No Turnover When Turning the Key

[jmfonzy]

On my 1998 TJ Sahara for the past two days I've had intermittent start sometimes. Specifically, I would turn the key and nothing happened for about a two or three second delay and then it would start normally. Today after Church I went to start and nothing at all again but this time it didn't start after the two or three second delay in starting it had previously done on a couple of occasions. It ia a 5 speed so I was able to push start it and get going.

During these episodes normal dash lights, blower motor, ignition dinging and radio all function as typical on start up just no turning over at all.

My question is, is this problem indicative of a failed clock spring, or could it be a failed ignition cylinder on the steering column, or should I turn my attention elsewhere? Any help is very appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Chris]

On my 1998 TJ Sahara for the past two days I've had intermittent start sometimes. Specifically, I would turn the key and nothing happened for about a two or three second delay and then it would start normally. Today after Church I went to start and nothing at all again but this time it didn't start after the two or three second delay in starting it had previously done on a couple of occasions. It ia a 5 speed so I was able to push start it and get going.

During these episodes normal dash lights, blower motor, ignition dinging and radio all function as typical on start up just no turning over at all.

My question is, is this problem indicative of a failed clock spring, or could it be a failed ignition cylinder on the steering column, or should I turn my attention elsewhere? Any help is very appreciated. Thanks in advance!
View attachment 644486

First and foremost, start with the obvious. Make sure your battery terminals are clean and tight. Corrosion or loose connections can lead to starting problems.

Since you're getting dash lights and everything else is functioning normally, it could be the ignition switch itself that is failing. Try wiggling the key or turning it slightly to see if it affects the starting process.

Finally, check the starter relay and solenoid for any signs of wear or failure. Sometimes these can cause intermittent issues like the one you're describing.

 

[KennethS]

if you have a manual transmission …. Try starting it in neutral instead of park

Hmmm, a manual transmission with Park, eh? Was that you or AI?

 

[jmfonzy]

I think im going to try chasing down the relay possibility first and see what kind of power if any is getting to the terminals that the starter relay plugs into. Maybe that's the problem. If not I'll try checking the ignition cylinder next. Ill let yall know if I have any luck on these. Thanks for the insights so far.

 

[JKP]

Clutch pedal safety switch
Ignition Actuator Pin

 

[jmfonzy]

Hmmm, a manual transmission with Park, eh? Was that you or AI?

Lol. Yes mine is a 5 speed so neutral and 5 forward gears and reverse. Park is the hand brake on this thing.

 

[jmfonzy]

Clutch pedal safety switch
Ignition Actuator Pin

Great thought. I'll check those out too.

 

[JKP]

You can put the fuse in the clutch switch over ride slot to test that.

There are videos on how to remove the Actuator Pin.

 

[B1Toad]

If you pop a 20 amp fuse into the slot labeled "transmission" it should bypass the clutch safety switch.

 

[hear]

I had a no-crank situation a couple weeks back. Turns out the 27 year old relay finally spit the bit. With a helper, find out what is working when you turn the key. Do you get the ASD, fuel pump & starter relays to all click with the key?

but a loose battery cable or the clutch (or neutral) safety are my go-to culprits for a no-crank.

 

[jmfonzy]

I had a no-crank situation a couple weeks back. Turns out the 27 year old relay finally spit the bit. With a helper, find out what is working when you turn the key. Do you get the ASD, fuel pump & starter relays to all click with the key?

but a loose battery cable or the clutch (or neutral) safety are my go-to culprits for a no-crank.

I've chased it down to what I believe is a faulty clutch safety switch. I put a meter in it set to ohms. There was no change from 0 depressed or open. I understand that if the switch works it should change with 0 in the compressed position and infinite of a large number in the open position. Am I missing something or is that my issue based on these results?

 

[hear]

Did you try to put a fuse into #20? That will bypass the clutch safety. If you then start to crank, you've probably found the culprit.

 

[jmfonzy]

Ok. So I pulled the switch tested and saw no change. I cleaned it with electric contact cleaner and my volt meter set to ohms was on 0.L. then when closed it read 00.0.

I also pulled the 20A fuse from #19 and saw it was blown. I replaced it and the cleaned switch and tried to start. No result. I then moved the 20A fuse to position #20 on the cabin fuse box and still no result.

Thoughts?

 

[macleanflood]

Switch the key to run. Put the transmission in neutral and set the parking brake. Grab a short jumper wire, crawl under the Jeep and see if you touch the little terminal to the big one if it cranks and better yet starts and runs.

Might try smacking the starter.

Have we determined if you have 12v to the little terminal on the starter when it's on crank?

-Mac

 

[jmfonzy]

So, I do have a new starter in the jeep. Because of a non related issue I replaced it. For this issue which is just happening I bypassed the clutch safety switch and no start. I'm wondering if I should look at the starter relay in the power distribution center under the hood or if I should consider the ignition switch or cylinder or both? It should have started with the clutch safety switch bypassed if that were the (only) issue right?

 

[hear]

You need to work backward from the starter, to the relay & beyond to figure out where you lose the voltage. I have a writeup of this specific circuit for troubleshooting.... brb.

 

[jmfonzy]

I had a no-crank situation a couple weeks back. Turns out the 27 year old relay finally spit the bit. With a helper, find out what is working when you turn the key. Do you get the ASD, fuel pump & starter relays to all click with the key?

but a loose battery cable or the clutch (or neutral) safety are my go-to culprits for a no-crank.

They do click in the power distribution center under the hood. But im beginning to wonder if that starter relay is bad. There is 12v to the terminals it plugs into.

 

[hear]

swap it with the rear window defogger relay and see if anything changes. But it's not clear if you're saying the starter relay is clicking or not.

 

[hear]

This was for an automatic, but I stubbed out the section for the clutch safety. Feel free to reply in that thread, there are people smarter than me over there.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/my-turn-for-a-no-crank.86654/post-1782797

 

[Bobsled84790]

Sounds like a starter problem . I had a new starter go bad within three months

Like was said earlier try smacking the starter