What could cause slow start?

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Oct 29, 2014 | 07:43 AM
  #1  
Working on a friends XJ. He thought his battery was dying, due to a suspect alternator. I had a starter/alternator shop check the electrical system-they said all is well. I also replace his ignition switch (remix brown wire burnt clued me in there) and lock cylinder (he had it already in the box and his key was sticking).

It takes a 2-3 seconds to start up. Once fired up, idles and runs fine.

I'm spitballing here, but it's a 90', ink. mileage, what else could cause the slow turnover?
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Oct 29, 2014 | 08:22 AM
  #2  
What exactly do you mean by slow start? Do you mean it is cranking slow like a weak battery or just taking a long time to start? If it's a weak start it can be a bad ground and you need to clean all of the grounding points which include. Battery terminals, battery to fender, oil dipstick, 2 on the ignition coil, rear of the head to the fire wall and the mounting area between the starter and the engine block. Also make sure that the connections to the starter and the alternator are clean.
If it takes a long time to start but cranks fine. Try the poor mans prime. Turn the key to the just until u hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds ( don't start it) prime the pump 2 or 3 time. Then try to start it. If it starts at that point you may have a bad or a weak anti-back flow check valve.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 08:51 AM
  #3  
Quote: Working on a friends XJ. He thought his battery was dying, due to a suspect alternator. I had a starter/alternator shop check the electrical system-they said all is well. I also replace his ignition switch (remix brown wire burnt clued me in there) and lock cylinder (he had it already in the box and his key was sticking).

It takes a 2-3 seconds to start up. Once fired up, idles and runs fine.

I'm spitballing here, but it's a 90', ink. mileage, what else could cause the slow turnover?
If it's a 90, that's the way they are.

Click on the link in my signature and have your buddy do Tips 1,3,4, and 5.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 09:57 AM
  #4  
Yup it's the way these are.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tak...n-over-145366/

That's a link to a thread I saved with some good info (more of the same)
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Oct 29, 2014 | 04:26 PM
  #5  
Yeah, it's a 90'. It just cranks slow (kind of hard to describe, like maybe it's not getting any gas type sensation, but even pressing on the gas pedal slightly does not make it start faster).

I'll check out the tip and let him know. Thanks guys.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 04:29 PM
  #6  
Where is the ICU located?
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Oct 29, 2014 | 08:17 PM
  #7  
my 97 cranked slow so I replaced the starter. cured the issue.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 08:27 PM
  #8  
run a new 2 gage wire from BAT POS to starter
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Oct 29, 2014 | 08:59 PM
  #9  
I think it already has that. I'll double check tomorrow. Thank you!
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Oct 29, 2014 | 09:03 PM
  #10  
Quote: my 97 cranked slow so I replaced the starter. cured the issue.
That's what I would have thought, but Advanced Auto (for what ever thats worth) and a dedicated alternator starter shop, checked it on the vehicle and said the starter is fine.

He has a yellow top, and a heavy gauge battery cable set-up. I need to check the routing/connections

I have a 99 with a (87'-98') on it-as suggested on the CF to save money. I have the yellow top as well. Mine fires quicker than any vehicle I've seen. My batter's CCA tested way higher than what was on the sticker however.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 09:04 PM
  #11  
NOTHING will eliminate the 3-4 second crank, then start on a Renix.

My Tips, as suggested, will minimize it. Any suggestions from owners of later model XJs do not apply.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 09:09 PM
  #12  
Hi Cruiser54. I looked over your suggestions, you definitely seem to be the authority on the Renix. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom. Seriously, its great bro.

So are you say the Renix generation just cranks over longer? Can't compare it to the later XJ's?

TY
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Oct 29, 2014 | 09:10 PM
  #13  
Quote: Hi Cruiser54. I looked over your suggestions, you definitely seem to be the authority on the Renix. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom. Seriously, its great bro.

So are you say the Renix generation just cranks over longer? Can't compare it to the later XJ's?

TY
Correct.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 09:52 PM
  #14  
Quote: NOTHING will eliminate the 3-4 second crank, then start on a Renix.

My Tips, as suggested, will minimize it. Any suggestions from owners of later model XJs do not apply.
Cruiser, don't tell the truth here, let non Renix drivers have him waste money on stuff he doesn't need.
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Oct 29, 2014 | 10:02 PM
  #15  
Quote: Cruiser, don't tell the truth here, let non Renix drivers have him waste money on stuff he doesn't need.
LOL. All he needs is the Tips, a few hours, and about $20 to spend at Napa!!
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