Washed engine bay 04 TJ, now I have starter problems

IPerkWVU

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Charlotte, NC
Replaced the battery yesterday, and while I had the hood up rinsed out the engine bay with the garden hose. After I did that, jeep started right up. Let sit overnight, go to start the jeep this morning and now running into an issue..

Turn key, dash lights up, battery showing charged, does not engage the Starter. No clicking, no crank.

Suggestions on what to troubleshoot? It's an 04. Checked the stater relay (swapped with a similar size), fuse looks good.
 
When you turn the key, do the lights inside come on or any power the the stereo?
 
Sounds like maybe you fried a sensor or something. Do you have an OBDII scanner just to scan it for potentially pending codes?
 
Ok, I think I overreacted, got the jeep in a place it could be jumped and it fired right up. Maybe the new battery wasn't charged fully... Going to drive around the block, let it run for a while then check again later today. No codes were thrown.
 
Hmmm, that's weird!

I've never had good luck with pressure washing engine bays. Anytime I've done this, it's caused little issues like you've had. The proper way to do it would be steam cleaning it, but you'd have to find a steam cleaner!
 
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Hmmm, that's weird!

I've never had good luck with pressure washing engine bays. Anytime I've done this, it's caused little issues like you've had. The proper way to do it would be steam cleaning it, but you'd have to find a steam cleaner!
I've avoided doing it for this reason, but one of my buddies was giving me crap for how dirty it was recently, hose was near where I was working yesterday so figured I'd give it a quick rinse. At this point I don't know if it's the water or the battery but leaning towards the battery... New AGM from pep boys with a higher CCA than what was in there previously
 
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I've avoided doing it for this reason, but one of my buddies was giving me crap for how dirty it was recently, hose was near where I was working yesterday so figured I'd give it a quick rinse. At this point I don't know if it's the water or the battery but leaning towards the battery... New AGM from pep boys with a higher CCA than what was in there previously

In all honesty, whenever I had issues like this on past vehicles (after cleaning out the engine bay like you did), the problems completely went away after a day or two. I always equated it to water getting in places it shouldn't be, then evaporating.

It's always good to let the engine run and get warm, so driving it is a good idea!
 
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Also keep in mind that the starter uses a stator/armature and a magnetic field conductor coil , if water can access top of starter and sit inside and start a low volume rust, then the magnetic field is compromised by adding more magnetism decreasing the energy field between armature and field coil... hence getting the no start. Just slightly taping on the starter will break adhesions in the field and likely start your vehicle after a few taps and a turn of ignition.
 
I have regularly pressure washed the engine bay in every single vehicle I’ve owned for the past 30 years and have never had a single problem. I even pay particular attention to thoroughly wash the starter, alternator and behind all the pulleys. I have never covered anything beforehand either.
But I always make sure to drive them immediately afterwards for at least 5-10 minutes to dry everything out before parking them for the night
 
Vinman, your are a lucky guy if you have washed your vehicle thourghly as stated, and if you continue with new electronics being added everyday I believe your luck will only run out. First to clean your engine, NEVER run your engine and wash it at the same time. An open vacuum hose, exposed relay or fuse, open circuit with voltage to a main module, or nooks and crannies that could hold water will store unforgiving damage. Always start engine and let it warm to touch, this will help engine degreaser break down oil and other gunk down quicker while decreasing the risk of breaking down wax covered components such as bushings, belts and so forth. Always cover main relays, fuse boxes, harness conectors and potential vacuum ports that could lead to water in the engine. These small things can be wiped down with a rag and cleaner. After spraying degreaser let it sit briefly and wash off at a 20-30% hose angle. No direct line of spray. Afterwards take compreseed air and go around all mentioned above covered electronics and remove excess water. Your whole goal in this is to clean the motor and surrounding hoses and parts and not put yourself with intermittent issue with electrical failures. But a clean engine is something that you should do as it has very many benefits to help in your motor running more efficient with less components breaking down over time giving your vehicle longevity.
 
I pressure wash my engine bay all the time, I am just cautious as to where the water cannon is pointed. Plastic bags go over the delicate parts. No doubt you had something that got wet had to dry out a bit. For 27 bucks (or less), the car washes here put your rigs in the air and thoroughly pressure wash your undercarriage, engine bay, hand wash the outside and totally clean the inside. Takes them (2-3 dudes) about 45-60 minutes. Not a speck of dirt, streaks or grime anywhere when finished. I'll risk a hard start for that kind of cleanliness. The benefits of the lack of dirt outweighs the risk perceived from the application of water.
 
Also keep in mind that the starter uses a stator/armature and a magnetic field conductor coil , if water can access top of starter and sit inside and start a low volume rust, then the magnetic field is compromised by adding more magnetism decreasing the energy field between armature and field coil... hence getting the no start. Just slightly taping on the starter will break adhesions in the field and likely start your vehicle after a few taps and a turn of ignition.
I doubt it. The starter is mounted on the bottom. It gets soaked all winter and submerge in water crossings. No way washing it will be its death.
Most modern car engine bays and components deal with water well. Light washing, even some heavy washing, is only a problem if something is already broken/gone bad. Just my opinion.
Heck, my Chev 350, in my ski boat got completely submerged for 3hours. Dried out on its own and ran 10+ years.

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