral and have slammed the shifter back and forth. Still wont start. I have replaced the starter thinking it was that but Im almost positive that it was fine before I replaced it. (The guy at autozone said it was bad, yeah right!)If I hold the key forward for about a miniute sometimes it will start. When it cranks over it starts right up(strongly). Need help please Thanks.

I don't understand. You say in won't crank, then you say it "seems" like it cranks after you hold the key on for about a minute.

Is it accurate to restate that: "When I turn the key to the start position, nothing happens for about a minute, and then it cranks and starts?"

If so, does it crank strongly?

Sounds like a bad neutral safety switch. I've bypassed them at the plug at the trans dipstick. Sorry don't remember which wires,check your service manuel

Good Luck

Nick

Re: 97 4.0 ZJ wont crank

Well I was dead in the water again when I wanted to leave from the lake. I crawled under the truck and jiggled the NSS wires and it fired up. I will be checking the wires out today. Hopefully its something simple as a wire worn through. Does anyone know which wires should have power when you hit the key??

Pull the plug and clean the plug contact surfaces.