[michellem9973]

My jeep ALWAYS starts on a cold start. It seems that once it is hot I can go to start it and it just wont. It can be just a few blocks up the road or a long drive so distance doesn't make the difference on whether it will work or not.

The lights will light up and the doors will ding but the engine is dead...not a noise from it. If I wait for it to cool then it starts as if there were no problems, but this can take from 2 minutes to 45 minutes. This does NOT happen all of the time though.

The first time this happened the mechanic cleaned the battery and cables of corrosion. It was fine for a few days then started again. I brought it back and they fixed the cables. Again the jeep was ok for a few days then completely shut down while driving (not even the door locks would do a thing it was DEAD!... at night and it is a black jeep) had it towed to the mechanic and he found more corrosion on the left cable. Drove it for a week or so and low and behold the not starting was happening again. Brought it in and they replaced the battery. Seemed to work for two weeks until I was stranded at the store because it wouldn't start once I came out. Brought it back and they replaced the starter... only to have it last a few days and the problem was back.

I am at wits end with this thing... I called Jeep to see if they have heard of the same thing happening (thinking I may have missed a recall or something) they said they have not. My ignition switch tests out ok as well. If anyone has ANY suggestions PLEASE let me know... This is the only car I have and cant keep having it not start on me. I also cant keep paying for the "could be this" repairs.

[tjkj2002]

Well your problem is heat related.Seems from what you have had done already the battery cables themselfs maybe at fault.The postive cable is a dealer only item and has alot of other wiring involved with it so best to replace with the correct OEM part(kinda pricey also).Never hurts to replace the negitive side also when doing the positive side.

Now without actually being there and looking at it the above is my best guess.I would OHM the positive cable hot and cold and if there is a drastic difference that may well be your whole issue.Could be other issues also.

[streetglideok]

As well as the cables, the starter assembly may at fault. When the starter gets hot from the exhaust, the motor, and the solenoid can break down electrically. GM's had alot of issues in the late 70s and early 80s with this, and we see it once in a while in all vehicles even now.

[Billwill]

The fact that the engine died on you completely while you were driving and then would not start would seem to indicate a problem not related to the actual starter motor.
You need to check the earth strap that grounds the engine to the chassis...make sure both ends are corrosion-free and extremely tight.
These connections can change with heat.

[streetglideok]

Didnt see anything about it actually stalling, unless I misread his post.

[Billwill]

Originally Posted by streetglideok

Didnt see anything about it actually stalling, unless I misread his post.

'completely shut down while driving'

That was before the battery was changed though

[flexyxj]

Originally Posted by Billwill

The fact that the engine died on you completely while you were driving and then would not start would seem to indicate a problem not related to the actual starter motor.
You need to check the earth strap that grounds the engine to the chassis...make sure both ends are corrosion-free and extremely tight.
These connections can change with heat.

Yep,clean and check all the grounds and make sure they are tight. This sounds like an electrical issue to me. The ignition switch could check good and fail later. Was the ignition switch checked the last time it wouldn't start?