Intermittent No Start - ignition circuit?

Thanks in advance to anyone who has any input. I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee (sport, six cylinder, 4WD) that won't start occasionally. 98% of the time, it starts up without problem. When it doesn't work the scenario is: put the key in, dash lights up, begin to turn the ignition switch, and suddenly the whole system looses power - no lights on he dash and of course, no cranking of the engine. If I try again immediately, I either get nothing or maybe power until I start to turn the key. If I wait ~5 minutes and try again, it fires right up. This has happened in various weather conditions.

Another problem that might be related is that about 40% of the time, it cranks but won't start in PARK. If I switch to NEUTRAL and try again, it fires right up.

Again, thanks for any thoughts you might have!!

Sounds like the NSS, Neutral Safety Switch. Numerous threads on here that mention it and give instructions for the fix.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has any input. I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee (sport, six cylinder, 4WD) that won't start occasionally. 98% of the time, it starts up without problem. When it doesn't work the scenario is: put the key in, dash lights up, begin to turn the ignition switch, and suddenly the whole system looses power - no lights on he dash and of course, no cranking of the engine. If I try again immediately, I either get nothing or maybe power until I start to turn the key. If I wait ~5 minutes and try again, it fires right up. This has happened in various weather conditions.

Another problem that might be related is that about 40% of the time, it cranks but won't start in PARK. If I switch to NEUTRAL and try again, it fires right up.

Again, thanks for any thoughts you might have!!

i agree with neutral safety switch as fred said.

Follow up:

Took a while to sort out. There were two problems at play. The NSS did need cleaning, but the other problem was that my battery cables were very corroded. I didn't notice this because the terminal looked fine - it was the copper wire that was trash. All well now; thanks for the help!

Glad you found the corroded battery cable; that can cause several issues, hard starting among them.

Back on the road and trail!

Follow up:

Took a while to sort out. There were two problems at play. The NSS did need cleaning, but the other problem was that my battery cables were very corroded. I didn't notice this because the terminal looked fine - it was the copper wire that was trash. All well now; thanks for the help!

you'll never forget that one just because cables look good don't mean wires inside are clean and good.anyway glad you figured it out and back on the road again best part it'll start anytime now.

good luck.........