Neutral safety switch keeps going bad

1996 JEEP CHEROKEE
260,000 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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996XJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I bought the vehicle listed above (XJ) a month ago as a project car. I immediately noted that I’d likely need a new neutral safety switch, seeing as the vehicle would turn on (A/C, stereo, etc.), but wouldn’t even try to start until I’d shift into neutral or turn the key a few times.

Ended up grabbing a brand new switch, putting it on, and problem solved! For a week. While it’s definitely not as bad, you can definitely tell that we’re headed downwards.

I know that I’ll be needing new battery cables and a small fix for a little leak in my transmission.

Any clues as to why I’m blowing through switches? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Mar 15, 2021 at 5:14 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good morning,

I would inspect the connector and make sure the pins are tight, not damaged and they are tight. Bad connections are the main reason for failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

Roy
Mar 16, 2021 at 2:52 AM
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