Starter problems part two (Did my ignition switch go bad?)

[Joseph]

I posted the other day wondering if not I can crimp a new connection on the starter. New connection on, I must’ve started it 30-40 times since then as my job requires me to move a lot. I go to start it at work again today, nothing. No noise at all.

Thinking the starter was just officially shot, I went to advance auto and got a CarQuest brand reman starter. No luck and it won’t start. Guess i’ll be returning that tomorrow.

I think it must be getting power because accidentally bridging the two posts threw sparks. I had the old starter on when this happened.

Did my ignition switch go bad? Please help me get this thing back on the road. Thanks always guys.

 

[IPerkWVU]

This is a good video I used to troubleshoot my starter problems. First I'd try to short your starter by running a power signal line to the battery.

 

[Goatman]

Sounds like a solenoid to me. Pull the old starter and take it to get tested. I never leave the store with a starter or alternator without load testing it first. I think they are rebuilt by eight year old Guatemalans in a dark shed and a pile of used parts with only a hammer to use.

 

[John Scoggins]

Make sure you are getting battery voltage to the big cable on the starter (sounds like you are since it sparked). When you check for voltage, make sure you ground to the starter body, this way is confirms the ground path to the battery is good also if you get voltage.
If there is battery voltage to the battery cable on the starter, have a helper turn the key to crank and check for battery voltage to the small wire on the solenoid, if battery voltage is present at the small wire (when key is turned to start) and the big cable then the ignition switch is good and you have a starter problem.
If either one does not have voltage then start checking wires, including grounds, and make sure that there is good connection in the Power Distribution Box.

 

[Joseph]

Going to try and get this out of my work parking lot at least. I would think two starters later it’s definitely a not getting power issue or the ignition switch.
That being said, I just remembered there were a handful of times where I went to crank my TJ many months ago and nothing would happen, then I crank again and it’s good. So there’s that too.

 

[Chris]

Sounds like a solenoid to me. Pull the old starter and take it to get tested. I never leave the store with a starter or alternator without load testing it first. I think they are rebuilt by eight year old Guatemalans in a dark shed and a pile of used parts with only a hammer to use.

I'd have to agree with this.

I had mine rebuilt for a very good price (turned out to be the solenoid) and it worked as good as new! The guys who rebuilt it locally did it in about an hour.

 

[John Scoggins]

To get it home and if the starter is good but the ignition key is not sending a signal to start, you can put the key in "RUN" and cross the small wire (the 12v start wire) with the battery cable on the starter to start the jeep (this is assuming that the starter is good). Just make sure it is in park or neutral with the parking brake on.

 

[Joseph]

The starter motor runs but I dont think it’s engaging. I took the actuator out and it looks okay. I tried to start it by sticking a screwdriver in the ignition switch and I got nothing. I’m returning the starter since the one I have is good and buying an ignition switch.

My jeep is an automatic, if that makes any difference. Also, I wasn’t getting any power to the connector going from the ignition switch to the starter.

 

[John Scoggins]

Have you tried to start it in Neutral?

 

[Joseph]

Have you tried to start it in Neutral?

No, and I have seemed to screw it up even more now by turning the ignition cylinder around.. My actuator actually was missing the spring on it. Also, not the ignition switch..

 

[John Scoggins]

It sounds like the ignition switch might have given up the ghost, have to tried to turn the key to RUN and cross the starter terminals with a screwdriver (with a non metallic handle).

 

[Joseph]

It sounds like the ignition switch might have given up the ghost, have to tried to turn the key to RUN and cross the starter terminals with a screwdriver (with a non metallic handle).

Putting in the new ignition switch still didn’t allow me to start it. I stuck a flathead in the plastic square inner part that turns to start. No start.
Now I’m trying to put the key back into the run position because I spun it a few times.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

If they are indeed built by eight year old Guatemalans, then they are re-built in America! That's because all the eight year old Guatemalans are here in New Mexico and hundreds more crossing the border everyday. Anybody need some Guatemalans, we're full!

 

[John Scoggins]

I forgot to ask if you had a SKIM key?

 

[Joseph]

I forgot to ask if you had a SKIM key?

What is a SKIM key? I have a remote start that was put in there by the PO, I never used it but once when I realized what it was. I just tried using it now to see if it’d start anything. I can hear it trying but nothing.

Gonna assume this is a wiring issue now that I’ve replaced the starter, ignition switch AND the actuator..

 

[Joseph]

I put it in run and crossed the two posts on the solenoid and all I got was the sound of the motor turning but it didn’t sound like it was engaging anything?

 

[John Scoggins]

I put it in run and crossed the two posts on the solenoid and all I got was the sound of the motor turning but it didn’t sound like it was engaging anything?

That sounds like the starter Solenoid (assuming that is the sound you are hearing as opposed to the motor turning), but did you check to see if the small wire is getting 12 volts when the key in turned to START?

 

[pagrey]

I put it in run and crossed the two posts on the solenoid and all I got was the sound of the motor turning but it didn’t sound like it was engaging anything?

Shorting the big terminals does not activate the solenoid to engage the starter. You need to short from the big battery side to the small tab or terminal.

 

[Joseph]

Shorting the big terminals does not activate the solenoid to engage the starter. You need to short from the big battery side to the small tab or terminal.

From here to the battery?

 

[Joseph]

Could anyone let me know how I can just get the starter jumped to start the car and take it home? I’ve put the ignition switch and actuator (all new parts) back in and nothing still.