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Slow Crank to no Crank Problem - now wont start (99 cherokee Classic)

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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 03:13 PM
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Default Slow Crank to no Crank Problem - now wont start (99 cherokee Classic)

So recentley Ive been having issues where my jeep will have slow, weak cranks. one time it didnt start. I tried jumping but the problem didnt change, ruling out the battery. I had someone hit the start with a pipe while I tried starting, got a very short slow crank or 2 but it still wouldn't start. Rolled it out of the way of the gas pump (i had just filled her up) and about 30 min later while waiting for my buddy to come help, the gas attendant used a big rig jumping kit and she started right up.

Fast forward to yesterday, its been 2 weeks of slow cranking but starting. I come outside from shopping to start her up, get slow cranks that turn into no cranks and of course no start. Tow truck comes by, tries using a jumping kit, doesnt work, tried starting in nuetral didnt work. waited a few then tried jumping agian, nada. had to have it towed home.

Shes my daily driver and I need her operational again so if you guys have any experience with this Id appreciate the help.

Shes a 99 Jeep Cherokee Classic, 6 cylinder, 4 ltr
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 03:36 PM
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edit: I shouldn't post with 3 hours of sleep.

Last edited by wizardpc; Oct 19, 2017 at 03:42 PM.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 03:40 PM
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What is your battery voltage? Have you cleaned the connections?

Your battery could have an internal short that is not allowing you to jump it.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Tbone289
What is your battery voltage? Have you cleaned the connections?

Your battery could have an internal short that is not allowing you to jump it.
The battery red 12 volts when the tow checked it, and the jumping kit was connected straight to the contatcs. Dont think its the battery.

Last edited by Jeo228; Oct 19, 2017 at 03:47 PM.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 03:45 PM
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A battery is at 25% state of charge at 12.0 volts. It should be more like 12.4-12.6.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Tbone289
A battery is at 25% state of charge at 12.0 volts. It should be more like 12.4-12.6.
it very much could have been, I wasnt the one who check the reading. I think h said 12 in general, so not 11 or less, or 13 or more. I should also mention yesterday my phone was plugged in charging while I was shopping, which makes sense why it would have a slightly lower charge than normal
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 03:51 PM
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Connections clean? Grounds clean? Do you have a voltmeter to obtain the actual voltage.

I like to start with the simple things and move on to the more complex.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 04:55 PM
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battery connections. check all of them thoroughly. both ends.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 04:56 PM
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Tight, clean connections? A bad starter will also crank slowly and have symptoms of a weak battery.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 05:44 PM
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Just got the battery checked. It was full charge. Replaced the connectors a month ago, but one of the wires is greenish. Bought baking soda to fix. Will clean connections then report back
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 06:29 PM
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Well, i finally got home but lugging a battery around town tired me out. Will uber to work tomorrow and will clean the contacts when I get back
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 08:03 PM
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I have a '99 also and know from painful experience that they do not like a low battery. Doesn't like to start or idle. If it's been having trouble starting, I would also check plugs. They can foul if when it won't start.
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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by dzywicki
I have a '99 also and know from painful experience that they do not like a low battery. Doesn't like to start or idle. If it's been having trouble starting, I would also check plugs. They can foul if when it won't start.
Please read above, as stated its not the battery
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 10:14 AM
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The next thing I would check is starter current draw. What is the system voltage while you are cranking the starter? (if cleaning doesn't help)
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 10:28 AM
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Check the battery clamps. In fact, take them off the battery and look on the underside as well.



Both of mine ripped like that in the span of a couple of weeks. The negative side started on the bottom so I didn't see it until I removed the cable and flipped the terminal over.
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