I am having a problem with my 99 xj starter. You can hear the starter begin to spin when the ignition is keyed, but sometimes it will not crank the engine at all. After re-keying the ignition once or twice the engine will eventually crank, and then run fine. I have not yet run into a situation where the engine has not finally cranked. Does anybody have any ideas where to start or know a solution to this problem. Thanks for any and all help.

 

Next time it doesn't spin climb under and hit the starter with a hammer a few times. Chances are its just sticking.

Moving to OEM Tech.

 

Replacing the starter will probably solve your problem. They're cheap and really easy to change.

 

Confirm its not a wiring issue first. Do some diagnosing before pissing money away on parts.

 

Hey thanks for the help guys, the starter finally crapped out on me last week and wouldn't turn the engine at all. Tried hitting it with a hammer to try and free it up in case it had seized up, but that didn't help. Then came to the conclusion that the plunger in the starter was broken and wouldn't bring the gear to the fly wheel. I replaced the starter today and she is running fine. Installation was easier than I thought, but the price was a different story. Tried searching the internet and all i could find was around 140. I just ended up going to advance auto and bought a new one for 150 including tax and after the core charge.
Thanks again for all your help and responses

 

Congrats! I had a feeling that would do it. I had a similar problem that was solved by getting a new starter. But that price is crazy! I got a new one at Autozone for $59 (+$32 refundable core charge).

 

What you describe is a classic "bendix failure" in the starter.... Not that unusual.