Jeep Wrangler Starting Problems

firefightin

Have a 2004 wrangler x auto, it has been having problems starting battery has been checked and is fine, all fuses are fine starter relay in engine compartment fuse box ok, all oher fuses ok, took the wire off from the solenoid on the starter the one coming from the engine compartment fuse box and was able to jump the solenoid to start by clipping a wire on that tab and putting it on the positive battery teminal started 2 times that way in 5 days other wise was starting hit or miss tried to start it today would not start tried jumper on the solenoid and would not start, not sure where to go from here.

mac24

Although you don't say, I'm assuming that you mean the starter won't crank the engine over, rather than the engine won't fire.

Two main possibilities. First, the battery connections, both positive and ground, and both at the battery and at their opposite ends. They must be tight and free of corrosion. The best way to check is to remove them, clean, then reinstall.

Second, it could be the starter itself. Take it to your local auto electrical specialist or autoparts store for a free test before buying a new one.

From the description it may well be the starter though, as the solenoid appeared to be working intermittently but has now failed.

randydem

I have 2001 that I cannot get to start (will roll start). Starter won't engage, not even clicks. Battery carrying 12.9 v, starter checked OK, new relay.

Based on my limited knowledge the next check becomes the switch on the clutch or the ignition itself. Any insight on this would be welcome.

If the switch on the clutch is bad, is this a fix I can make or best taken to a mechanic?

firefightin

i took apart the steering column to replace the ignition switch and found a piece of metal in the ignition switch. The metal came from where the ignition switch clips on to the column there is a plastic pin that sticks out and has a metal piece that spins around the outside, i am wondering what that piece is called and where to get it, it is the main connection between the lock cylinder and the ignition switch.

mac24

........there is a plastic pin that sticks out and has a metal piece that spins around the outside, i am wondering what that piece is called and where to get it,

Unfortunately, I'm afraid I don't see anything like that as being available separately. However, as you were previously able to activate the starter by independently powering the solenoid but can now no longer do so, it would indicate that the problem is in the starter itself, or the main supply to it, and not the ignition switch,

firefightin

I was thinking that due to the metal piece being broken that that is why i was only able to get it started some of the time and not all of the time. I was able to jumper it out because it was only some of the time able to make the switch turn all of the way over but sometimes would turn part way and allow the vehicle to run and was making some connections but not all.

dars_jeep

98 Jeep Wrangler: I changed the airbag and console fuses 10amp, and now my car won't start. The car lights, radio, a/c, and everything else works. When I turn the key I don't even hear a click. Had the battery changed about 3 weeks ago.

Any suggestions?

wrangler_kay

I just purchased a 2010 jeep wrangler. I have been stranded 3x in 3 weeks. It seems to be worse when the engine is warmed up. The engine will crank but not start. I may have to try starting 5-10 times. My husband seems to think it may be that I pump the gas pedal when I try starting--other cars I have had required me to do so. Should that cause the car to not start and in the process shake violently? It has been back to the dealer each time. They've been stumped. They have tried tightening connections and giving us new keys. When asked the question about pumping the pedal to start, they could not say whether that would have an effect or not. I'm beginning to think I have a lemon. Any help??

mac24

My husband seems to think it may be that I pump the gas pedal when I try starting--other cars I have had required me to do so. Should that cause the car to not start and in the process shake violently?

There is absolutely no need to pump the gas pedal on any modern vehicle when starting.
Keep your foot off the pedal and turn the key. If it doesn't start there's something wrong that needs to be fixed.
You may have a lemon, but it's far more likely to be a minor problem (if it's worse when warm I'd start by looking for bad sensors) and you have a dealer with an incompetent service department.

burns929

I have a 2007 jeep wrangler sahara never had a problem until about 35,000 miles now you turn the key and sometimes it starts other times the starter wont turn over enough to start usually it will start on the 5 turn of nothing , but has got worse lately . The dealer started out working on it as soon as called him with the problem now they tell me I haven't been stranded and they dont know what else to try . they'll call the main jeep mechanics and then call me. I now have it on video a couple times and am just ready to call a Lawyer anyone found a permanent fix yet ?? help....... :mad:

mac24

I now have it on video a couple times and am just ready to call a Lawyer

This would be a lawyer who moonlights as a Jeep mechanic perhaps?

Your dealer appears to doing everything correctly so far.
They started work straight away, couldn't immediately find the problem but tried to reassure you by pointing out that the problem hasn't left you stranded, and now they going to contact Jeep for further information (at least, I think that's what you meant) and have promised to call you when they've done so.

Anyhow, although it's a little hard to tell from your description, it's either a starter/electrical problem or fuel system issue.
I'd guess at the fuel system losing pressure when the engine isn't running, possibly a leaking injector dribbling fuel into a cylinder causing both a loss of pressure and flooding that cylinder.

srexy1

My girlfriend is having this issue - amongst many others on here and other forums. These include smoking from the radiator, leaking soft top above door handles, stalling out, etc. More than likely, if yours is an automatic transmission as well, this is the same shifter issue she is having. If you attempt to start and it just 'clicks', as hers does, take out of, and put back into park and try starting again. If that doesn't work, push shifter forward slightly to make sure it is 'engaged' in the park position and try again. This has happened over 30 times to her but she can't 'duplicate' at the dealership, so they won't replace anything and can't find a cause otherwise. We believe it is a cable issue. Good luck. She's been to the dealership for all of the issues above numerous times and not one of them has been repaired. She is now out of warranty, but is demanding that they keep trying as the issues surfaced, and they've 'attempted' to fix each of them, while under the warranty period.

mattlittlegym

This also works for my 07 Jeep Wrangler. I have also found that I can turn the key and put the shifter into neutral then it will crank. The problem, I believe, is in the shifter. The dealer, however, will do anything but fix the problem. SO far, they have replaced a perfectly good battery for $130 dollars.

This is obviously a wide spread problem because I have heard from several people about this issue. Jeep has to know about this. But still....no recall because they have no idea how to fix it. Typical.

kagm

I have had the EXACT same problem on my 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited when trying to manually or remote start (stock remote starter). They replaced the clock spring in steering column and it seemed to be fixed, however it still comes and goes (less frequent). I've also spent anywhere from 1-3 tries to start, to 10-25 tries (and gave up). Even though I parked straight, I tried to "crank the steering wheel to the left" method, as if I parked crooked (sometimes worked by fluke) as well as stepping on gas, brake, anything that may have related it. Turns out, it's a "parking safety switch" issue - 9 times out of 10, I now just push the shifter further into "park" and it starts. I had to do that twice on one occasion. Hope you've already solved the problem, if not hopefully this helps!

mattlittlegym

Yeah, I have found that turning the key in the ignition (but not starting it) and placing the shifter in neutral--then turning the key all the way will start it every time.

roger_dodger

The same thing happened to my 2007 wrangler, it wouldn't start. It still is happening. Sometimes between 5 and ten times turning the key, it would then start. The dealer couldn't find the problem, I brought it back three times and they were not afraid to bill me. I came home, ran a google surch, I found your message. The next time it happened...I turned the key, took the shifter out of park, moved it to neutral and then back into park. Now it will start. This has happened over 30 times, and this works every time. I haven't brought it back to the dealer since they couldn't find the problem. I feel like it is a waste of my time to tell them about it.

mac24

The dealer couldn't find the problem........................I haven't brought it back to the dealer since they couldn't find the problem. I feel like it is a waste of my time to tell them about it.

Why didn't you demonstrate the problem to the dealer?
As for not taking it back to be fixed now you've found the problem, words fail me. :surprise:

I would at least make sure that they credited me some of the amount previously charged toward the cost of the repair.

jeepsuck101

I HAVE FOUND THAT IF YOU SHAKE YOUR SHIFTER IN PARK THE CAR WILL CRANK RIGHT UP

2hill

I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited doing the same thing. Pushing it further into "park" seems to have solved the problem. I called my dealer, they want me to bring it in. Thanks for the tip!

mattlittlegym

I'm sure they do. Be careful. I took mine in and they had no idea how to fix it. But they did charge me. Waranty is over...

mac24

I'm sure they do. Be careful. I took mine in and they had no idea how to fix it. But they did charge me. Waranty is over...

Hard to believe they're that incompetent. The problem is that the NSS (or Neutral Safety Switch) is either bad or needs adjusting.
Every vehicle with automatic transmission has one and it's to prevent the vehicle being started in anything other than Park or Neutral.

ron007

I have heard there was a recall on the 07 for that issue.

ron007

My 2008 50000 miles wont start. If I drive for 10 minutes and tuirn it off ,go in store, come out it won't start. Turns over fine. Tonight it died while I was going about 20 mph and now wont start and now has dead battery. Any ideas??

mac24

Guessing would be pointless as it could be so many things either electrical or fuel related.

It's highly likely that the PCM is holding a code relating to the problem.
Get the battery charged and see if you can get to somewhere that can read the codes(s). Autozone will do it for free.

jeepzach

About two weeks ago my jeep stopped starting when in neutral and turning the key.

I can only get it to start by letting the jeep start to roll down hill or getting someone to help push. I than have to put the manual transmission in 1st gear, turn the key, and pop the clutch.

I went by a Sears auto center and they said it would most likely be $400 to replace the starter.

I also tried jumping the jeep. This does not help.

Can anyone tell me what may be the problem and what I can do to fix this?

mac24

Can anyone tell me what may be the problem and what I can do to fix this?

Presumably the starter needs replacing. It could also be a bad battery, ignition switch, relay, or a wiring problem.

it's an easy diagnosis with the vehicle in front of you.
Did you just ask Sears the price of a starter, or did theycheck to see what was actually wrong?

rst35

i have the same problem and every time i take it to the dealership they can't find a code to fix and it starts just fine for them. whats strange is i am a rural mail carrier me and 2 other rural carrier bought 2008 jeep wranglers and all 3 do this one was fix by replacing the EGR valve but they had to do it 3 times to finally fix it and the other just had her tranmission replace to fix it. i think they need another recall

mac24

Maybe a visit to a more competent dealership would pay dividends. :shades:

jeepers2008

We have an 08 Wrangler that has been intermittently not starting since September. It stayed at the dealership for over a month and they were never able to duplicate/pull a code. Interestingly once we drive the vehicle for a few days it does it again. Sometimes it leaves us stranded other times it just wont start in our front yard. Jeep is aware of the issue but stated they cannot do anything without a code. Disgusted!

mac24

Disgusted!

With the Jeep or the dealer? :mad:

The reality is that if a problem can't be replicated and it's not triggering a code which can be used as a starting point, then it's virtually impossible to fix.

There many things it could be, from a bad ignition switch to a virtually blocked fuel filter (and 101 things in between), but unless you want to throw parts randomly at it there's little that can be done until it either presents the problem to the dealer or it fails to start permanently, in which case it will be easy to identify the problem.

rob216

i pulled in driveway cut off ignition got right back in my jeep nothing works now. the battery is good

mattlittlegym

Put it in Neutral. Start it.

rob216

found problem to be electrical side of ignition switch

lrichie

I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. The past few weeks my horn will randomly honk as well as headlights flashing, dashboard lights blinking, seat belt dinging...and most recently it has been difficult to start and has had to be jumped a few times.

I have had the battery and alternator tested and both appear to be 'good'.

Any thoughts?

Thanks...

mac24

Without circuit testing it's hard to tell, but while there can be many causes a 'ghost in the machine' is often the result of a bad or intermittant ground.

If the battery is good but jumping gets it started I'd take a look at the battery connections.

johns19

2005 jeep wrangler turns over great but wont fire or even attempt to fire. gastank has gas. It was running fine...turned it off then tried to restart 2 hours later but failed to fire. no history of starting issues.

mac24

Could be almost anything from a failed coil rail feed to a bad fuel pump and 101 things inbetween.

Start by checking for codes.

marine0309

My 2007 wrangler is having the EXACT same problem and the dealer didn't believe me and treated me like an idiot because they could not replicate the problem...How did you find out it was the electrical side of the ignition switch? Thanks for your help!

johns19

2005 jeep wrangler turns over great but wont fire or even attempt to fire. gastank has gas. It was running fine...turned it off then tried to restart 2 hours later but failed to fire. no history of starting issues.
2-1-12
today I used starter fluid to see if the engine would fire and it started right up. Of course after the fluid burned away it stalled. Now I know I'm looking for a fule issue. Thanks Mac24, I will look for codes.

johns19

2005 jeep wrangler turned over but failed to fire. I used starter fluid and it started right up but stalled after I stopped spraying. Over 4 days I tried starting it 15 times without starter fluid and the engine would turn over but not fire. I had it towed 13 miles and after it was in the driveway it fired right up. The next day it didn't start. When I check the codes by turning the key 3 times....the engine light blinks 10 times in a row. Could it be a loose wire somewhere? Fuel pump? Dirty fule filter?

mac24

Yes, it could be a loose wire, bad connection, bad fuel pump, or blocked fuel filter.
There's lots of things it could be but you need a starting point, so
you need to beg, borrow, or steal a code reader (or rent one from AutoZone).

Post the code(s) you get and we'll take it from there.

jeep_snowplow

I just had same problem with my 1992 wrangler. Worked great, I stalled it, and couldn't get it started with full gas, good spark. It's at the dealer with them trying to figure it out.

bobbyaha

my 03 tj wrangler has starting problems. before it was hard to start first thing in morning. like it was not getting fuel. now it does this every time. to get it to start i have to pump the gas. then it is like it is flooded. it has gas, the engine turns over well, i was thinking that the fuel pump is letting fuel run back to the tank? or lack of pressure?

johns19

I originally had starting issues...installed new fuel pump (not assebly) and it worked fine. One month after the new fuel pump was installed the vehicle stalled as I went down the highway. Code p0301 came up. I spray either into fuel body and it starts. I turn the key forward and hear the fuel pump working. I have not checked to see if fuel is pumping to the fuel rail.

haver1

My 2004 Jeep Wrangler runs great, when it starts. I have replaced the battery, but the problem still exists. It may not be driven more than once a week, but I start it up every two or three days, without even putting it in gear. Sometimes it starts immediately, but sometimes, it seems the battery is completely dead. I charge the battery back up, and we start the cycle over again. Something is draining the battery, completely, but not every time.
I wonder if it could possibly be the ignition switch since that is the only part I physically move. I don't touch the gas pedal or brake, don't put it into gear, nothing...just the ignition switch. Sometimes the battery is drained, other times not.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

erickpl

Do you have any aftermarket stuff hooked up? Stereo? Amp? Winch? Lights?

Have you had the battery AND alternator tested? Ensure the alternator is putting out 14V or so.

Had a similar issue, but my battery issue was due to previous winch operations and the battery just being worn out.

-Paul

fmjeff

I just had the same problem with my 92 Wrangler yesterday. I was backing up and seemed to run out of fuel and stalled. I could not restart and determined good spark, and no fuel after turning the key and checking fuel pressure. I have all electrical items working, a/c, heater, lights, stereo, but NO acc lights, emergency brake light on the dash when I turn the key on. Checked all the relays and fuses and no issues. I was initially thinking fuel pump in the tank, but I'm thinking maybe the computer.......but at a loss. What did the dealer say?

charlie145

i haave an 03 jeep wrangler it ran great then i had to put a new clutch in it andnow it wont start it set in the driveway for about 3 weeks the battery has charge and it will turn over but it wont fire any ideas?

frankphoto

kagm said:

I have had the EXACT same problem on my 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited when trying to manually or remote start (stock remote starter). They replaced the clock spring in steering column and it seemed to be fixed, however it still comes and goes (less frequent). I've also spent anywhere from 1-3 tries to start, to 10-25 tries (and gave up). Even though I parked straight, I tried to "crank the steering wheel to the left" method, as if I parked crooked (sometimes worked by fluke) as well as stepping on gas, brake, anything that may have related it. Turns out, it's a "parking safety switch" issue - 9 times out of 10, I now just push the shifter further into "park" and it starts. I had to do that twice on one occasion. Hope you've already solved the problem, if not hopefully this helps!

Thanks this really helps

frankphoto

jeepsuck101 said:

I HAVE FOUND THAT IF YOU SHAKE YOUR SHIFTER IN PARK THE CAR WILL CRANK RIGHT UP

I am gonna test this and hope it fixes my problem Thanks for posting

frankphoto

roger_dodger said:

The same thing happened to my 2007 wrangler, it wouldn't start. It still is happening. Sometimes between 5 and ten times turning the key, it would then start. The dealer couldn't find the problem, I brought it back three times and they were not afraid to bill me. I came home, ran a google surch, I found your message. The next time it happened...I turned the key, took the shifter out of park, moved it to neutral and then back into park. Now it will start. This has happened over 30 times, and this works every time. I haven't brought it back to the dealer since they couldn't find the problem. I feel like it is a waste of my time to tell them about it.

Thanks for posting, this will probably fix my problem. I also changed the starter for no change in starting problem.