97 Won't Start - Happened Before - Shifter Stuck

i occassionaly get this problem....
97 xj won't start. steering columns locked and the auto tranny shifter is locked up. i have power...radio n lights work. lights don't dim when i try to start. there is clicking of relay on passenger side.

i can get it to start when i turn the key and jiggle the shifter. it seems to unlock something and start as well as moving the wheel.

is there a transmission sensor that tends to go bad?

any ideas?

There is a sensor that tells the computer its in park or N and is safe to start, i forget the name but it was something that sometimes goes out, I remember someone talking about theirs going bad and needed replacment, had the same issues your having now. Wish I could have been more help =) seems like your on the right track though.

~Ed

Neutral Safety Switch: Use the SEARCH function for more information on it.

i'll do a search and see what i can find.


i was able to start the jeep by wiggling the shifter while in park and turning the key.

just found a great article!
http://www.jeepin.com/features/nss/index.asp


i think my reverse lights have been acting goofy over the last weeks too so this is probably my problem!