Engine Starting Issue While Auto Transmission is in the "Park" Position

**SDphotoman** · 06-14-2009, 04:53 PM

I have an issue with my capability to start my engine at times. Most of the time I turn the ignition key and my engine turns over without a problem. On the other hand, there are times (5 to 10 times a week) I have to slightly pull back on the shift lever of my automatic transmission while the shift lever is in the "PARK" position in order to allow the engine to turn over and start?

I DO NOT have to take the transmission lever stick out of the "PARK" position; I simply grab a hold of the shift lever and pull the stick back very slightly. Approximately a 1/4" to 1/2” and afterwards the engine will then turn over and start. I have been experiencing this issue since last October and the problem is now becoming more frequent and persistent.

This issue can occur on a flat and level surface or a sloped and inclined surface. Your help is greatly appreciated.

P.S. My "REVERSE" lights do not work either.

bjones71087 · 06-14-2009, 04:58 PM

should be the NSS. might be able to clean it.

**xjfever** · 06-14-2009, 05:40 PM

http://www.dirtdevils.org/XJNutralSwitch.htm This link will show you how to clean the NSS=nuetral safety switch. The NSS controls the reverse lights as well.

**SDphotoman** · 06-14-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xjfever

http://www.dirtdevils.org/XJNutralSwitch.htm This link will show you how to clean the NSS=nuetral safety switch. The NSS controls the reverse lights as well.

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. I will give it try try this week and I will let you know my progress and the outcome.

**SDphotoman** · 06-14-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xjfever

http://www.dirtdevils.org/XJNutralSwitch.htm This link will show you how to clean the NSS=nuetral safety switch. The NSS controls the reverse lights as well.

I went to the link that you provided and there are no directions on the page. It appears that the page has been sitting idle since 2006? Is that correct? Thanks again...

**paulmatyn** · 06-14-2009, 06:37 PM

try this link, it will show you how to remove and clean the nss.

**SDphotoman** · 06-14-2009, 07:01 PM

Thanks so much for the information, I tried the link and it works! I will be taking my XJ to the Naval hobby shop this week to do the work.

I live in San Diego and I notice that you are just up the road a few miles. Know of any good trails up your way (no super rock crawls.) Mainly medium aggressive fie trails, beach trails, or desert spots.

Thanks again :-)

**xjfever** · 06-14-2009, 08:10 PM

The link I put up works for me. But the other one will work also.

**paulmatyn** · 06-14-2009, 08:46 PM

i dont know of too many trails, but check out this sub-forum here on jeepforum. there are a lot of good guys there that are always willing to wrench and wheel.

jimwww · 06-14-2009, 11:13 PM

Mine has to be started in nuetral - have to replace my NSS.

**SDphotoman** · 09-28-2009, 05:02 PM

Thanks for all of the input and help from everybody. I replaced the neutral safety switch (NSS) and all is back to good working order. The only other additional thing that I had to do was to replace one of my reverse backup light bulbs because it was burnt out.