Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Traktor on July 22, 2013, 09:44:07 AM

Title: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: Traktor on July 22, 2013, 09:44:07 AM

My wife's jeep quit last night. 1995 XJ 4.0 auto

She said it was struggling to start the day before, turning over but not wanting to go. It was making a noise (her description, not mine so I don't know what it was) so she pulled over and turned it off. Now it won't start.

There is battery power, all accessories work. Turn the key and there is nothing, no clicks, no go. All the fuses and relays are good. Of concern, I tried to bump it ahead a bit in gear just to engage starter or something and it would roll easily regardless of the gear I put it in. Is this a safety mechanism?

I don't think it as simple as a starter because it would turn over, although it does not now. Any ideas or should I start there?

Thanks folks!

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: 1stjeep.ro on July 22, 2013, 07:04:47 PM

get yourself a nice handy spark plug wire check tool and see if you get current to the plugs. I had the same problem and turned out to be the rotor imploded inside the cap. also check your coil as well .Good luck and report back with your findings!

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: BUKI on July 22, 2013, 07:11:33 PM

Are you getting power to the starter?? Did you smack it with a hammer a couple times?  If its not turning over maybe neutral safety switch? 


Sent from my iProne

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: FiEND on July 22, 2013, 08:08:02 PM

starter solenoid

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: Traktor on July 22, 2013, 11:24:24 PM

Quote from: FiEND on July 22, 2013, 08:08:02 PM

starter solenoid

That's what the guy who was helping me thought. I've never had to deal with this issue. Changed the starter in my YJ a few times, but did the whole thing. I hear I have to bridge the gap to test it, any other tips besides google and youtube before I have it towed home? Is this something I can fix on the street?

Thanks all!

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: Traktor on July 25, 2013, 07:44:27 AM

OK, starter and solenoid out. Is there a way I can test the starter before I replace only the solenoid before I put it all together?

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: dubbleJs on July 25, 2013, 04:36:57 PM

Quote from: Traktor on July 25, 2013, 07:44:27 AM

OK, starter and solenoid out. Is there a way I can test the starter before I replace only the solenoid before I put it all together?

Yes I have bench tested a starter before with battery cables, google it as I can't remember which 2 posts you hook it to...

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: Traktor on July 25, 2013, 05:44:13 PM

Ok, just had the starter and solenoid tested. Works fine.

What do I check next? I tried moving things to make sure engine wasn't seized, couldn't get the ratchet on the main pulley nut to move without a breaker bar, but I could move things back and forth a long ways with the belt, is that enough?

Sigh...

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: whitefang on July 25, 2013, 07:38:30 PM

is it getting Spark?
is it getting Fuel?

Title: Re: Cherokee Won't Start
Post by: Traktor on July 25, 2013, 08:27:52 PM

It works!!

I did nothing but take it apart and put it back together.

???????