Any XJ X-perts? Cherokee won't start
- Thread starter AFSOC
- Start date
Adventure IQ
Explorer
I had same issuewith my 87.... Wound up being the starter. We pulled the starter and bench tested. I have been told that starting with low batteries will cause the starter to fail
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
You need a starter.
AFSOC
Explorer
Thanks all for your ideas. I swapped batteries between my Silverado and XJ without a change in symptoms. I was distraught that that didn't fix it but always had suspicions it wouldn't. On the advice of some folks I started disconnecting, inspecting and reconnecting every wiring connection I could find. I finally pulled apart the connector behind the engine, near firewall, over/just to the side of the transmission. When I hit the key to test for a difference, I got nothing...like the battery was disconnected. Dead as a doornail. I re inspected that connector but saw nothing unusual. I ended up jumping the neutral safety switch and was able to start the rig and the voltmeter stayed at a constant 13.65VDC. Cool, found the issue, didn't fix it yet but it should be easy enough.
I had the Jeep battery in the back of the truck so after I dropped my daughter off at soccer I went to AutoZone and had it tested. It wasn't great, it was okay but was borderline failure when they programmed in the 800CCA parameter. I am going to replace it this weekend. I see on the side that it was installed Aug 2007, I guess it is around the time to think about replacement. It was an Optima Red Top, I wouldn't hesitate to put in another but I'm going to look at some AGM options before plunking down two hundy +/- on the last battery I hope to ever install in the XJ. I guess that discussion is for another thread.
Thanks to all the ExPo ExJay X-perts who helped out!
I had the Jeep battery in the back of the truck so after I dropped my daughter off at soccer I went to AutoZone and had it tested. It wasn't great, it was okay but was borderline failure when they programmed in the 800CCA parameter. I am going to replace it this weekend. I see on the side that it was installed Aug 2007, I guess it is around the time to think about replacement. It was an Optima Red Top, I wouldn't hesitate to put in another but I'm going to look at some AGM options before plunking down two hundy +/- on the last battery I hope to ever install in the XJ. I guess that discussion is for another thread.
Thanks to all the ExPo ExJay X-perts who helped out!
Another cause of no starts is the CPS (crank position sensor)... a pain in the neck to replace too. Had it happen at my mother in-law's house. First thought was the battery and was pissed because it was less than a year old. Did a little research and some suggested the CPS. Replaced that and it cranked right up.
Soo... if it happens to not be the battery, CPS could be another option.
Soo... if it happens to not be the battery, CPS could be another option.
hardhat200
New member
engine wont turn over
on my 99 xj, there was a problem with the starter solenoid. If Im reading your symptom right, this may (or may not!) be similar. The contact into the solenoid was loose (you could feel it wiggle) and sometimes when you turn the key, you'd hear a click (the relay) but it just wouldn't do anything. Then, just jiggle it a bit, and the jeep would start right up. What I was hearing was power relay but NOT the solenoid. That's how I got the idea. Take a look/feel at the wire comming from the PCbox at the starter solenoid (small wire - it just activates the internal internal starter relay, it doesn't provide power for the starter or the relay). Unfortunately, i don't think you can change just the solenoid. You have to buy a whole new starter. (That's what I did and not problems since - at least with this issue!).
on my 99 xj, there was a problem with the starter solenoid. If Im reading your symptom right, this may (or may not!) be similar. The contact into the solenoid was loose (you could feel it wiggle) and sometimes when you turn the key, you'd hear a click (the relay) but it just wouldn't do anything. Then, just jiggle it a bit, and the jeep would start right up. What I was hearing was power relay but NOT the solenoid. That's how I got the idea. Take a look/feel at the wire comming from the PCbox at the starter solenoid (small wire - it just activates the internal internal starter relay, it doesn't provide power for the starter or the relay). Unfortunately, i don't think you can change just the solenoid. You have to buy a whole new starter. (That's what I did and not problems since - at least with this issue!).
hardhat200
New member
One other thing... I think (but am not certain) that if the crank position sensor fails, you get NO spark. So pull a plug and if you get spark, i think it's something else. This was my experience but if someone out there is SURE that you can get spark with a failed CPS, please chime in. Not sure about the camshaft sensor but would like an opinion on that as well. (I've got another no start problem Im chasing. Engine cranks, got spark, got fuel. Changed cps, camshaft sensor, and tried new computer. Think spark seems "weak" - kind of yellow and not bright snapping blue. Any ideas?