My XJ is having starting issues. Usually in the morning or after work it starts up fine. But if I turn it off then try to turn it back on it struggles to start. I had the battery checked and it's good. I have a dummy ****, but It also acts up when I use it. Any suggestions?

 

Did u have the alternator checked?

 

The symptoms sounds like it probably is your starter. They usually fail more often when your engine is warm due to the starter motor getting hot and the increased strain to turn the warm engine over.

If it starts fine after sitting for long periods, you can eliminate the charging system (battery, alternator, etc.)

I just replaced my starter - it was getting noticeably slower at turning the engine over and finally died. A lifetime warranty starter from my local auto parts store was $56 after core return.

Replacement took about 20 minutes: 2 mounting bolts (14mm I think), 1 cable, and 1 wire.

 

Check your cables too though, I had a mustang that would crank extremely slowly when hot, changed the starter-still the same.

1 day I had a friend crank it when the engine was warm, the neg cable was smoking....changed that cable (was corroded inside) & fixed the prob. Wierd, eh?

 

Verify voltage directly at the starter (KEY ON) when engine is hot. Very easy to do with a multimeter. Buy a meter if you don't have one...you'll use it later and they are not expensive.

If you have 12 volts when the starter is struggling, the problem is the starter. If you do not have 12 volts at the starter, you need to start working your way back into the engine bay to find out why. IE: voltage drop due to a bad cable, ground, connection, etc.