Wrangler wont start...sometimes

Skullx · 09-08-2008, 08:39 PM

I have a '97 Jeep Wrangler. Its a 4.0L.
Recently I have had a few instances where it will not start. It will not crank whatsoever, but my problem is that this happens randomly. Usually I will try to start it back up within 5-15 minutes. It all started the day after I installed a new battery...
I have been referred it is either the crank shaft sensor or the ignition switch.
If it helps I am able to push start it, as it is a manual transmission. Also it seems like the times it wont start, I ran it hard (higher rpms then normal). I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with it, but maybe it will help.
Thanks.

DaOne · 09-08-2008, 09:05 PM

When you try to start it, does it give you 1 single "click"?

Skullx · 09-08-2008, 09:08 PM

Yes, I always wait until that click before I turn the key.

DaOne · 09-08-2008, 09:11 PM

No I mean, when you turn the key to "start", what does it do? A single click, nothing, rapid clicks, etc...

Skullx · 09-08-2008, 09:18 PM

Oh...No there are no clicks after that.
Sorry about that.

DaOne · 09-08-2008, 09:31 PM

I would start with what you last did. Redo all of the battery connections, making sure you take the time to ensure good connections. Double check the ground and starter connections as well. Then...look at the ignition switch.

Skullx · 09-08-2008, 09:39 PM

Ok, will do. I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Skullx · 09-11-2008, 05:49 PM

ok...well it's not the battery. I'm sure I've narrowed down to the starter. It decided to not start up today so I took a hammer to the starter then it worked!!! Don't know how or why but it worked. So a new starter to come.

dbell54 · 09-12-2008, 10:40 PM

That's it, the classic starter test. If you tap the starter and that makes it crank, replace the starter. But if you tap the starter and it doesn't crank, that doesn't mean it's not the starter, it might still be, you're just not sure. Final test, put a grounded test light on the small starter wire and turn the key to start. Using a helper makes this a lot easier. If the light illuminates but it doesn't crank, bad starter. No light means no power to starter, problem upstream (relay, ign, sw., etc.)

Libtekguy · 09-13-2008, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skullx

I have a '97 Jeep Wrangler. Its a 4.0L.
Recently I have had a few instances where it will not start. It will not crank whatsoever, but my problem is that this happens randomly. Usually I will try to start it back up within 5-15 minutes. It all started the day after I installed a new battery...
I have been referred it is either the crank shaft sensor or the ignition switch.
If it helps I am able to push start it, as it is a manual transmission. Also it seems like the times it wont start, I ran it hard (higher rpms then normal). I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with it, but maybe it will help.
Thanks.

Umm.... I only ask this question because it happened to me when I was 16, and didn't know much and manual transmissions.....

You are pushing in the clutch when you start rigth? Rather than just having the stick in neutral? Dumb question... I know.... it got me though when I didn't know better.

**andy02** · 09-13-2008, 07:26 AM

dbell is correct. That is the exact way that I found out that my starter was on it's last legs. Sounds to me like your starter has developed a dead spot and will not turn over if it winds up in that spot. That would be why it seems to do it randomly.

roxford88 · 02-23-2011, 01:54 PM

did you ever fix this issue?? Mine just started doing this yesterday. I stopped to get gas and when i turned the key it was just a single click. Its never done it before. Now it wont do anything but that one single click. Ive checked all my fuses and everything. Bought a new starter and it still wont do anything. Im lost here.

**j_niko** · 02-23-2011, 01:59 PM

Pretty sure he replaced the starter..........