Jeep won't start but starter and battery are good

tmuschi · 11-16-2011, 01:43 PM

Yesterday afternoon my manual 1999 tj won't start. When I turn the ingnition switch and then dash lights, radio, ect. will come on but then I turn it to the start position nothing happens. The starter doesn't click at all. I've had the starter and battery check and both are ok. I've replaced the the starter relay and grounded the clutch switch, put a fuse in the bypass slot for the switch and still nothing happens when I turn the key. I've connected the positive terminal on the battery to the starter and it spins the starter motor. I've checked all the fuses behind the glove box and in the PDC in the engine compartment and all are good. Any advice would be helpful.

MONSooNmonkey · 11-16-2011, 02:07 PM

Its not NOT starting...
Its not 'turning over' there is a big difference.
Check your clutch switch (unsure of the name but it keeps your starter from working if your clutch isn't depressed). Or your neutral switch.

I'm not sure which one you would or do have, or if you have either one at all. But its somewhere to start.

**Cuder** · 11-16-2011, 02:14 PM

Look at this thread. Broken ignition pin/rod. You can get one from a wrecking yard for cheap. I got one out of a Cherokee.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/br...n-pin-1044021/

tmuschi · 11-16-2011, 11:17 PM

It won't turn over. I turn the ignition to the start position and nothing happens. No noise, click, our buzzing. I've check the clutch safety switch and it doesn't seem to be the problem. I'll have to check the ignition switch.

_KONG_ · 11-17-2011, 12:27 AM

If your starter isn't turning verify that it is getting correct voltage by using a multimeter. If its not work your way back to the PDC then to the battery. Make sure all connections are secure and free of corrosion.

BFitch · 11-17-2011, 05:45 AM

I'm having the same problem i went through everything started getting into the steering column pulled off the ignition switch and sure enough my actuator pin snapped apparently very common they where made very weak out of pot metal..
I just found this morning that checker/O'Reilly sells em for $40 and NAPA also has them for about $48.
When I first started looking into it everyone told me i had to get a new steering column, then i found out you can get the same actuator out of any pt cruiser, jeep liberty pretty much and Chrysler vehicle of that model year.. But found mine at the parts store around the corner saved me a $350 steering column and a trip to the pull n pay!

JWebber · 11-17-2011, 08:52 AM

I went thru this as well. Is called Ignition Switch Actuator Pin It connects the key tumbler to the ignition switch. If you want to drive the jeep you can pull the ignition switch out for now and start it with a screw driver. But keep in mind that your jeep is open to get stolen and if you have a grey key for Sentry key function it will have to be next to the RF transponder. If you have no sentry key then your good.

You can buy the part now made by Dorman products. When mine went bad I had to go to the junk yard as well.

link to part
http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-924-704-Ignition-Actuator-Chrysler/dp/B004BYX8W8
this is what happens

kyle97 · 11-17-2011, 09:48 AM

check all your body and engine grounds as well

tmuschi · 11-17-2011, 03:08 PM

The problem was the ignition switch actuator. For anyone looking at this thread with the same problem, it's the piece between the key cylinder and the actual ingnition switch. It fits inside the ingnition switch and turns the switch. Mine looks just like the broken on in the picture above from jwebber. Apparently it would still turn the switch enough to turn on the electrically system (radio, dash lights, ect..) but wouldn't turn far enough to start the engine. Cost me $41 from O'Rielly's. Advance Auto doesn't carry it. Thanks to everyone for the help. Hopefully tomorrow when the part comes in I'll be driving my jeep again.

tmuschi · 11-17-2011, 03:11 PM

P.S. Jwebber you were right on the money and the pics are great. Thanks for the help.

JWebber · 11-17-2011, 04:14 PM

Also to access the area it take some really small tamper proof torx fittings to take off the cover plate off the steering column. But I cannot remember the size, same with the ignition switch! Good luck.

bombero590 · 03-20-2012, 04:52 PM

does anyone know who carries the switch and possibly a part number. i have a 98 sahara and i believe the switch is starting to go bad. Thanks

rikkards · 03-20-2012, 05:54 PM

I think you can get it from Daveys Jeeps
Edit: get it elsewhere he is asking too much

**jrskihog** · 03-20-2012, 06:17 PM

Amazon has it can't remember part number but I know dorman makes it an it was around $27. Someone also told be car quest carries this part not sure on price or if they really carry it. I got mine on amazon got it in 2 days.

bombero590 · 03-21-2012, 04:02 PM

Thanks got it today from autozone around thirty bucks installed and all is good.... Thanks again to my fellow Jeep forum brothers and sisters for the help...