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XJ Wont Crank-:-(

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Old 03-02-2015, 09:40 AM
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Calling all Experts, Techs, DIYers, and XJ Enthusiastsi,

Seems like I could use your knowledge again, and with your help she'll be running in no time.

Here's the story: Son has noticed lights flickering a few times. I hadn't experienced this, and she my daily driver. I overlooked it and thought the lights flickering had something to do with the radio, he blasts it (aftermarket he installed last year), and I never cut the thing on.

Last night, he and my daughter went to Walmart, he called me from the parking lot and said she wouldn't crank. After a few tries she did.

This morning, I told him he could drive to school since I called out of work, because I've been sick, and my grandma passed. He's been a big help so I thought it would be nice for him to drive. She won't crank

Here's what she sounds like:

Thanks for helping me to get her running again.

Last edited by WomanNeedsJeepExpertise; 03-02-2015 at 09:55 AM.
Old 03-02-2015, 10:31 AM
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Replace the battery and clean the terminal ends, replace the terminal ends if necessary.
Old 03-02-2015, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Bustedback
Replace the battery and clean the terminal ends, replace the terminal ends if necessary.
I just bought this battery, and new term ends, about 3 months ago. Do you think they're defective?
Old 03-02-2015, 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Bustedback
Replace the battery and clean the terminal ends, replace the terminal ends if necessary.
X2. Check your grounds as well. Have the battery tested at least. Sounds like loose connections
Old 03-02-2015, 10:42 AM
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fast-clicking is low battery power. Might be a dead battery, but I would do as above and clean the battery posts and terminals, alternator wire connection, grounds, etc, and see if you can get by with a jump start. Might need new cables.
Old 03-02-2015, 10:56 AM
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If it all possible, try to get the Jeep to a local chain auto parts store. They can test the battery, alternator and starter for free. This is much better than simply guessing. They simply connect a test tool to your battery which runs diagnostics.

Did you buy the battery from a chain parts store? If so, take it to the same store where you bought the battery. That way, if there's a problem with the battery, they can do a warranty replacement.

Be aware they can't really test the battery if it's dead or nearly dead. The store will charge it for free, but that typically involves letting them keep it on a charger overnight.
Old 03-02-2015, 11:33 AM
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Just bought it from Advance Auto, will have it checked, alternator, and starter when my son gets back from school. I think the trunk or glove compartment may have been left open.

Last edited by WomanNeedsJeepExpertise; 03-02-2015 at 11:38 AM.
Old 03-02-2015, 11:45 AM
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Pull the bulb out of the glove box light. That will save you from having a dead battery sometimes.
Old 03-02-2015, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by WomanNeedsJeepExpertise
I think the trunk or glove compartment may have been left open.
If that's the case, once you get it running, just drive it awhile. Since it's a pretty new battery, it will charge right up.
Old 03-02-2015, 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Bustedback
Pull the bulb out of the glove box light. That will save you from having a dead battery sometimes.
Wait a minute, I don't think I have a light in the glove box. What else could it be?
Old 03-02-2015, 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by WomanNeedsJeepExpertise
Wait a minute, I don't think I have a light in the glove box. What else could it be?
Check connection first b4 diving into what could bes...dont create problems that are not there....
Old 03-02-2015, 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by freegdr
Check connection first b4 diving into what could bes...dont create problems that are not there....
Nobody's around to give a jump. No loose connections under hood that he sees. Battery terminals were a little sticky from the anti freeze that got all over the place.
Old 03-02-2015, 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by WomanNeedsJeepExpertise
Nobody's around to give a jump. No loose connections under hood that he sees. Battery terminals were a little sticky from the anti freeze that got all over the place.
also, no lights were left on.
Old 03-02-2015, 03:51 PM
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your battery cables could be corroded under the sheathing. do you see any bulging in either cable going to the starter or engine block?

check your connection at the starter too.


hope your battery didn't freeze, is it bulging?

i can see in your video that your voltage gauge is low.
Old 03-02-2015, 06:00 PM
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Get the anti-seize off of the terminals. That could be part of the problem if it's between the post and terminal.



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