Hey all,

I have a 2000 XJ that suddenly decided it won't crank anymore.

I initially assumed NSS, but that doesn't appear to be the case. I have moved the gear shift lever to multiple positions, and the jeep will never crank. I also still have reverse lights.

I'm having 2 weird issues, that I'm hoping someone will have some thoughts on.

1. When running a jumper wire from the battery to the ignition switch wire on the starter, the starter will run but the armature will not engage with the flywheel. The starter is only a few years old, so I'm struggling to think it died so suddenly. My jumper wire very quickly got hot, does that indicate anything beyond my jumper wire was not thick enough for the amperage?

2. The ignition switch doesn't feel right, and isn't shutting off the electronics unless you turn the key all the way back to the accessory position, then forward to remove the key. It also doesn't have a positive engagement through the positions now, just kinda smoothly rotates.

I'm torn between replacing the ignition cylinder, or the starter first. Anyone have any experience or additional thoughts?

Thanks guys.

 

you can usually have the starter tested and it does sound like the switch is going out.

 

I would start with the ignition switch, not the barrel. They are cheap from Rock Auto and it’s not a difficult job.

 

This are two separate issues your starter isn’t engaging (even when jumped, which suggests a bad solenoid or starter itself, not just wiring), and your ignition switch is worn out (explaining the sloppy key feel and electrical gremlins).

Try tapping the starter while jumping it if it suddenly works, the starter’s toast. If not, the ignition switch (not just the cylinder) is likely failing and not sending the crank signal. Replace the ignition switch first (cheaper/easier), then tackle the starter if it still won’t crank. Hot jumper wire just means thin gauge use a thicker one to test.

 

All,

The old girl is up and running again for the whopping cost of $15.

Just wanted to pass along what was needed, incase anyone else runs into this. I replaced the Starter Switch Actuator Pin (Dorman #924704). The cast aluminum on this piece was broken, and not rotating the Ignition Starter Switch, which is why I assume the starter would not engage even when I jumped it out.

Glad to have the old girl back. I was driving our Explorer, and I'm not used to these fancy schmancy new vehicles with blue tooth, satellite radio, auto climate control, etc, etc. I'll take my old XJ any day of the week over something new(er).

Thanks again for the above tips, it got me where I needed to be.