Starter on it's way out?

[adventureboss]

Trying to figure out if this is an issue before it leaves me stranded. I've noticed recently that when starting in "cold" weather and my Jeep has been sitting for a while, the starter turns over slower and so the engine takes longer to fire up. By "cold", I mean literally when it's 50-60 degrees out. So not actually cold. It's almost as if the battery isn't providing enough cranking amps. The battery though did test good, and it's fairly new too. I somewhat recently replaced the fuel pump so I doubt that's the issue. The starter is original though and my TJ has over 170k miles on it, so it wouldn't surprise me if it was on it's last legs. Cables look clean and not corroded.

Because of the above I'm leaning towards a starter that will likely go bad soon. Does this sound about right?

 

[JKP]

If the battery was load tested properly, it's most likely the starter is on the way out.

You can also hook up another battery to it with jumper cables to eliminate the battery.

Check the grounds on the engine block as well.

 

[TJ Jim]

I wonder…can you test the voltage at the battery while cranking and then test the voltage at the starter? If you have good voltage at the battery and good voltage at the starter then I’d agree on a starter. If you have good voltages at the battery and low voltage at the starter I’d suspect bad cables. Just a way to check before throwing parts at it. I’ve seen on a Chevy I had corrosion at the battery and again at the starter which created the same slow/no turn over problem.

 

[LONGJP2]

Sorry to hijack.
Is it still possible to replace just the bendix (on an '06)?
Once in a while the starter motor spins, but does not engage.

 

[TJ Jim]

Sorry to hijack.
Is it still possible to replace just the bendix (on an '06)?
Once in a while the starter motor spins, but does not engage.

I have taken one apart and cleaned the dirt/corrosion/burn area with great success.

 

[adventureboss]

Okay guys looks like it did end up being the starter. Starts super quick now. I'm having issues with getting the battery cable tight but I'll figure that part out.

 

[Metalmoto]

Sorry to hijack.
Is it still possible to replace just the bendix (on an '06)?
Once in a while the starter motor spins, but does not engage.

Many many years ago you could just buy the bendix solonoid. But not today.
A late friend of mine bought a cheap starter once, and after he installed it. Still wouldn't start.
Removing it from the car, he noticed the wire going to the bendex was thin and broken off.
He couldn't return it for some reason. So, he went and bought a better starter. You could see the difference in quality on the bendix, much thicker wire etc. So, he swapped over the better bexdix, put the crappy bendix on the better starter, and returned it for a full refund. Sometimes you got to do what you got to to!
I'd recommend just buying a better starter to begin with, and it will last much longer...