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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: neale_rs on February 29, 2008, 07:57:22 AM

Title: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on February 29, 2008, 07:57:22 AM
Well, another problem has cropped up with my YJ (AX5).  Today, when I tried to start the YJ after a short drive (engine fully warmed up) all it did was click once and then nothing.  The fuel pump is priming normally.  I tried one more time and the same thing happened.  On the third try it started up normally with no noticeable cranking weakness.  I drove it to a better parking spot, turned it off and then tried starting again.  Same thing, just one click and then nothing, on the second try it started normally. I'm thinking either the starter relay in the power distribution box or something in the starter itself.  Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: oldjeep on February 29, 2008, 07:58:21 AM
Well, another problem has cropped up with my YJ (AX5).  Today, when I tried to start the YJ after a short drive (engine fully warmed up) all it did was click once and then nothing.  The fuel pump is priming normally.  I tried one more time and the same thing happened.  On the third try it started up normally with no noticeable cranking weakness.  I drove it to a better parking spot, turned it off and then tried starting again.  Same thing, just one click and then nothing, on the second try it started normally. I'm thinking either the starter relay in the power distribution box or something in the starter itself.  Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks

Start by cleaning your battery cables and terminals.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on February 29, 2008, 08:05:18 AM
Will do.  Funny thing, I had to change the battery and clean the clamps on my wife's car just yesterday :confused: ... too many electrical problems in one week.  Thanks
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: jfrabat on February 29, 2008, 09:41:13 AM
Start by cleaning your battery cables and terminals.

X2!
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: garydubf on February 29, 2008, 11:07:18 AM
Don't forget the terminal end on the starter!! :thumb:
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on February 29, 2008, 11:13:14 AM
Thanks for the replies.  I recently put in a new battery so I'm definitely suspecting the terminals and cables on the starter.

Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 03, 2008, 07:16:17 AM
I cleaned the cables this weekend (both ends) and still no go.  Also, I shorted the terminals on the starter solenoid with a screwdriver and still no cranking.  Does this mean the starter is dead beyond a doubt or is there something else left to check?

Thanks
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: jcsanders79 on March 03, 2008, 07:25:30 AM
I cleaned the cables this weekend (both ends) and still no go.  Also, I shorted the terminals on the starter solenoid with a screwdriver and still no cranking.  Does this mean the starter is dead beyond a doubt or is there something else left to check?

Thanks
Looks like you have done everything suggested, does your dash lights and head lights work?.  My starter did the same thing right before it quit.  Its not to hard to get off only two bolts and they aren't too expensive.  I'd take it off and head into Auto Zone (or whatever parts store) have them test it and get a new one.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 03, 2008, 03:35:22 PM
The dash and headlights work fine.  Sounds like it is time for a new starter.  Thanks for all the replies.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: chardrc on March 03, 2008, 06:07:43 PM
o and the starter bolts are inverse torques...not 12point... i don't remember what size it is but ya. it throws a curve ball at a seemingly easy task.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 03, 2008, 07:03:07 PM
Thanks, I actually got those reverse torx sockets a few months ago based on some comments from this group  :biggrin:.  Never thought I would have to use them so soon.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: oldjeep on March 05, 2008, 12:35:19 PM
When you get it working, make sure to post up the result.   I finally had time to put the tranny back into my jeep, got everything buttoned up and of course now it won't start.  In my case I think it's the ignition switch at the base of the column having some corrosion issues.  All the accessories come on, but not even a click in the start position.  Need to get one of the kids out there to help so I can make sure it's not the starter relay, but I'm guessing it's that $12 swich on the column.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 05, 2008, 01:26:54 PM
Good luck with your starting problem.  I pulled the starter last night and will probably have a chance to buy the starter this weekend.  I'll post how it goes.

Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: oldjeep on March 05, 2008, 03:40:19 PM
LOL, I went back to the wiring diagrams and figured it out it has to do with a non existant NSS. 

Manual transmission YJ's don't have one but the plug that hooks up the backup lights has a jumper wire where the NSS would be on an auto YJ.  I had disconnected the backup light plug and didn't bother reconnecting since they have never worked.   Went out and plugged it back in - fired right up.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 05, 2008, 05:29:24 PM
Cool, those automatic trannys Jeeps are a bit more complicated!
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 11, 2008, 08:53:08 AM
Just an update:  I had the starter rebuilt since they are hard to find here (Autozone sells them but they take 2 weeks to arrive).  I installed it last night and it makes horrible scraping sounds.  It does crank more strongly than before but makes rumbling sounds as it cranks.  I think it is trash now and am thinking of just going to Autozone and waiting the two weeks.  Any suggestions?   Thanks

Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: oldjeep on March 11, 2008, 09:00:06 AM
Is the engine turning when the starter is making the scraping noises?
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 11, 2008, 10:17:27 AM
Not always.  Sometimes the starter fails to engage and makes scraping noises.  Sometimes it turns the engine, making rumbling sounds and sometimes it makes scraping noises but also turns the engine.  Whenever it turns the engine it sounds strange, like a rumbling, makes me imagine the gear is not engaging evenly or the starter is not balanced quite right.

Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: oldjeep on March 11, 2008, 10:42:13 AM
Not always.  Sometimes the starter fails to engage and makes scraping noises.  Sometimes it turns the engine, making rumbling sounds and sometimes it makes scraping noises but also turns the engine.  Whenever it turns the engine it sounds strange, like a rumbling, makes me imagine the gear is not engaging evenly or the starter is not balanced quite right.

Did you put the starter shims back in?  Doesn't seem like you would need to alter the shims since they rebuilt your same starter, but it's worth checking.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 11, 2008, 01:44:55 PM
It didn't have any shims.  Actually that was one of the reasons I went with the rebuild, thinking another starter might need them and then I would have to go about getting them, etc.  I spoke with the shop today and they said I should bring the Jeep in for them to check the installation.  It seems so easy, I really doubt they could do anything differently except maybe add shims (and maybe ruin the reverse torx bolts ... I don't trust mechanics).
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: jcsanders79 on March 11, 2008, 02:26:45 PM
ruining those bolts would be doing you a favor.  They are always breaking anyways.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 11, 2008, 05:36:16 PM
I'm more concerned about them leaving them in with the heads messed up.  It would be a pain to get them out like that.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: Jeffy on March 11, 2008, 05:57:40 PM
So the new starter is a rebuilt?  Could be the rebuilt's bendex is bad as well.  I've had that happen before.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 11, 2008, 06:18:08 PM
It is the original starter just rebuilt.  I think I'll take it back and hope they figure it out and fix it right the second time.  Thanks for all the replies.
Title: Re: No start problem
Post by: neale_rs on March 12, 2008, 05:26:04 PM
Update:  It turned out to be a defective drive lever.  Seems to be fine now, I hope it lasts at least 5 years.  Thanks for the replies.