Jeep will not turn over

[Guanc]

Today I replaced my heater core and AC evaporator. After putting everything back together the Jeep will not turn over (crank). The lights come on, the radio works and the fan blows but when I turn the key it will not crank. I have checked and all of the switches that I disconnected have been reattached. I am wondering if the ignition pin was damaged while the steering wheel was disconnected and laying down. Any additional thoughts from you guys?

 

[Goatman]

Starter get soaked when you pulled the hoses off?
Does it make ANY attempt? A click or grind or anything?

 

[Guanc]

No noise from the starter at all. I would imagine that some antifreeze did get on the unit when I pulled the hoses. Should I just clean it off? All electronics work and that is why I aimed it may be the ignition pin or switch.

 

[Flivver250]

Get out the test light and see if your ignition switch is sending power to the solenoid when you turn the key. Perhaps a connector is not making good contact. In all likelihood it is something not connected back up correctly. Also make sure your battery has a full charge and the cables are tight. Start with the basics and the things you touched.

 

[Guanc]

Get out the test light and see if your ignition switch is sending power to the solenoid when you turn the key. Perhaps a connector is not making good contact. In all likelihood it is something not connected back up correctly. Also make sure your battery has a full charge and the cables are tight. Start with the basics and the things you touched.

 

[Guanc]

I went out tonight and pulled apart the connectors under the drivers side and the connector to the ignition switch. I plugged it all back in and the Jeep stated. It ran for about 3 minutes and then cut off like I turned it off. I immediately tried to restart it and again no noise at all.

 

[Goatman]

Take a real close look at those connectors. You may have a loose wire or pin.

 

[Guanc]

Take a real close look at those connectors. You may have a loose wire or pin.

 

[Guanc]

So here’s my update. I checked all electrical connections. Unplugged them all, cleaned with an air can and reconnected and there was no change. I ordered a new ignition actuator and ignition switch and installed both. Turned the key and the Jeep started! Went out the next day and the damn thing wouldn’t make a noise. Unbelievable! I opened the fuse box in the engine bay and pulled the 30 amp starter fuse and reinstalled and the Jeep started. What in the world does this mean??? Should I simply buy a new fuse to replace the one that is there? Any help or advice is much appreciated!

 

[707kevin]

Clean all of the fuse connections as good as you can. My YJ had some slightly corroded fuses sockets that eventually heated up enough to melt the fuse box... Sounds like similar symptoms of components working intermittently.

Also make sure the wiring harness connectors to the fuse box are on good and clean

 

[Hound Dog]

I gave up chasing that ghost years ago and wired a starter button up to my dash.

 

[Guanc]

Funny you say that as that is what appears the popular choice among people that have this problem. That may be my fix if I keep having the same issue.