96 Cherokee - Intermittent Starting Problems

[CherokeeMan]

My 96 Cherokee (4.0L auto - 188K - in great cond. ) has an unreliable starting problem. Every few times I try to start the engine (at any temperature) it doesn't turn over. Sometimes it sounds like the starter isn't even clicking.  I try again a few more times and it eventually 'catches' and starts as if nothing is wrong. The engine never automatically turns itself off. During my multiple failed attempts sometimes the power to the battery temporarily 'disconnects' leaving me to believe the battery is dead - it isn't.  Recently I've tried taking it out of Park and putting it into Neutral.  When I do this it always starts.

I've recently replaced:
Sparks
Spark plug cables
Distributor Cap and rotor
Battery

Is this problem related to my crankcase position sensor or is this some other electrical problem?  Should I try replacing my crankcase position sensor?

Thanks.  I appreciate your expertise  

[XJHERO]

id say park neutral switch
Mine does the same thing im just to lazy to change it. 50% of the time it wont start in park but always in neutral.

[XJwrencher]

i second the switch theory(also the lazyness :lol: ), next time it doesent start turn your key to the start position while holding it there try wiggling the shifter in the park position to see if it makes contact, if it does it should start.

[NS-jeeper]

It could also be a bad ignition switch, my buddies CJ had that problem.