xj_maniac_newb

We've got an 05 wrangler we just can't get to start unless you roll it to a start (4.0 6 speed). Everything electrical works including the dash and all the gauges, and when you turn the key you get nothing. We tried jumping the starter and it'll turn the motor over for days but never crank. What could this possibly be? We've been searching for hours for a loose connection or loose wires and have found neither. We've checked all the fuses under the hood and dash and even bypassed the sensor on the clutch that won't let the engine crank unless it's depressed. I'm a loss to what this could be, anybody got a suggestion? I just don't understand how the ONLY way this thing will start is to roll start'

odgreen

Wait... so it cranks over just no start?

xj_maniac_newb

It won't ever turn over from the key, but you can roll start it just fine. But if you arc the starter from the battery with the key on on it'll just keep turning over and will never crank up. Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

odgreen

Any codes?

xj_maniac_newb

Just checked, no codes.

odgreen

Sounds like a bad ignition switch possibility.

xj_maniac_newb

Possibly. I'm not really sure the purpose of the relay in the passenger dash but I can hear it clicking over. We got the column apart and have been fiddling with switch but gave up for the night.

xj_maniac_newb

It was the ignition switch. Shimmed it to get by until we can get another one. Thanks for the help man.

odgreen

Lol no problem. Just needed a lil push in a direction.

xj_maniac_newb

Thing was driving us crazy. I just think its wild you cant crank the engine by arcing the starter if the ignition switch is bad. Lol.

odgreen

Not sending to proper signal to the ecu.

xj_maniac_newb

Another reason why I'd rather work on carbureted vehicles. Lol.