Problems with 1994 XJ starting consistently

[Moogs]

I have a 1994 Xj with 4.0 and automatic. It starts consistently every time on first try. When I have had it running and moving and stop ie: at a gas station then try and restart, nothing. I have dash power and lights, stereo etc. There is no clicks or starter engage and no attempt to turn over. I leave it for 10 minutes or so and it goes. I tried moving the shifter selector to neutral and the same result. The battery seems decent and like I said no issues on first start up even in the cold.

I've read a bit on line and it doesn't seem to fit with any of the known issues I could find. It's not cranking and not starting like fuel delivery issue or similar. I'm wondering if a component is heating up and then cools enough to allow starting. Something like the coil or a relay? Any ideas or suggestions would be great.

If I'm leaving ou any relevant information please let me know and I will try and update.

Thanks in advance for an help.

[Immortal]

Sounds like your neutral safety switch. Fiddle with your shift lever.... push it back up into PARK.

[yellowjeep101]

Also if that doesn't work, try replacing your battery terminals. It sounds like your ground one may be toast.

[Moogs]

Awesome...thanks for the suggestions I will check them both...appreciate it!

[BUKI]

X2 on grounds. Also check starter connections.

[binare]

Also if that doesn't work, try replacing your battery terminals. It sounds like your ground one may be toast.

x2

[Woolf]

I had a similar problem on my '94 grand and after replacing the battery terminal, then the battery, then the starter by process of elimination it ended up being the actual power lead from the battery to the starter...there must have been a small short that expanded when the jeep warmed up.  Not expensive so worth a try...wish I had done it first but hey now I have a new battery and starter and 430K so should be good for the life of the jeep!

[cLAY]

Often it can also be the starter itself. Next time it does it have someone hold the key in the start position while you wack on the starter housing with a hammer. If it suddenly starts then the starter is toast and needs replacement.

With todays high tech vehicles its not often as a mechanic I get to diagnose things with a hammer(and keep my job) but this is one tried and ture method that even still works on the new stuff.

[Moogs]

Thanks for all the suggestions I will let you know the winner.