No Start -- Odd Symptoms
First, I have a new battery, charging system is working properly.
I go to start the car, and it clicks once, but doesn't start, now even though the key is in the on position, there is no power to anything in the car. I turn the key to off, no chime. Now, I check the battery voltage. 12.75v. I disconnect the negative terminal, then reconnect it, now it starts OK.
This has happened to me several times. It's like there is a relay sticking that is turning off power to everything and it doesn't get reset until I disconnect power. I see in the factory service manual that there is a starter relay and an automatic shutdown relay, but not clear that either of them would lead to what I'm seeing.
Is this the starter? Starter relay? Something else?
I go to start the car, and it clicks once, but doesn't start, now even though the key is in the on position, there is no power to anything in the car. I turn the key to off, no chime. Now, I check the battery voltage. 12.75v. I disconnect the negative terminal, then reconnect it, now it starts OK.
This has happened to me several times. It's like there is a relay sticking that is turning off power to everything and it doesn't get reset until I disconnect power. I see in the factory service manual that there is a starter relay and an automatic shutdown relay, but not clear that either of them would lead to what I'm seeing.
Is this the starter? Starter relay? Something else?
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 27
From: North North California
Year: 1992 with 260k miles
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
I had the exact same thing happen to me. After I cleaned the battery terminals and connectors then tightened the cables, it fixed the problem.
Member


Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 209
Likes: 18
From: Plymouth, England
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Yeah, that's happened to me too. It was on a different vehicle, but it was a poor connection at the terminals.
It would work initially (interior lights etc. would turn on fine), but once you but a large current through it, the weak connection would "burn out" and I'd lose all power.
It would work initially (interior lights etc. would turn on fine), but once you but a large current through it, the weak connection would "burn out" and I'd lose all power.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
Clean the battery terminals, and check the condition of the battery cables, especially the positive. It can get corrosion inside the cable insulation and not let it conduct enough power to run the starter.
I have a 94 grand Cherokee Laredo
At the beginning was necessary turn key on for a few minutes until I can hear the fuel pump relay activate, then fuel pump died, replace fuel pump and started right up and run just fine.
Next morning wanted to start... Nothing!
Engine turns at good power but electric sistem is dead no fuel in the railing, no spark Ider
Replaced fuel pump and ASD relays but still
At the beginning was necessary turn key on for a few minutes until I can hear the fuel pump relay activate, then fuel pump died, replace fuel pump and started right up and run just fine.
Next morning wanted to start... Nothing!
Engine turns at good power but electric sistem is dead no fuel in the railing, no spark Ider
Replaced fuel pump and ASD relays but still
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