Funds are low, so I can't go replacing things until I'm running again.

I was wheeling the other day (I thought it was light riding, but it was enough to break my new rear RE Monotube). My 96 ran great for the whole ride, but the next morning, the XJ will not turn over. The battery is new and strong, but when I key it on I get nothing. The jeep doesn't even try to turn over. It is a Manual Trans and push starts easily and runs great but the key does nothing. what is going on? The only thing I did was get the jeep muddy and wet.

Help, I need to be running ASAP.
s

 

First check and see if you are getting power to the starter. It could be an ignition switch, or bad battery cable connections, etc.

 

Hi Seth, have you tried jumping the solenoid on the starter to see if you can get it to crank like that?

 

Ditto to both of the above.
My '98 was having problems shifting into OD, i.e. NOT shifting into OD.
Then, it wouldn't start - no solenoid click or anything.
Battery was good and terminals clean, etc.
As it turned out, the sagging, leaky exhaust made the CE light come on and something said "NO GO" in the computer. Looked over the wiring diagram and found that the ignition switch ran into/out of the harness to the computer. Fuzzy on the details since it was a couple years ago, but I put in a momentary bypass to send 12V to the solenoid when it happens.
Fixed the exhaust and the problelm went away,..... almost.

It's happened twice since then but I reach down and hit the bypass while holding the key in the "start" position and it starts right up.

Maybe I was way off on the computer part as I was going on some sketchy garble from a couple "Jeep experts" who may or may nott have known what they were talking about, but it worked.

 

What about the ignition switch itself? I have had that wear out and not enage.

 

Update:
I'm probably making a bigger deal of this than it is, but every time I get someone else to weigh in, the stupid jeep runs. My issue is intermittant and absolutely frustrating.

The issue happened after a bit of mudding. It was rather light play but I got mud everywhere. Could that have any impact on a starter's performance? Is there anything I can clean or am I stuck replacing the starter?

Anything else to add to the to do list?
s


To do List:

• Check for power to the starter. It could be an ignition switch, or bad battery cable connections, etc.
• Try jumping the solenoid on the starter to see if you can get it to crank like that.
• Check the the ignition switch.

 

Make sure the connections on your bettery terminals are nice and tight (and clean). I went through a similar episode earlier in the year. One day it would start up fine, and the next it wouldn't do a thing. It drove me nuts until the time I went to try jumper cables and noticed a loose connection on the battery. Tightened it back up and no problems since.

 

I would definately check your battery connections/terminals. Then check all connections, battery/starter/alternator, make sure all connections are tight and not corroded. Could be something as simple as that, check the easy stuff first.

 

NSS (Neutral Safety Switch)??? Might give that a look. It would cause a "No Start/No Turn-Over" condition if it was out of alignment or had dirty contacts. There's a good link here on CF about rebuilding it and saving yourself 200-350 bucks. Only takes a couple of hours, tops. Did mine yesterday, and I no longer have the same problem you do.

 

since he states it's a manual, nss is n/a.

but do check the smaller (split) positive battery cable that goes into the power distribution center (fuse box) under the hood.

if that is good, and all cables look in good shape and connected tightly at both ends with no cracking/corrosion, then check the starter relay in the PDC. you can switch it out with the horn relay.

 

LOL, yeah, I guess he did mention that. I didn't see it when I responded. Oops!

Nevermind, NSS is not an issue.

 

OK gang,
Now that we've hit the work week, progress will likely go slowly until I get it dialed in. My frustration is that it is an intermittent issue.

I've checked the all the connections (all that have been suggested) and they're all tight. I also pulled the starter and had it bench tested and it passed. Unfortunately, it wasn't tested with load or enough times to rule out the intermittent problem. It was nice that it passed though.

Now, I guess I have to pull out a volt meter next time it fails and see where I get. Problem is, I don't have a clue how to use a volt meter. Can I get a helping hand here?

Also, I haven't had an issue with it firing since Sunday so I can't test what doesn't present. I'm just going to have to drive it with hopes of getting stranded and go from there. Any more suggestions?

s

 

Here, I can help.


With a voltmeter, you are reading potential/positive (voltage) to ground (neg). Anything that is frame-related or directly connected to the frame is the same (or should be) as the negative post on the battery.

1. Establish a baseline voltage reading with vehicle off. On Volts-DC on your multimeter, read across the battery. Pos (red lead) to Neg (black lead) on the battery. Also confirms you are on the right setting.

write/memorize this number. Keep in mind, allowing for minor resistances, it could vary where you are testing by up to .5 to a volt.

2. Climb under your jeep, find the starter solenoid. Place Neg (black) on a verified ground point (bare metal on the frame is good) scratch it in, if needed. Test either side of the main terminals on the solenoid (the big wires). One should show what you read across the battery.

3. If that test passes, you need to get a 2nd body to help, unless you can rig a remote start button (not something I am going to talk about, too many safety issues. If you are beyond that level..... am playing it safe, sorry.). Still under the vehicle, with someone trying to "start the vehicle" (Verify in Neutral, PBrake engaged first, since you have a stick, hell, pull the coil wire first too), Check the smaller terminals to ground as "Start" circuit engaged (turn her over). Voltage?

Help me with those answers, and then we will narrow the probs down. Otherwise this post will be a whole page alone. And I have already been accused of typing too much.