No start no click at the trail. Cranks at home

JoseA

JoseA

TJ Enthusiast
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Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2020
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315
Location
St. Louis, MO
So I went on the trails today and after I got done airing up (with CO2 tank) my tj wouldn’t crank. A friendly jeeper helped me push start it and it started just fine. Drove home and after I parked I checked to see if it wasn’t starting still and to my surprise it did start.
Battery is 2 years old 25 months if you’re counting. Checked voltage and it reads 12.75 at the post and 12.73 at the terminals. Keep in mind I just drove for about 1.5 hours.
Any help to diagnose this or am I SOL until it does it again?
Thanks in advanced. Sorry my responses might be delayed.

Edit: clarified about not using a compressor to air up.
 
Last edited:
Reading the battery voltage with a multi-meter or scan tool is ALMOST useless. You need a load test. If load test comes back good, it's time to start digging into what you're missing when it won't crank.
 
Exactly. But usually smacking it anywhere might free it up enough to get started.

I was going to replace my solenoid...local auto electric probably had one...but it was Friday night and I wanted to drive the Jeep Saturday...so I ran to O'Reilly's and bought a new new starter.

I also have all new battery cables, starter cables...Big 7 kit... should have just made my own, but it's convenient.

-Mac
 
macleanflood said:
Exactly. But usually smacking it anywhere might free it up enough to get started.

I was going to replace my solenoid...local auto electric probably had one...but it was Friday night and I wanted to drive the Jeep Saturday...so I ran to O'Reilly's and bought a new new starter.

I also have all new battery cables, starter cables...Big 7 kit... should have just made my own, but it's convenient.

-Mac
Click to expand...

I got that kit on the shelf. Maybe it would be a good time to install it.
 
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If your compressor killed the battery it may be battery time - or air up when it’s idling if you didn’t.
 
When you are airing up after leaving the trail; you should always have the engine running.
The amount of amperage drawn by a loaded compressor will draw down even a good battery depending upon air up time.
 
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@CharlesHS, @AndyG Sorry I should have said that I was using my CO2 tank to air up.

My plan for this evening is to inspect the wires going to starter. If that checks out I guess just wait till it does it again to see if the starter solenoid is the culprit.
 
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Check and clean the battery terminals and cable ends. It the cable connections are the bolt on type, loosen and clean the cable strands with some vinegar or some acid, then tighten the connectors back on.
 
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