Red1992XJ

Is it possible that the battery is dying, and just not enough to crank over the starter? How old is the battery?

jordan96xj

Usually, with a "nothing happens when I turn the key" the problem is related to the following 4 culprits - in order of probability:

1. Bad connections (terminal clamps, cable corrosion, ground connections)
2. Bad battery (Not enough voltage available to even energize the starter relay)
3. Bad starter or starter solenoid (Lots jump to this first, but not the most likely - but possible of course)
4. Bad ignition switch (on a 1996, a LOT of amperage goes through the ignition switch due to the air conditioner fan running directly through the switch - which can cause the connector to melt/short and/or the switch to have problems)

3 and 4 are both about equally probable, but not usually the primary culprits. Unless you run your AC fan on high all the time, then that will increase the chances of there being a problem in that area.

Borda

Thanks for the reply. That is what I thought when it was struggling to start the times before but the dashboard indicates the battery is at 50% and that's wheat it was when it was running fine. I also played the radio turned on the lights and put the air conditioner on full blast for a couple minutes and nothing slowed down but I guess its not a bad idea to change the battery.

Borda

AwesomeI knew someone would give me a place to start! I'll have AAA come check the battery and replace if needed and then if that doesn't work tow to my house and try these in the order you gave.
THANKS!!!

Red1992XJ

Just to confirm, does it click and do nothing, or does it try to turn over slowly?

You can't always check the battery by the gauge on the dash. Use a volt meter to at least check directly at the battery. Also, get it tested with a load tester that will put a real drain on the battery.

Also, have you tried to start it in neutral? Sometimes the Neutral Safety switch can be going bad. Try wiggling your shifter in park, while holding the key in the start position

Borda

Thanks so much. It started slowly for 5- 6 starts before not starting the other day. I did try it in neutral and also wiggled the shifter. If is parked far from my house so going to try to get to it later today. I will get the battery tesyed first as you are right that maybe it just needs more power to start which woul dbe great. I'll keep you posted!

Red1992XJ

Ok, thanks for the clarification. The NSS is not an issue (99.9% sure).

How old is the battery?

In my experience, when a battery is failing, it will take longer to start (usually just for a couple days).

You also should check how the alternator is charging. Use a volt meter to check the voltage while the engine is running, it should read between 13.5-14.5 volts at the battery.