The neutral safety switch in your Jeep Cherokee is designed to prevent the vehicle from starting with the gear selector in any position except "park" or "neutral." The switch utilizes three terminals and provides a ground to the starter solenoid circuit in the center terminal only. A malfunctioning neutral safety switch can have several symptoms revolving around the gear shift indicator.
Sit down in the Cherokee and apply the parking brake. Hold the brake pedal down with your foot.
Try to start the vehicle in every gear. If the engine starts with the gear selector in positions other than "park" or "neutral," the neutral safety switch needs adjustment or replacing.
Have an observer verify that the reverse lights operate when the gear selector is in "reverse." If not, and the fuses and bulbs are in working order, the neutral safety switch is likely at fault.
Check the steering lock to verify that it will only allow the ignition key to go into the "lock" position when the gear shift lever is in "park." The key should only be able to be removed in the "lock" position.
