1997 Jeep Cherokee Will Not Start

Tiny
GUNNY M
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,716 MILES
Hi - This car has sat unused for a few weeks here in Yuma AZ. There was nothing wrong with it when parked. When I went to start it, the battery appeared to be dead. Charged it up and still wouldn't start (the engine was cranking, just wouldn't "catch". After wearing the battery down a couple of times, used the "start" feature of the charger. Then, the engine wouldn't even crank, but a "ratcheting" noise came from the starter!

OK - replaced battery. Dome lights now turn on when door opens. Turn the key to start, hear a "click" and power goes out, no cranking or anything. After about 5 minutes, the power magically returns (dome light and instruments on!) Turn the key, same result. Hear a click and the power goes out.

Could this be the "starter relay" in the "power junction center" or?? I really don't have much $$ to spend on it, as the intention is to sell her as soon as I can get it started! ANY assistance gratefully appreciated!

Gunny M


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/589527_DSCN1762_1.jpg

Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 12:29 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I'd check some of the voltage circuits at the starter relay. Any testing make sure the tranny is in park or neutral and the e-brake is set. At the relay, D10 is hot all the time. D13 goes hot with the key in the crank position. Ground for the coil side of relay is through the neutral switch. Battery has a full charge and all conections, coming and going are clean and tight.

You may need to have the starter tested? Thanks for the donate.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_cherokee_starter_circuit_1.jpg

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
GUNNY M
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
JDL - Hi & thanks. If the problem were the starter, would the dome light/instrument lights/etc go "dead" when I turn the key to start the jeep? Seems to me that the fact all the power goes "poof" when the key is turned to the start position, AND THEN COMES BACK after a few minutes, should point me directly to something, but darned if I know what! Agghhh!

Gunny
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Like I said, see if the voltage fades out at the starter relay. I've seen faulty starters cause the dash lites to go out, but, as soon as you let go of the key, they came back.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 3:30 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links