No start issue

Kevin E

Kevin E

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Lifetime Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2015
Messages
866
Location
Wharton, TX
Been a while since I have been on here. 2003 Rubicon will not start or even crank over now.
It seems like something gradually went out and at the moment all I can do to start it is jump it off.
For a while it was hit or miss on starting, but I could do a quick turn of the key a couple of times then it would fire up.
Now there is no power at all after she sits, or turn it off after jump start. Turn the key and no dash lights or any other lights coming on.
No clicking from battery or anything else.
Battery is good, New starter, no blown fuses. Looking for a little help. Electrical is not my best subject.
Thanks
 
I haven't checked that out, no one here but my 3 dogs and 3 cats!
I can have my son in law help me in a couple of days.
Thanks
 
Never assume new parts are good...most new stuff is junk.

What battery voltage do you have on the new battery and have you put it on a charger?

-Mac
 
macleanflood said:
Never assume new parts are good...most new stuff is junk.

What battery voltage do you have on the new battery and have you put it on a charger?

-Mac
Click to expand...

Agree, I would isolate the power. If it will start when it gets jumped, there's an issue with the battery would be my start, not that it's necessarily bad, but I made the mistake of telling my son to clean up and fix the negative terminal (mistake 1 not verifying it was done), and a week later his JK wouldn't start. I assumed he had done what I asked (Assuming that mistake 2) and spent hours diagnosing (mistake 3, didn't start at the battery terminal). I looked at battery, and about lost my cool. He's at Ft Campbell in the Army now, but he was almost a casualty that day before he shipped out.

Like Mac said, I'd pull the battery terminals, and charge it over night and see if you're getting a good reading, and then try it. Eliminate that first.
 
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Kevin E said:
Battery is not new. Only starter.
12.4 volts on battery
Click to expand...

Excellent. So try two things...check the battery voltage as someone turns the key and see if it drops and how low.

Second, check the little wire on the starter and see if it gets 12.4 v when the key is rolled forward.

-Mac
 
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