Exactly. I'll offer advice sometimes if I'm not sure, but I'll point out that I don't really know, and that it's just an educated guess.

 

Absolutely agreed, misinformation is an awful problem no matter where you are. Comes with the whole Internet forum territory. As someone with a computing background, when I'm working on an issue that I'm not sure how to troubleshoot, I will search extensively for my problem and before I try anything at all I'm looking for more than one person that had the same problem that fixed it the same way to rule out crap. On the receiving end of things, to use the 'net effectively means you need to have good comprehension and searching skills, and in your head weight suggestions as "most likely". Only the person with the problem can make this decision based on their own experience and knowledge as you may have forgotten a noise or a rattle (or an error message, etc) or don't know how to describe something.

Much the same on the giving end. I did tech support for a while and it's really hard to help people who are in unfamiliar territory. Is the problem getting blown out of proportion because so many symptoms are being presented? How much relevant information is NOT being told? The person on the other end likely has no idea what they're doing so I've always been sympathetic towards that. Not everyone is an expert. What I don't appreciate is wilful ignorance or attitude... if you want it fixed right now right now and want it for free and don't or won't let me help you, go **** up a tree I remember one call I had with an older gentleman having an email issue and I was walking him through troubleshooting and fixes... he appologized for being so clueless. I said no problem, that's why I'm here - you don't jump ahead and you listen great, so that's all I ask!

I don't frequent any other automotive sites, but there may be a reason for the reputation thing that you noted, 77olds. Forums are basically the sum of their members. I joined Cherokee Forum because it looked the least imposing and like there was a great sense of community and a lot of activity. To be honest, a lot of the other sites I looked at (can't remember which) either looked ruled by elitist twits, or were WAY over my head. I doubt I'm the only one who saw this, so keep in mind that this community is the result of itself: Helping people!

Not everyone thinks the way that I, and I suspect most of the people in this thread, do: Being one that's made a career out of being technical with a certain method of thinking. I've completely fallen in love with XJs since I got mine, and I've actually been reading all kinds of stuff on them for the last few months. I can't get enough... hell, I read the Haynes guide on the toilet! I'm not a mechanic, but I am technical, and with my fascination I've been driven enough to read so much that I'm starting to understand all the relationships between things and how various systems work and how to apply my other experiences towards my Jeep.

Now, in regards to the silver bullet thing. Absolutely see that in a lot of places. Thanks to places like this you don't need to be a mechanic to go wheeling, or keep your beloved XJ on the road. So of course not everyone here will be an expert. I agree with whoever it was some pages back that pointed out that some people are just contributing what fixed their Jeep when they thought they were in a similar situation. Indeed others just rattle off crap, but I doubt it's malicious; just misguided. I bet a lot of people are on here to seek help but don't hold the same sort of addiction I mentioned above or necessarily have the background or skills (yet) to pick all of this stuff up, or even "effective" searching habits and know how to interpret things. There's a guy in another thread who's convinced that he has to turn the key to RUN before starting his XJ to "let the spark plugs warm up". I'm sure it makes sense in his head. Would I take advice from him? Probably not, but a lot of people here are learning.

Anyway ramble ending - I think it'd be fair to also assume that those asking for help won't necessarily be aware of all this. If Cherokee Forum were to strive to be serious technical advice, I'd toss in some notes to the effect of "there are experts here, but this isn't an expert community" and point out that you should probably relax, calm down, and wait for more than one answer before you go bang on your Jeep. If you really need it fixed that bad, go to a garage or get the proper training.

Chill out and enjoy your Jeep!

 

"If you really need it fixed that bad, go to a garage or get the proper training."

But that's why I love this place it's the perfect mix of degreed mechanical engineers’ combined with those who to “save money” get "almost brand new" spark plugs out of a junkyard, yet squander their life savings on booze and can’t afford a full tank of gas.

 

first check your muffler bearings with a flux capacitor so u know if blinker fluid needs to be changed or not. If that doesnt work take it to a professional.

 

Newbs reviving 6 year old threads with silly posts is also a problem.

 

Lol... Don't feed it and maybe it will go away. Sometimes I wonder if there might be a prankster in the midst.

 

Maybe you should be the only one that answers all questions. Sit on the forum 24/7.

BTW, engines don't crank over. Autos haven't used a crank since the late 1920s. Nor do they roll over, dogs "roll over" . Also it's a crankshaft.

As to the loose battery cable, my son's XJ interior lights would come on ,but the starter would not engage the flywheel causing the crankshaft to rotate, hopefully creating compression in the cylinder along with fuel and spark at the proper time allowing the engine to sustain the internal combustion process.

Most all answers are viable, but not necessarily in the best order

 

Dude. Look at the date on that post. This thread is six years old, and that guy hasn't posted in nearly three years. It's doubtful he even reads this board any more.

He might even be dead. You may be arguing with a ghost.

 

GFY DUDE !! DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS THAT OLD until I read a few more posts above.

If it is so offensive for a snowflake, why did you post in the thread ?? :tt2

 

Oh here we go....

 

Somebody needs this:

 

Ha ha. So true!

 

...aaaand it's done.

Thanks trolls for wasting my time.