Today I had a problem starting my XJ. When I get in the overhead light comes on and when I turn the key to on the guage lights come on fine. When I turn the ignition the guage lights turn off and the Jeeps does not crank. I take out the key and open the door the overhead lamp comes on very dim. Eventualy after a few tries the guage lights will ocme back on the Jeep may start or it will do it all over again. After doing this a couple of time the Jeep will finaly start with a slow crank. Any ideas?

 

Load test your battery, if you dont want to load test than just charge it or change it
lights go off or dim (especially dim) = low battery
slow crank = low battery

 

The last time I had this same issue it was caused by loose/bad battery connections so I replaced the connectors. I just went out and checked for this and the post that holds the batter in place was very loose. I loosened the connectors and tightened them back. I also tightened the battery down tight. It could have been moving around while driving causing poor connections. I guess I will find out tomorrow. Anyone heard of a loose battery causing issues?

 

Yeah absolutely, or corroded connections.