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Jeep TJ Intermittent Starting Issues

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3.9K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  tworley  
#1 ·
So I have a 2006 Wrangler (Automatic). For the past few months, I have had issues with it starting intermittently. Initially thought it was the CPS, so I had that replaced and it was fine for a few days before it starting doing it again. I dealt with the intermittent issues for a few weeks until it would crank but never start one day. Just took it in and had a new battery installed and the PCM reset. Old battery was giving out inconsistent readings before, so we figured that it had messed up the PCM. Ran fine for 4 trips the day that I got it back from the shop, but the day after it won't start at all.
When it does start, it runs perfectly fine. There have only been 2 times where it idled hard and shook for a second right after turning it on, but then it idles/runs fine.
Any ideas? I have been thinking either Neutral Safety Switch or bad PCM. Leaning more towards PCM as it won't start even in neutral.
 
#2 ·
The PCM would be low on the list for what you describe. With the Jeep able to crank reliably but not fire, you can safely rule out the neutral safety switch as that has no influence on the engine's ability to fire up and run.

Start with checking for the presence of any fault codes, verify that you can hear the fuel pump operate for two seconds when you very first turn the ignition switch on, and check all your fuses to be sure none have blown. If your horn works reliably, you can also swap the horn relay and ASD relay in the power distribution center (the black box just forward of the battery) to test the possibility you have a bad ASD relay. Keep us advised of your findings and we can go from there.
 
#4 ·
Even a brand new fuel pump isn't worth more than its value as a door stop if it's not being turned on. Can you hear the fuel pump kick on for two seconds when you turn the ignition switch on? Have you checked all your fuses? Did you have any fault codes, and if so, what are they?

Is there anything else you have had done to the Jeep maintenance-wise? Is the vehicle equipped with the Sentry key system (plastic portion of the key grey, not black)? Do you have any other operating problems or any warning lamps coming on?
 
#6 ·
Try two things to see if either gets the engine to start: unplug the crank sensor plug, clean the terminals with spray contact cleaner, then firmly reconnect the plug; hold the throttle pedal down about an eighth of the way while cranking. If cleaning and reseating the crank sensor plug gets things working but it starts acting up again in the near future, suspect a bad CKS or a problem with its wiring. If holding the throttle open gets the Jeep to start, you'll need to clean the IAC and throttle body. If neither makes any difference, try spraying a shot of starting fluid in the throttle body then cranking it over to see if it starts briefly.

Out of curiosity, are you looking for guidance on how to troubleshoot and fix this yourself or are you planning to have somebody else work on the Jeep for you?