Starter will not crank the engine?

Tiny
D PAYNE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 173,435 MILES
I just bought this vehicle and it won't crank with the key, but I can cross the starter out and crank it but it will only run for few seconds then cuts off. I checked all fuses and relays and connections all the gauges seem to be working. There's a flashing round light with a line through it with a key image that flashes on the dash. Don't know if that might have anything to do with it or not. If someone could help me I sure appreciate it.
Thursday, June 13th, 2019 AT 12:02 PM

31 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi D Payne,

This sounds like the key is the issue or at least the SKIM system. I attached the description and diagram for this.

However, as you can see in the chart that when this light is flashing, it means the key is the issue. If you don't have a known good key then you will need a scan tool to program another key or have the system evaluated to see what is wrong with it.

This guide can help us fix it

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

Please run down this guide and report back. Please let me know if you have other questions. I will be happy to assist how I can.
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Thursday, June 13th, 2019 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
MOSSMIC1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,000 MILES
I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee that won't start. It seems like a battery issue, but I wanted to make sure. When I turn the key, it doesn't crank, but I can hear a clicking from the interior fuse box, and I can hear the starter. Also, when the key is in the ON position, the gauges are moving. Does this sound battery related?
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
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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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NOOBMECHA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,124 MILES
My battery and starter is good. My GCL will turn over and all the lights on the dashes will turn on but it won’t crank. Took the starter out and tested it at auto zone and it came good. Changed the starter relay and I hear a click whenever my son tries to start it. I tried to manually start it by giving power from the negative terminal to the solenoid directly but it didn’t crank also. Please help me.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,159 POSTS
Hello,

Can you try to crank the engine over with the car in neutral please? Here is a guide to help you see whats going on and the starter wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works:

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

Lets check the starter relay as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GEC323
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Drove car home. Parked for fifteen minutes car wouldn't start. Dash lights and radio work. Ignition switch makes no noise. No clicking sound at all.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This could be a problem with your battery. Could you take a voltage reading across your battery terminals for us? You will need to use a multi-meter to do this. Here is a link for you to go to if you are unfamiliar with how to use one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

I have also included a wiring diagram of your vehicle's starting system in the diagrams down below. Please get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SAMANO02
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 118,000 MILES
I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado that will not start. When I turn the key it will make a single click sound and nothing else. For about a month it has been kind of hesitant to start. All my lights, radio, power window and locks all work. Could it be the starter (even though it was replaced about 2 years ago)?
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Yes it can be the starter. Have you checked the battery yet?Do you have a multimeter?
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
EVEN A BRAND NEW STARTER CAN BE/ OR GO BAD!....OR A RELAY

(NOW-A-DAYS, PROBABLY A LOT TO DO WITH "TEXTING", WHEN ONE SHOULD BE WORKING)

LET'S DO THE CHEAP-DIRTY WORK FIRST, BEFORE YOU START BUYIN' STUFF

THE LINK I'M ABOUT TO PROVIDE IS THE MOST COMMON SOLUTION TO A "SET-BACK" LIKE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING....SEE MY ANSWER IN THIS ONE

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1996-chevrolet-tahoe-wont-start-sounds-dead-battery-jumpbox-get-same-reults

RETURN WITH GOOD NEWS!

THE MEDIC

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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Thats a gm vechile that has a different color trigger wire then the jeep also other differences. If the battery is good also if your battery cables are clean and tight. Also if its the starter making the clicking sound see if you have battery voltage to the light green wire at the starter with the key in the start position?
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
WHERE'D A COLORED WIRE COME IN?

I'M JUST TRYIN TO GET 'EM TO ATTACK THEIR CONNECTIONS SERIOUSLY. MOST PEOPLE JUST SORTA "FINGER THEM" AND MAYBE STICK A PAIR OF PLIERS ON A TERMINAL CLAMP NUT

RECENT HAPPY FELLER SENT ME THIS RESPONSE:

Thanks much.I found the problem. It was a loose wire close to the starter that I wouldn't have found if it wasn't for your (spit in your face drill sergeant treatment) that I ultimately needed. You saved me a ton of $ from having an auto repair garage diagnose the problem. Thanks again.

Samano02. ARE YOU GONNA GIVE US SOME GOOD NEWS OR WHAT?

THE MEDIC
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MCHISM84
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,000 MILES
Everything else comes on, but it doesn't even make a clicking noise like it's trying to turn over. This doesn't always happen though. Sometimes it will start on right off the bat without any problems, but other times, I have to release the key, press on the break and then it will start. The other day, it wouldn't start for 45 minutes. I went back to work, and 5 hours later, it started right up on the first try when I tried again. The engine runs fine once you get it started. Thanks!
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,086 POSTS
The next time this happens, shift to neutral, then try to crank the engine. If that works, suspect the transmission range sensor / neutral safety switch. The starter can be bad as well this guide will help us confirm the issue.

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JASPER34
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you so much for this post I had this problem and used the guide to figure out the starter motor was bad got rebuilt unit for $143.00 all fixed
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FLYNN-T
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
When I turn the ignition nothing happens I have no power going from ignition switch to solenoid but I can cross solenoid over and it will start right up-I changed fuse under hood and changed starter relay under the hood and still will not start by turning the key. I put a wire in park neutral switch to by pass it and still will not start by turning the key. Can you help me out please when I turn the key on dash lights up and radio plays, windows work, it just will not turn over of the key.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try a security system reset, see link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FLYNN-T
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Sorry forgot to tell you I tried the security system to see if that would work, but it never helped. I am really thinking it has something to do with the ignition switch, but every thing lights up and works when I turn the key. It just will not crank and start. Thanks
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Like most Chrysler products the start system goes through the TPIM module which can be bad and a mechanic will have to scan for codes for that as auto parts cannot scan TPIM modules.
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Monday, August 31st, 2020 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
I screenshot your Starting System diagram in "Prodemand"

It took two shots, I insured they overlapped.

I circled, in yellow, some other things you might check out

Let us know how it is going.

Two diagrams below

The Medic
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