WJ TRS gearshift starting problem

[loosenut]

G'day

I have been searching the net and forums without finding info on what I need so now need to ask your help, please.

I have a 2004 WJ Vision 4.7 Ltd with starting problems. It has always had occasional starting issues in the 2 years I have had it, I just let it cool down and then it fires up OK. But over the last few months it has gotten worse and has now been stranded on my driveway for the last two weeks unable to start. Now I usually could get my Jeep to start by putting it into Neutral or just tapping the shifter when in park to start it. Then I needed to put a bit more force on the shifter and now today I have just been able to start the beast by leaning "very" heavily on the shifter.

It has the 545RFE Transmission so I believe it doesn't have the NSS but has the Transmission Range Sensor on top of the valve body, which I understand does the same job of the NSS.

The previous owner told me he had replaced the Solenoid Valve Pack, which I thought was nice but now I know why he did it... I was ready to replace the Solenoid Valve Pack a second time but now suspect it may be just adjustment of the gearshift cable that is all that's required.

But I cannot find any instructions on the correct procedure to adjust the gearshift cable, if someone could help me out or confirm I am on the right track would be appreciated.

btw, it has a new battery, the solenoid on the starter does click and I have serviced/replaced the transmission oil and filters twice and checked the fluid levels.

Cheers

Brian

[Grippy]

Mine did exactly this, for over a year, was ok when cooled down, then got worse and left me stranded at the shops, which sucked, and on the driveway. I always thought it was the NSS too, would juggle shifter back and forth and sometimes it seemed to work, albeit with a slow cranking speed, like a flat battery, but it wasn't.
I pulled the starter, and the little connector is a plastic piece, which crumbled to bits, cut it off, put a spade connection on and it's been good as gold, no problems since.

Sent from under my Grand Cherokee

[loosenut]

Hey Grippy thanks

Well after 140 views I think I am on my own. I think the issue is either the solenoid pack or the starter motor... I reckon I could replace either myself but which one. I would go for the solenoid pack but the PO has already replaced it... ( though I am also having reversing light issues, umm)

Over the weekend I took apart the gearchange cable on the side of the transmission but that looked all OK, it doesn't seem to be able to be adjusted. So leaning on gearshift lever may just be placebo effect...

I think I will pull out the starter motor this weekend and give it a clean and just check for dodgy connections like you found and see if that makes a difference.

Cheers
Loosenut

[Grippy]

There's 2 connector a on it, the big one that bolts on will be fine, it's the little plastic clip, seems it's rights next to the exhaust manifold and gets fried over time. It's a tight area, but it's doable

Sent from under my Grand Cherokee

[loosenut]

OK, so took the starter motor off the engine (removed upper control arm and starter motor was easy to get at). All wires and contacts looked good, I took it apart and all looked ok, brushes seemed fine so I gave it all a good clean, put it all back together and fitted starter motor back on engine.

Now when I try to start the Jeep, 50% of the time the starter motor makes a whirring sound and a clunk and doesn't start the engine, the rest of the time the starter motor starts the engine just fine.

So I assume the gear (bendex) is not engaging the flywheel properly, something is slipping or solenoid is stuffed. Guess it is time for a new starter motor...

Where is the best place to get a new, decent brand starter motor please (WJ 4.7 2004). The ones on ebay I wasn't sure about ? I am on the North Shore, Sydney.

Thanks

Brian