Struggling to start

[ngreene9]

Hey all!

I was hoping you might be able to help me diagnose an issue I was having today. When I went to start up my Jeep (‘99 4cyl) this morning she really sounded hesitant to get started. I went for a little cruise, and a little later, she REALLY did not want to start. After about 5 min of trying, she finally started up.

My initial thought was that it could be the starter going; however, later at night, she started up absolutely normal. No hesitation. Nothing. Just a turn of the key and ready to go.

Could my issue earlier on be related to the very hot weather? Could it still be a starter that is on its way out? What do y’all think?

Thanks!

 

[Chris]

Next time it does this, try cycling the ignition multiple times (turning the key, letting the fuel pump prime, then doing it again). After doing that 3-4 times, does it then start right up?

If so, your drainback valve (part of your fuel pump assembly) is going bad, and you'll need to replace the fuel pump.

 

[ngreene9]

Next time it does this, try cycling the ignition multiple times (turning the key, letting the fuel pump prime, then doing it again). After doing that 3-4 times, does it then start right up?

If so, your drainback valve (part of your fuel pump assembly) is going bad, and you'll need to replace the fuel pump.

Thanks, Chris I’ll definitely try this if I have the issue again, but as i’m thinking about it i’m not sure if hesitant is the proper way to describe the sound.

It was more sluggish in a way that made her sound that she really just didn’t want to start. Not sure if this makes a difference!

 

[Chris]

Thanks, Chris I’ll definitely try this if I have the issue again, but as i’m thinking about it i’m not sure if hesitant is the proper way to describe the sound.

It was more sluggish in a way that made her sound that she really just didn’t want to start. Not sure if this makes a difference!

Hmmm, that's odd. I mean it could be a starter starting to fail, but in my experience usually they just suddenly go bad. Battery health is another thing I would look at too.