ski_junkie

I have a 99 XJ, and when the weather started turning cold, I started having problems with it starting. At first it would take more and more to get it turn over. Then one day it wouldn't start at all.
I put in a new battery with 1000 cca and it got better then started doing it again.
Today my wife called since she was stuck at the store and it wouldn't start. It will crank like its trying start but wont turn over. The battery guage on the dash is only around 9volts when it is cranking.

I replaced the pos and neg battery cables after this problem started, but it didn't improve things at all.

I am wondering what else I can check or what the problem might be.

TrekkerJmm

Whats the volt meter say while its running? is the Alt charging...Tj

cornrush

i have the exact same problem right now. i replace spark plugs dist. cap and a vacume hose ran fine for a day and now it doesnt i need help now

ski_junkie

ok....
I got off work tonight and had a friend give me a ride and help me jump my xj. It was pain in the **** to jump start. Had to crank it and just keep tapping the gas as quick as i could and after about 4 or 5 tries, it finally turned over and started. When i got home i let it run for 20 min or so and it has been starting fine the few times i have tried since then.
I also changed out the pos terminal tonight because i didn't really like the type i had in it before, things just didn't fit right in it.

xjmuddigger

it might be your alternator

ski_junkie

I was really hopeing that wasn't going to be the problem. but after some reading, it looks like it might be. I have some other symptoms of at bad alternator.... while driving the head light will occasionally dim when the fan kicks on or other random times.

What year xj or zj alternators will fit in my 99xj? I think I want something better than stock if it is a straight swap since I plan on adding lights and other things this summer.
Also is it ok to use a JY alternator or is it better to pick up a new one?

ken72

Easy fix. You can do this on your own. I replaced mine about a month ago. Cost about $118 and took about an hour and a half. If you get it going again you need to take it to a parts store to test.

ski_junkie

This morning i went out and my jeep started right up, better than it has in a while. I took it over to a parts store and had the batter and alternator tested and they both tested good.

So as of right now, I am going to say this problem was probably caused by me with a bad terminal connector.