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My 97 jeep xj wont start

Old 10-26-2009, 11:31 PM
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Default My 97 jeep xj wont start

Hey guys, i was hoping someone could help me, i recently replaced my rear axle, and i put it back on, it started and i drove down the road parked it, now it wont start, any ideas? it wont even crank, and i replaced the starter, and there is a spark at least to the solenoid(i checked). and it still doesn't start.
Old 10-27-2009, 12:10 AM
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check the cps
Old 10-27-2009, 12:40 AM
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Are u getting power to the starter? Is the ground okay? Its not cranking at all?
The rear axle has nothing to do with the starting system so it more than likely another issue. If it is cranking make sure u didn't disconnect the fuel pump on accident. Also check the make sure there is no inline fuse in the line. that could has failed.
Old 10-27-2009, 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by TimothyRaymond85
Are u getting power to the starter? Is the ground okay? Its not cranking at all?
The rear axle has nothing to do with the starting system so it more than likely another issue. If it is cranking make sure u didn't disconnect the fuel pump on accident. Also check the make sure there is no inline fuse in the line. that could has failed.
Its not cranking at all, but there is power to the starter and the fuel pump is working, i think it might be the relay sensor but i dont know.This jeep is my dd and its starting to snow here..and my other vehicle is a bike.Brr
Old 10-27-2009, 05:32 PM
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crank sensor
Old 10-27-2009, 08:44 PM
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Ok, first things first. Lets check your starting circuit. Check that your battery is fully charged. You should have close to 12 volts. Note the reading that you get. Make sure your battery terminals are clean and tight. Also check your starter and solenoid terminals. Now you will need a helper. Have the helper try to start the engine while you attach a volt meter, red, to the solenoid terminal, small terminal, and black to a good ground. With the key to start you should read battery voltage. If battery voltage is there, you have a problem with the starter. If no voltage is available, you have a problem with the starting circuit. Also check the red thick lead from the battery to the starter, it should also read battery voltage.

If no battery voltage at the solenoid, shift your transmission thru all the gears and try to start in park or neutral. You might wiggle the shifter as you try to start in park or neutral. It may be the neutral start switch that is bad or out of adjustment. Also check the engine starter relay in the relay box.


Get the starter system working then we can see what we have.
Old 10-28-2009, 05:37 PM
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ok so there is no spark to the plugs, but the battery is good and there is spark through the starter. Is it possibly the coil?
Old 10-28-2009, 07:02 PM
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Like ET Jeep stated start with the basics. I had the very same problem a week ago after putting a new starter in! Was thinking it could be something else like the coil, icm, cps, etc. since it was a new starter. Had voltage down to the starter and from the ignition wire when the key was in the start position. Had continuity through my + wire and double checked grounds. Still no crank! Checked the NSS and cleaned it nothing! The starter will spark when you try to jumper it if you have voltage making it down there. Long story short pulled my "new" starter out and hooked it up straight to the battery. The solenoid worked for the first couple touches of giving it juice then nothing. Took the started back to the store and they switched it no questions asked. No cranking problems as of yet!
Old 10-29-2009, 12:04 AM
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when you turn your key but not start it do you hear the fuel pump motor kick on
Old 10-29-2009, 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeep85
when you turn your key but not start it do you hear the fuel pump motor kick on
Yeah,and i have spark all the way through the coil but then it stops at the distributor, so i dont think its the new starter.
Old 10-29-2009, 07:12 PM
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Ive also shifted through all the gears and still nothing.
Old 10-29-2009, 08:21 PM
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it can be your rotor
Old 10-29-2009, 08:23 PM
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how can i test the rotor?
Old 10-29-2009, 08:35 PM
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does it look like its been used also is the dis/ loose at all
Old 10-29-2009, 11:19 PM
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I had a very similar problem with my 87. It turned out to be a starter relay (not solenoid) connection with an intermittent failure. Everything worked but it would not even try to crank over.

Hope this helps.

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