The past few days I've had trouble starting my jeep. When I turn it to the start, it doesn't turn over. All the lights, radio and everything comes on. Some days it turns over right away, some days I have to keep trying for hours. Some say I need a new re programed key. I just don't know.
Member
If it is an intermittent starter problem (which I doubt due to the vehicles age) – it is classic of the symptoms that occur due to worn brushes within the starter motor.
I suffered a similar problem on an old Ford – whenever the vehicle would not turn over, I’d get out and bash the starter motor with a soft hammer, which would normally do the trick. Within a couple of months, I knew I’d have to replace the starter motor, as the fault became more and more prevalent (this did not impress the young lady I was dating at the time).
Try bashing the starter motor next time it happens – if bashing the motor does the trick more often than not – check the connections to the starter before splashing out on a replacement.
I suffered a similar problem on an old Ford – whenever the vehicle would not turn over, I’d get out and bash the starter motor with a soft hammer, which would normally do the trick. Within a couple of months, I knew I’d have to replace the starter motor, as the fault became more and more prevalent (this did not impress the young lady I was dating at the time).
Try bashing the starter motor next time it happens – if bashing the motor does the trick more often than not – check the connections to the starter before splashing out on a replacement.
CF Veteran
If you still have the factory battery in the vehicle, change it, problem solved.
Member
From the symptoms described, I doubt it is the battery that is at fault. If the battery did not hold a charge – the dashboard lights would dim when the starter motor engaged.
Although to eliminate the battery, you could have it checked out by a garage and/or jump the vehicle when it won’t crank/start.
To assist further, could you please be specific about what you mean by ‘Some days it turns over right away, some days I have to keep trying for hours’ – does the engine crank (turn over) when you have the problem, or does nothing happen when you attempt to start the engine?
Although to eliminate the battery, you could have it checked out by a garage and/or jump the vehicle when it won’t crank/start.
To assist further, could you please be specific about what you mean by ‘Some days it turns over right away, some days I have to keep trying for hours’ – does the engine crank (turn over) when you have the problem, or does nothing happen when you attempt to start the engine?
Seasoned Member
I've worked in a Chrysler/jeep/dodge garage for around five years now those vehicles are kind of notorious for an intermittent start issue cause by the ignition switch when it does it again jiggle the key around in the ignition and see if it starts
When I attempt to start the engine using my key fob, the lights, radio and everything else electrical comes on except the engine. I tried to jump it but the engine still didn't start. So I waited the next day to try and start the car and the engine started right up. I'm going to take it to Jeep Tuesday to see what they say.
Newbie
If you are still having a problem with this, and your starter motor is the problem. I was told that the design for the connector going to the solenoid is bad and will become loose,allowing corrosion to build up. This is a push on spring connector. Completely change this female connector to something more secure. This should stop the motor starter going bad.