Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here! ZJ (93-98), WJ (99-04), WK (05+)
All ZJ/WJ/WK specific tech questions asked here!

runs for 3-4 seconds then dies

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 8, 2011 | 03:25 AM
  #1  
SpitFire's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Wheatfield,Indiana
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L MFI 6cyl
Default runs for 3-4 seconds then dies

Hey guys,

I was on my way home from work tonight and the battery light came on in my 94 grand Cherokee, I could the battery was losing charge as I was driving. I pulled into the gas station. Shut the Jeep off. When I tried to start it again it would only keep clicking and the "security" light kept flashing. I got a jump from my Moms car. I let it charge for about 10 minutes then tried starting it.

When it started, it would only run for about 3-4 seconds and dies. I didn't smell any fuel or see anything leaking. The engine house is very dry and no fresh leaks.

I'm guessing bad alternator?
Reply
Old May 8, 2011 | 05:45 AM
  #2  
jronald's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Outside of RTP NC
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: V8
Default

Possible but I wonder since the battery should run the engine for at least awhile with out the alternator.
Go back to the security light, tell us what it is doing.

Ron
Reply
Old May 8, 2011 | 09:46 AM
  #3  
SpitFire's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Wheatfield,Indiana
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L MFI 6cyl
Default

it plus the other lights "exterior" on the Jeep just keeps flashing on and off.
Reply
Old May 8, 2011 | 10:07 AM
  #4  
OverlandZJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
Premium Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Either the battery is not holding a charge, or the alternator is bad.

Your loss of power to the vehicle tripped the security system, as indicated by the "security" warning and the flashing headlights. If you dont have a key fob you can reset the alarm by locking and unlocking the hatch or pass side door three times with the key. All doors/hatch/hood etc must be closed to do this.
Reply
Old May 8, 2011 | 10:21 AM
  #5  
SpitFire's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Wheatfield,Indiana
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L MFI 6cyl
Default

I will try that in about 30. Been reading up on the security problems, looking for a write-up about disarming it all together.

EDIT:

Fixed it, It was in fact the security. The last few weeks I have been spraying the bolts and such to get ready for maintenance stuff. The battery terminals were extremely loose. I believe that is why I was losing charge. I'll find out today if that is the case. I turned the key left than right and the horn went off once and reset. Jeep started right up and stayed running.

Thanks for the reply guys. Always fast on this forum!

Last edited by SpitFire; May 8, 2011 at 12:35 PM.
Reply
Old May 8, 2011 | 01:09 PM
  #6  
SpitFire's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Wheatfield,Indiana
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L MFI 6cyl
Default

woohoo!...battery is charging and keeping it!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ye Ol' Cherokee
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
Oct 9, 2015 10:29 PM
riderjay253
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
Sep 16, 2015 11:31 AM
Silentj
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
Sep 6, 2015 08:46 PM
australian_expat
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
Sep 2, 2015 09:02 PM
TNXJsleeper
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
Sep 2, 2015 05:31 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:17 AM.