I have a 1998 cherokee. Went to start it and the dash lights turned on for a bit then everything cut off. Nothing worked, no radio, no door locks. Tried to crank it again and no power to anything not even the dash.

So I tested the battery and its good. I used another battery to make sure and the jeep started. But I then put in my old battery and the jeep started as well. Now im confused seems like the battery is not the issue, Im thinking ignition switch maybe ?? What do you guys think?

 

You replaced the battery with another one & it started? If so, you battery is bad OR the cables have a bad connection. A bad battery can test good & vise a versa.

 

I had a similar problem with my 98 XJ and found out it was corroded wires. Make sure the wires are nice and clean from the battery to the starter, the grounds are nice and clean (exposed metal, no rust or anything) and everythings tight also. I ended up replacing all my wires and havent had a problem since. (bout 6 months) Hope it helps!

 

Upgrade your cables with 2g I had similar issues my negative cable look fine until peeling the insulation off and realized it was burnt 12 inches up

 

I will do that seems like its a good place to start before messing with other ****. So 2g battery cables and clean all the connections. Il let you guys know how it goes.

 

If you want to make your own check out your local welding supply or hit up 5-90 @ http://www.kelleyswip.com/

 

x2 on 5-90's wiring using it myself when I upgraded alternators as most will when more electrical goodies are added lighting, winches, air compressors, etc.

His kits are top notch and high quality plus a member here.

 

Ooo will keep that in mind. For now i just cleaned all the grounds and now its time to wait and see if it messes up again. If it does then il get new cables.

 

Well iv been looking around for cables at local store but no one can cut them they are pre packaged. Anyway, I will still replace them but I want to update this thread. So I noticed when I start the car after its been sitting i have to hold the key for it to crank a few times before it turns over and the engine starts. But if the car is running, then I shut it off, and I try again it starts no problem. Which got me thinking that its maybe more than just the cables?

Either way once I replace them Il update this thread to let you guys know if it fixed the problem. Going to have to order some online.

 

Napa sells pre-made cables think outside the box.

 

So it cranks over just fine but doesn't start right away? If so, that's more in tune-up land than battery land. Possibly a fuel pressure issue.

Try this next time it's cold: Turn the key on, but not to the START position. Don't crank the engine over. Hold it for a few seconds, turn it off. Repeat that a few times (like 3 or 4), then try to start it.

If it fires up like when it's warm, you probably have a fuel pressure problem.

 

Yes thats what i was thinking that it might be fuel pressure. Either way something electrically is messed up as sometimes i have no power to anything not even dash lights. Battery is good so il change the cables and keep going from there.

I will also try n see if priming it like you said to turn the key a few times helps with the starting problem or not.

 

That's often an intermittent connection issue. Make sure you clean your grounds really well.

 

You might also check that the nut on the positive battery cable is tight, on the starter...not usually a problem, but......

 

well priming it does help a little. Here is a video I found on youtube and this is pretty much my problem when he tries to start the jeep thats what my sounds like.
I will go do a pressure test now and see what it looks like.