Here's a riddle...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Monument, Colorado
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Here's a riddle...
What am I?
-- Always reliable quick start every morning, even down to 10F. Then, with no warning refuses to start. Has fuel but spark seems weak. I'm in a parking lot with no tools (dumb, I know). Quick Start fluid does not make any noticeable difference, Eventually have to jump it, but takes long sustained cranking with indications it's trying to start (some spark). On last attempt, because I didn't want to burn up the starter, it stumbles to life, and then runs great for 200+ mile ride home. Almost left stranded in Crested Butte, CO.
-- After starting, has ABS light illumited. Never before. Huh, WTF?
-- While driving, I notice every time I use the turn signal, the radio cuts out for a nano second.
-- I also notice when I step on the brake the radio does the same thing.
-- Thinking I may have a short in the steering column, I play with the stalk (not what you're thinking) and find that if I flash the high beams (with lights out) the car completely dies and then resumes. I only do this twice because at 60 MPH it gets a little dicey.
--Arriving home, car dies completely (electrical kill) while doing three-point turn in driveway. I start it up immediately, and now every symptom is completely gone. I had tried lock to lock turns prior to this to check for short and found none.
What am I ?
Sorry for the riddle, but I HATE electrical problems and spark chasing. Any chance it's a simple circuit to chase? The ABS part has me stumped.
Thanks
I should add that the hard start and the electrical problem MAY not necessarily be related, although they did happen at the same time. I was thinking CPS for the hard start, but a short may have limited the available spark voltage, and I overcame that through the long cranks.
-- Always reliable quick start every morning, even down to 10F. Then, with no warning refuses to start. Has fuel but spark seems weak. I'm in a parking lot with no tools (dumb, I know). Quick Start fluid does not make any noticeable difference, Eventually have to jump it, but takes long sustained cranking with indications it's trying to start (some spark). On last attempt, because I didn't want to burn up the starter, it stumbles to life, and then runs great for 200+ mile ride home. Almost left stranded in Crested Butte, CO.
-- After starting, has ABS light illumited. Never before. Huh, WTF?
-- While driving, I notice every time I use the turn signal, the radio cuts out for a nano second.
-- I also notice when I step on the brake the radio does the same thing.
-- Thinking I may have a short in the steering column, I play with the stalk (not what you're thinking) and find that if I flash the high beams (with lights out) the car completely dies and then resumes. I only do this twice because at 60 MPH it gets a little dicey.
--Arriving home, car dies completely (electrical kill) while doing three-point turn in driveway. I start it up immediately, and now every symptom is completely gone. I had tried lock to lock turns prior to this to check for short and found none.
What am I ?
Sorry for the riddle, but I HATE electrical problems and spark chasing. Any chance it's a simple circuit to chase? The ABS part has me stumped.
Thanks
I should add that the hard start and the electrical problem MAY not necessarily be related, although they did happen at the same time. I was thinking CPS for the hard start, but a short may have limited the available spark voltage, and I overcame that through the long cranks.
Last edited by KPCork; Jan 20, 2009 at 09:58 AM. Reason: because I could.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: 2son AZ
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Just guessing here but…
Disconnect the battery cable and clean the terminals (both battery and cable). If the connection isn’t tight corrosion builds up between the post and terminal and can cause what you describe.
Disconnect the battery cable and clean the terminals (both battery and cable). If the connection isn’t tight corrosion builds up between the post and terminal and can cause what you describe.
Renix Super Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 19
From: In yourz postez fissin jurr spelinzs
Year: 1990XJ/1989MJ
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0L Renix
Ignition switch at bottom of column needs to be checked for corrosion too. Battery is going to be your main culprit for the slow to start but the ign switch is going to be the weird stuff you mentioned.