Jeep wont start advice on where to start?

vangosu · 08-20-2008, 10:22 PM

I have a 2004 Rubicon. Over the past month the jeep gave a rare problem of needing to be push started but typically not. It went completely dead the other day so bought a new battery. It worked fine for 2 days and now yesterday it would crank but not turn. I tried push starting but it did not work. Now no power will turn on whatsoever no crank no lights no response at all any ideas? there is a brand new battery in there and it worked for 2 days with that before completely dying.

**Stu Olson** · 08-20-2008, 10:56 PM

OK....so what is the battery voltage now?

What is condition of the battery cables? Are the terminals bright, shiny clean?

Have you been able to successfully jump start it?

Did you take the battery out and have it tested? It is possible get a defective battery when you purchase a new one.

mmtphoto · 08-21-2008, 03:02 AM

you need to get the battery fully charged, then get the jeep running and using a digital volt meter, check to see if the alternator is charging -it should read over 14 volts when running.

**jneal** · 08-21-2008, 10:22 AM

if the battery is really dead it wont push start. just simply too many electronics nowadays to do it.

like listed above,

charge the battery on a charger
start jeep
check voltage for 14 with a volt meter. autozone or similar store should be able to do this if you dont have a VM.
clean terminals/cables, baking soda and water will help
spray terms with some term spray you can get at the parts store. this will stop future corrosion.

it really sounds as if you have either a bad Alt. or something running (drawing current) when the engine is off.

57phinney · 08-21-2008, 10:30 AM

if battery and alter. is fine shut everything off .check with a 12 volt tester to see what is pulling volts from fuse panel

Cochinosucio · 08-21-2008, 03:32 PM

Sounds like you have something that bleeds power at all times (with key off). Did u install a new stereo? new accessories? any lights on? (exterior, interior, under hood).

vangosu · 08-25-2008, 09:28 AM

I found out it was a pretty bad short coming from the original subwoofer. It drained the full power of the battery in less than 3 hours of not running.

08-21-2008, 03:02 AM	#3
mmtphoto Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: glenside pa Posts: 144 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	you need to get the battery fully charged, then get the jeep running and using a digital volt meter, check to see if the alternator is charging -it should read over 14 volts when running.

08-25-2008, 09:28 AM	#7
vangosu Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: la Posts: 2 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I found out it was a pretty bad short coming from the original subwoofer. It drained the full power of the battery in less than 3 hours of not running.