Electrical issue, will not start
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l SL6
Electrical issue, will not start
Hello Everyone;
I own a 1995 Jeep XJ 4.0L 6 in line engine. About a year ago my alternator went bad. I replaced it with a Omix 120 amp. Last Thursday I noticed it was no longer charging the battery. A test with a volt meter indicated there was no charge coming from the Omix alternator.
Today I replaced the OMIX alternator was a NAPA 120 amp alternator. After installation, The Jeep would not start. It didn't even crank over. Interestingly the left turn signal came on. I tried to jump start the vehicle with another battery and got the same results. I checked all the fuses including the "Shut down" fuse and still no luck. Finally I jumped the solenoid on the starter and got the jeep started. The new alternator seems to be working fine; and the Left turn signal came on again and stayed on for about 2 minutes. After driving home and parking, I turned off the Jeep and when I tried to re-start, I got no turn over.
BTW, there is no "check engine" light on
anyone have any suggestions. Please help
I own a 1995 Jeep XJ 4.0L 6 in line engine. About a year ago my alternator went bad. I replaced it with a Omix 120 amp. Last Thursday I noticed it was no longer charging the battery. A test with a volt meter indicated there was no charge coming from the Omix alternator.
Today I replaced the OMIX alternator was a NAPA 120 amp alternator. After installation, The Jeep would not start. It didn't even crank over. Interestingly the left turn signal came on. I tried to jump start the vehicle with another battery and got the same results. I checked all the fuses including the "Shut down" fuse and still no luck. Finally I jumped the solenoid on the starter and got the jeep started. The new alternator seems to be working fine; and the Left turn signal came on again and stayed on for about 2 minutes. After driving home and parking, I turned off the Jeep and when I tried to re-start, I got no turn over.
BTW, there is no "check engine" light on
anyone have any suggestions. Please help
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 799
Likes: 4
From: usa
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder
Sounds like the solenoid is either not working or a wiring issue.
Off hand i don't see how replacing the alternator can affect the starter.
Unless the solenoid wire or its terminal got inadvertently disturbed somehow during the alternator replacement.
Check the easiest things first, like its terminal connector for looseness, corrosion, etc.
Then i'd hook up a voltmeter to the solenoid terminal and ground to see if its getting voltage while cranking and take it from there.
Off hand i don't see how replacing the alternator can affect the starter.
Unless the solenoid wire or its terminal got inadvertently disturbed somehow during the alternator replacement.
Check the easiest things first, like its terminal connector for looseness, corrosion, etc.
Then i'd hook up a voltmeter to the solenoid terminal and ground to see if its getting voltage while cranking and take it from there.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l SL6
Sounds like the solenoid is either not working or a wiring issue.
Off hand i don't see how replacing the alternator can affect the starter.
Unless the solenoid wire or its terminal got inadvertently disturbed somehow during the alternator replacement.
Check the easiest things first, like its terminal connector for looseness, corrosion, etc.
Then i'd hook up a voltmeter to the solenoid terminal and ground to see if its getting voltage while cranking and take it from there.
Off hand i don't see how replacing the alternator can affect the starter.
Unless the solenoid wire or its terminal got inadvertently disturbed somehow during the alternator replacement.
Check the easiest things first, like its terminal connector for looseness, corrosion, etc.
Then i'd hook up a voltmeter to the solenoid terminal and ground to see if its getting voltage while cranking and take it from there.
I tried to follow the wire, but it went into a wire harness and then into the firewall.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 338
From: PA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Well I got the Jeep started. While looking at the all the fuses and wires, I found a 1 " long silver switch plugged into a wire under the dash. I noticed it was very hot. I unplugged it and then attempted to start the Jeep and it started right up. I then plugged it back in and tried to start it and it again started right up. I don't know what this switch is?
I tried to follow the wire, but it went into a wire harness and then into the firewall.
I tried to follow the wire, but it went into a wire harness and then into the firewall.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 7,965
Likes: 964
From: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Maybe somebody installed a kill switch. If it's getting hot, current is flowing, and more current than the switch is built to handle.
