kitsapfreerider

Okay so i thought i fixed my xj's problem with new plugs and wires. It started up just fine for 3 days until yesterday I was getting ready to go to work and turn the key and all i hear is clicking. The engine won't turn over. Before i replaced the plugs and wires it wouldn't turn over and then all of a sudden it would after a couple minutes of trying. It also would stall when I was driving. I don't know if it is still stalling because it hasn't happened since I put new plugs in. Any help would be awesome.

Throttle Jockey

sounds like you have more than one problem friend. you may have fixed the stall by doing the tuneup but your no start issue coming and going sounds like a loose cable or a starter going bad

kitsapfreerider

The stalling and the not starting issues started at the same time. same week. which wires am I looking for??

kitsapfreerider

Is there any way to check and see if my starter is going bad? I called a local shop and they are going to look at it next Tuesday. If I can fix it before then I will be a lot better off. Oh and my serpentine belt spins when I turn the key. I don't know if that helps.

Akitaman

there is, but you will need to take the starter off and take it to a auto parts store. They should have a machine they can put it on and it will check it and tell you if its bad. Start cheap though, check the battery wires and terminals first. Next time it does it, wiggle the battery wires at the battery and as far back as you can, then try to start it. Also get you a hammer and tap on the starter while someone turns the key over, if it makes a difference, then you know its the starter.

kitsapfreerider

okay i went out there tried to start it nothing. then took the hammer to it and the second time it started up. Then I turned it off and I could turn it over again no problem. So is it definitely the starter then? Is there anything I can do to fix it?

Akitaman

Yeah, replace the starter. It is probably the bendix gear gone bad, or the solenoid. Just buy a new or reman'd one and put it on, then you should be good. Remember you will probably have to turn your old on in as a core, or they will charge you a little more money.

kitsapfreerider

cool, thank you very much. i'll go do that.