I have a 6cyl 1998 wrangler 2 dr. A couple of weeks ago it drove fine. So came home from work, parked done. Following morning turned the key and it cranked the engine but didn't fire up. I cranked it for no more than five seconds then I turned it off. Then I turned the key again expecting to hear it crank and then fire...absolutely nothing. So since then I have changed out the ignition switch and put a brand new starter on 5 minutes ago. Turned the key - nothing - no crank. When I do turn the key though the dash shows all the normal lights and all the turn signals and front and rear lights work hazard switch also works. I have no idea what to do next. I really dont want to get it towed. I'd be most grateful for any advice. I did look at starter fuse and it looks normal - no evidence of any problem. Simply can't figure this out..Thanks Wayne
Trouble starting
- Thread starter WayneExton
- Start date
First place to start is having the battery tested and checking the condition of the battery terminals.
Do not overlook that and start there first, always.
Do not overlook that and start there first, always.
How about the condition of the terminals?
Just trying to rule out the simplest stuff first.
Some other possibilities:
Check the starter relay in the fuse box. A faulty relay can also interrupt the signal from the ignition switch to the starter.
If your Wrangler has an automatic transmission, try starting it in 'neutral' instead of 'park.' If the neutral safety switch is faulty, it may prevent the engine from cranking in park.
Ensure that the ground connection from the battery to the frame and engine is secure and free of corrosion.
Inspect the wiring and connections leading to the starter. Look for any damaged wires or loose connections.
Although it's not directly related to cranking, a faulty ignition coil might prevent the engine from firing up if it cranks normally.
If you’ve checked all these and still can’t figure it out, it might be worth getting a multimeter to check for voltage at the starter while someone turns the key. This can help you pinpoint where the issue lies.
Check the starter relay in the fuse box. A faulty relay can also interrupt the signal from the ignition switch to the starter.
If your Wrangler has an automatic transmission, try starting it in 'neutral' instead of 'park.' If the neutral safety switch is faulty, it may prevent the engine from cranking in park.
Ensure that the ground connection from the battery to the frame and engine is secure and free of corrosion.
Inspect the wiring and connections leading to the starter. Look for any damaged wires or loose connections.
Although it's not directly related to cranking, a faulty ignition coil might prevent the engine from firing up if it cranks normally.
If you’ve checked all these and still can’t figure it out, it might be worth getting a multimeter to check for voltage at the starter while someone turns the key. This can help you pinpoint where the issue lies.
Try flipping the key to run with the transmission in neutral and the emergency brake on...then jumper the little post on the starter to the big post and see if it cranks and fires.
-Mac
-Mac
KennethS
TJ Addict
Is there any sign of corrosion on the battery cable terminals? Sometimes the wire strands inside the insulation are corroded and not really visible.
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