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Starter not working correctly?

Tiny
MONIQUE826
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Hello I have a 1998 grand cherokee my car started 2days ago and everything was fine. Today I go start my car and it wont start how will I know if it is the battery or the alternator
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 AT 7:43 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Is it cranking over and w/n start or just won't crank at all/nothing when your turn key to cranking position?? This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
RISSAROSS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Have a guy that knows what he is doing try this.
Take a hammer or screw driver and hit the safety neutral switch on the transmission. Try to start. If it starts then you need to replace it but it is cheaper just to get a used transmission with the piece on it. This is what happened to my 98 Cherokee a several months ago.
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Monday, February 14th, 2011 AT 5:27 AM
Tiny
TONGA72
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 159,000 MILES
I put in a new battery 6 weeks ago in my 98 jeep cherokee. It started fine this am(14 degrees in a garage) but in the pm all I got was a rapid clicking from starter. Lights are still strong.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNPI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Your battery is near dead most likely from a short in the system. You need to check all accesories are off and maybe in a garage in the dark to see if any interrior lights are on or an accident shorted out wires for lights etc.
A clean battery( not wet or dirty) it must be over 10.6 volts with no load to crank a good engine to fire properly.
Also if you have a poor ground connection or at the battery or a poor Hot connection, they need to be clean and tight! Not overtighten or you'll ruin the posts taht are only made of lead(soft and easily breakable).
Once connections and voltages are True and any accesories are off you should not get any draw to run the battery down. If Not sure Unplug all fuses and disconnect battery, put a voltmeter between the cable and battery post to measure voltage connection and see what the differneces are when each fuse is re-intraduced or sparks. You can also probe each fuse in box to see which ones (while ignition is off) have any power going to them to see what accesories are on those links to see what could be a problem. Llike maybe you don't use the cruise anymore as is won't work so that fuse may have power still but it is shorting out draining the battery.

Also With some starters that go bad they are over heated from cranking too much constantly (they need a duty cycle to rest longer than only the 15 sec. Max. That they should crank- so crank 15 rest 30-60 seconds or burnout could occur) sometimes that will hold the starter and a cycling of the solenoid could occur. Not as likely as low voltage battery. Or also a bad solenoid not connecting properly.

If no short is found than a simple test at a shop for the system may show a low Alternator output that is not charging the battery enough.

I usually check 1 fuse at a time first to see where there may be an issue of a short. But the battery is usually the key until proven faultless.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNPI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If the engine is in poor condition it may have trouble in the cold. Many times there is an issue with fuel or timing to rpevent the engine from firing quickly and properly to help with a quick start.
If it was an older battery I would be thinking too weak of acid with too much water content and freezing of the battery. But charge the battery for a full 8 hours on a good charge of at least 15 amps. Only a 2 amp trickle charger is to hold a full charge not to charge a low battery unless left on for a week or more.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LACY CHAPPELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Vehicle will crank but there is not any fire through the coil. It has a new battery, new coil and a new crank shaft sensor. What is causing this?
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If there is no spark, there should be a trouble code stored in the computer indicating where the problem is coming from. Have you scanned the computer to determine if any are stored? Here is a video showing how to check for codes:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Let me know what codes, if any, are found. Also, I realize most people do not own a scanner. Often times, a parts store will lend or rent one to you.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CATHY MOATS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • 200,000 MILES
Lost my keys to Jeep put in a new ignition now won't start.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Did you only replace the key lock portion or the entire lock and switch assembly? Is anything working on the vehicle? Does the starter engage?

Here are the directions for replacement of the switch and lock assembly. I'm adding everything in case this is what you did. Take a look through it and let me know if this is how you did it and what the exact symptoms are at this point.

____________________________

1997 Jeep Truck Grand Cherokee 2WD V8-5.2L VIN Y
Procedures
Vehicle Starting and Charging Sensors and Switches - Starting and Charging Ignition Switch Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
NOTE: The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal.

KEY CYLINDER REMOVAL

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery

2. If equipped with tilt column, remove tilt lever by turning it counterclockwise.

Fig. 43 Shroud R&R - Typical

pic 1

3. Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from steering column.

4. If equipped with automatic transmission, place shifter in PARK position.

Fig. 44 Retaining Pin

pic 2

5. A retaining pin is located at side of key cylinder assembly
a. Rotate key to RUN position.

B. Press in on retaining pin while pulling key cylinder from ignition switch.

IGNITION SWITCH REMOVAL

1. Remove key lock cylinder. Refer to previous steps.

Fig. 45 Switch Mounting Screws

pic 3

2. Remove 3 ignition switch mounting screws. Use tamper proof torx bit (Snap-On SDMTR10 or equivalent) to remove screws.

Fig. 46 Ignition Switch & Halo Lamp Connectors

pic 4

3. Gently pull switch away from column. Release connector locks on 7-terminal wiring connector at ignition switch and remove connector.

4. Release connector lock on 4-terminal halo lamp wiring connector and remove connector.

IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY CYLINDER INSTALLATION

NOTE: If installing ignition key lock cylinder only, proceed to following steps 2, 3 and 4. Also refer to following steps 12 through 18. If installing both switch and key cylinder, refer to steps 1 through 18.

Fig. 47 Flag In Run Position

pic 5

Fig. 48 Key Cylinder - Rear View

Pic 6

1. Rotate flag on rear of ignition switch until in RUN position. This step must be done to allow tang on key cylinder to fit into slots within ignition switch.

Fig. 49 Installing Key Cylinder Into Switch

pic 7

2. With key into ignition key cylinder, rotate key clockwise until retaining pin can be depressed.

3. Install key cylinder into ignition switch by aligning retaining pin into retaining pin slot. Push key cylinder into switch until retaining pin engages. After pin engages, rotate key to OFF or LOCK position.

4. Check for proper retention of key cylinder by attempting to pull cylinder from switch.

Fig. 50 Ignition Switch - View From Column

pic 8

Fig. 51 Park Lock Linkage - Automatic Trans. - Typical

pic 9

5. Automatic Transmission Only: Before attaching ignition switch to steering column, the transmission shifter must be in PARK position. The park lock dowel pin on rear of ignition switch must also be properly indexed into the park lock linkage before installing switch.

Fig. 52 Steering Wheel Lock Lever

pic 10

6. The flag at rear of ignition switch must be properly indexed into steering column before installing switch. This flag is used to operate the steering wheel lock lever in steering column. This lever allows steering wheel position to be locked when key switch is in LOCK position.

7. Place ignition switch in LOCK position. The switch is in the LOCK position when column lock flag is parallel to ignition switch terminals.

8. Automatic Transmission Only: Apply a light coating of grease to park lock dowel pin and park lock slider linkage. Before installing switch, push the park lock slider linkage forward until it bottoms. Do a final positioning by pulling it rearward about one-quarter inch.

9. Apply a light coating of grease to both column lock flag and shaft at end of flag.

10. Place ignition switch into openings on steering column.
A. Automatic Transmission Only: Be sure park lock dowel pin on rear of ignition switch enters slot in park lock slider linkage.

B. Be sure flag on rear of switch is positioned above steering wheel lock lever.

C. Align dowel pins on rear of switch into holes on side of steering column.

D. Install 3 ignition switch mounting screws. Tighten screws to 3 Nm +/- 0.5 Nm (26 in. Lbs. +/- 4 in. Lbs.) Torque.

11. Connect electrical connectors to ignition switch and halo lamp. Make sure that switch locking tabs are fully seated in wiring connectors.

12. Install steering column covers (shrouds). Tighten screws to 2 Nm (17 in. Lbs.) Torque.

13. Install tilt column lever (if equipped).

14. Connect negative cable to battery

15. Check for proper operation of halo light.

16. Automatic Transmission Only: Shifter should lock in PARK position when key is in LOCK position (if equipped with shift lock device). Shifter should unlock when key rotated to ON position.

17. Check for proper operation of ignition switch in ACCESSORY, LOCK, OFF ON, RUN, and START positions.

18. Steering wheel should lock when key is in LOCK position. Rotate steering wheel to verify Steering wheel should unlock when key is rotated to ON position.

SHIFTER/IGNITION INTERLOCK

On models equipped with an automatic transmission, a cable connects the ignition switch with the floor shift lever. The shifter will be locked in the PARK position when the ignition key is in the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions. The cable can be adjusted or replaced. The ignition interlock device within the steering column is not serviceable. If service is necessary, the steering column must be replaced.

______________________________

Let me know if this helps and more specifics on the present condition.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MATT1947
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
When the car is shut off like to pick up the kids and you go to start the car it is dead like as if the battery has been disconnected and you even half to reset the clock, with a jump it starts right up and runs fine till it decides to do it again in a day or a week.
Have checked the battery, the altinator, the starter, has new battery cables.
Any ideas what to check next?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
In power dist center under hood check fuse and relay for corrosion. It may be a bad starter relay or the prongs are corroded so if they are that may be the cause or a bad relay
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BIG BEAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
My jeep would not start and I took the alternator off and the battery. Took the and had both checked and they were fine. I put them back on and the jeep started. Do you have a reason so I can prevent it from happening again.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
If it is working fine now, chances are you had a corroded connection. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, make sure the ground strap from the battery to the engine block is clean and tight.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ERIANNAABYSS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 290,000 MILES
My '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo won't start and the brake feels locked (won't even go down at all). The gauges read fine except for the oil which apparently is really low (think there is small oil leak as I am not due for an oil change for another few m

Brake won't go down. Can hear a humming noise from the rear of car when I try to turn key. The ABS (off) button on the right side of the console next to wheel lights of very faintly
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
I think brake wont go down until it starts. Humm sounds like fuel pump?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ERIANNAABYSS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I'm not sure I understand. I'm sorry if this sounds stupid, but with my car you have to press the break before turning the ignition and shifting gears. When I try to press the brake and turn the ignition on the break wont go down. It feels locked or hard as a rock. The wheel moves, all the electrics seem to work fine. It's not even trying to turn over nor clicking as if it's a battery issue. Four years ago it had a fuel pump issue and even then it would try and turn over it just would never full do so.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Try wiggling shift lever in park. Your neutral safety trans switch may be going out. You could also try it in neutral if it will shift.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGALBEAGLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 230,000 MILES
I have a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it will not start. I have cleaned the battery terminals, and tried to jump start it. Radio and lights work. When I try to start it, dead silence, no cranking or clicking (as in the starter). What else can I try?

I am on disability and cannot a car repair at this time. Please help me :-)
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I understand the money issue. Are you saying the starter will not crank? If so, check the circuits at the starter for voltage. Any testing make sure the transmission is in park or neutral and a functional e-brake is set.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
4264BSA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Check to make sure the main harness has not come loose. This happened once to me. With the hood up and looking toward the firewall, there is a major harness connector held in by a bolt at the left side of the firewall. Check closely because it may not be off entirely, yet loose enough so that it needs pushed in and tightened with the bolt.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)

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