Shut off while driving?

Tiny
SCORBETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 JEEP WRANGLER
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I was driving and went over a pretty steep apron in a lot and my jeep shut off completely with no lights, nothing and the gauges froze. After coasting to a stop and closing a door, the lights came back on, and the aux mode worked, and gauges went down. The engine wouldn't turn over though. Any ideas?
Friday, January 6th, 2023 AT 10:32 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Is everything now working other than the starter won't engage to start the engine? Also, how steep was the apron?

Let me know. Also, I attached the wiring schematic below for your vehicle. I highlighted a fuse I need you to check. Also, remove and reinstall the starter relay to see if anything changes.

When you check the fuse, make sure there is power to it as well.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Also, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight and confirm the ground from the battery to the engine block is in good condition.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, January 7th, 2023 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
SCORBETT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi, I've checked the terminals and fuses and still no luck everything except the starter is working and the apron was about 15-20°.
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Monday, January 9th, 2023 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If the fuses and relays are all good, then we need to check for power at the starter motor.

At the starter motor, there will be a heavy gauge red wire straight from the battery. It will have 12v at all times. Confirm it does have power.

Next, there is a smaller gauge yellow wire with a gray tracer. It won't have power unless the key is in the start position.

Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check that wire for power. If you have power, remove the starter and have it bench tested. If there is no power, then we need to work backward.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, January 9th, 2023 AT 7:24 PM

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