2005 Jeep Cherokee Engine won't start

MRHARPR

MEMBER
2005 JEEP CHEROKEE

Engine Mechanical problem
2005 Jeep Cherokee Two Wheel Drive Automatic 75,000 miles

I have a 2005 Jeep grand cherokee with about 75k miles, that won't start. When ever I turn the key the car isn't even turning over but the interior lights still come on when I open the door so I know it isn't the battery. The gauges are spinning in circles too and keep spinning even after I take the key out. Any ideas what it could be?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,320 POSTS

Hi:
WOW! This is an interesting one. Are you sure the battery is ok? The interior lights don't require too much power. With the headlights on, will the horn blow normally?

If so, we need to start at the begining. Check the battery for good tight connections. (Especially the ground to the engine / body)

Let me know what you find, and we'll go from there. At this point I need to think while you check the basics. For some reason the body control module keeps poping into my head.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
PS: Are there any other things that act strangely? If so we may need a priest (LOL). We'll figure it out.

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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 5:16 PM

JNOVACK

MECHANIC
723 POSTS

A very common grounding probblem on the jeep is the ground under the jeep that goes from the frame to the exhaust then to the transmision

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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 5:22 PM

MRHARPR

MEMBER
2 POSTS

LOL I was thinking exactly the same thing about the priest. But there has been a little bit of progress. You were right about the horn not blowing so I had a friend jump the car; it started but as soon as we took the cables off it died. We tried again and it stayed on for a little whilebut died again before we could get out of the parking lot.

So I went to Sam's and bought a new battery (even though the one I had was only 20,000 miles old) but I'm still having the same problems. Wild gagues, and it won't stay on.

I appreciate any help!

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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 6:25 PM

JNOVACK

MECHANIC
723 POSTS

You may also want to test the Alternator it may be discharging not charging

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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 6:52 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,320 POSTS

Hi Again:
I agree with jnovak, the alt may be your problem. Are you able to remove it and get it to a parts store for a bench test? They will check it for free.

Joe