Another "won't start" thread

[LaCroix09]

Aloha all and thanks for your help!

Been having ongoing electrical issues with the TJ for a while. Initially unreliable starts, would occasionally start and run fine but would lose some components such as wipers, stereo, headlights.

More recently won't start at all. Battery was definitely dead so I replaced it. Now it tries to turn over and it sounds like it just can't get enough momentum to actually start. It does speed up a bit but won't run. I'm hoping this symptom is specific enough to get a diagnosis.

My plan was to replace the starter next but figured I'd ask the experts first.

Thanks again!
Jeff

 

[Mall'er]

Sounds more like you have issues with grounds or power. Clean the grounds and make sure your battery leads aren't corroded. If you have a DMM, you can test for resistance on the wires also.

A bad ground can cause all sorts of random electrical issues, which is what it sounds like you have.

 

[macleanflood]

Entirely possible the battery you bought wasn't fully charged.

Check the voltage and put it on a charger.

-Mac

 

[LaCroix09]

Sounds more like you have issues with grounds or power. Clean the grounds and make sure your battery leads aren't corroded. If you have a DMM, you can test for resistance on the wires also.

A bad ground can cause all sorts of random electrical issues, which is what it sounds like you have.

Yeah that's what my buddy thought as well. We replaced all of the wiring and the terminals and some of the more random symptoms did seem to improve but the start issues did not.

 

[JKP]

Been having ongoing electrical issues with the TJ for a while. Initially unreliable starts, would occasionally start and run fine but would lose some components such as wipers, stereo, headlights.

This sounds like a ign switch issue.

When my 06 key was severely worn, you could start it, but not all accessories would work unless you pushed in on the key while starting it. Went and got the spare key and everything worked correctly.

 

[Aidynl]

Had this issue before, suspected it was the battery so I replaced the battery and turned out the new battery was also bad just another thing to check but I think I was just unlucky

 

[LaCroix09]

This sounds like a ign switch issue.

When my 06 key was severely worn, you could start it, but not all accessories would work unless you pushed in on the key while starting it. Went and got the spare key and everything worked correctly.

You brilliant bastard. Took the spare key out and it fired right up!... One time.

Figured out it was also out of gas so had to grab some and buy a funnel that will actually get down past the TJ spill valve. Then it was back to the same starting issue.

Still suspecting the starter, I pulled it and took it in to NAPA who confirmed its demise. Replaced the starter and now she reliably starts every time.

I haven't tried my primary key again but I have to wonder if that has caused some of the more wonky electrical issues.

Anyway now my brakes are seizing from having sat for a year in the humidity. Always something with this Jeep.

Thanks all for your help!