187,000 99 xj auto

Left work and stopped at the grocery store on the way home. I come back out turn the key- dash lights come on, i get the key to run position and everything dies and it doesnt try to start at all. At first im like because

New: alt, battery, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, CPS.

I didnt have a multi meter on me so i start to think NSS. Put key in run and cycle through gears a bunch, try starting in N, nothing works. Starter doesnt click/clunk, fuel pump does prime when the power works. I keep trying the key and after sitting a while sometimes dash lights would come on, but as soon as the key hits run its lights out and not a sputter. Baffled i check grounds, fuses by flashlight they look, eh, good i guess ( test light at home to... i know i know)


Fortunately an FJ gave me a jump and no sooner clamps to terminals i turn the key and she fires up like nothing happened.

I got home at slapped the meter on the terminals with her running. 13.96-13.99 volts. Ok... again check wiggle grounds, then to positive terminal.
Im betting i just found my problem



the post is bent and coming out of the terminal. Idk how but shes wiggling for sure and leaning back. Tomorrow ill connect everything to the side post and see if there are any issues until i can stop by napa for a new terminal.
I hope this helps someone out there!

 

I had the same problem a couple weeks ago. I thought it was my battery, because jump starting it actually worked for some reason. I replaced my battery with a yellow top optima, and still nothing. It turned out that my positive to PDC cable was losing connection.

 

Yep. I'm not a big fan of those marine terminals. You might want to take a look at the . I got a set from that company and I'm very impressed with them.

I plan to change out my other vehicles, too.

 

I went and got a military type terminal and reconnected everything. Started rough after I pulled it from the garage. Didn't want to stay idleing so I reved it up and started driving. It was fine at every stop. Can a headlight harness cause any issues? It's the only other thing connected to the battery.


Its started fine last night and this am, oh well

 

If you managed to clear the 'puter memory by having it disconnected long enough, it may run rough for a bit until it learns the engine again. Perfectly normal.