Funny starting problem OR only starts when it wants to. *UPDATE*

[Gwamp]

When I got off of work last Friday morning, the Jeep would not start. I had lights and power, but no go. I tried to have it jumped on the off chance that this might work, but no go on this either. There was no sounds at all coming from the starter or anywhere else when the key was turned. I also tried moving the crank a bit with a socket to see if that might get things to turn over. No go there either. That evening, I had it towed home. I hopped in it after he got it off the flatbed and tried it again-no deal. Just a few minutes ago, I went to go and try to figure out why she was giving hell. Just for S's and G's I tried to start it up and sure enough, it fires right up. What in the heck could be causing this "intermittent starting" to occur? I am leaning towards a short someplace. What think you all?

[ June 04, 2002: Message edited by: Gwamp ]

[ June 07, 2002: Message edited by: Gwamp ]</p>

[mtn goat]

I'm thinking selonoid. I think that it can stick and keep current from reaching the starter. may also be the key switch itself.

[porkchop]

Ignition switch. Not the one that your you put the key in but the one at the base of the steering column. Someone can give you an exact location on it.

[Gwamp]

The starter is "new" less than 2 months old. Ignition switch...well, hopefully someone can tell me where that badboy is located :D I suppose it could be the key switch as well as the key practically falls right out of the ignition. smile.gif

[letank]

You can bypass the ignition switch by hot wiring your solenoid.

Connect a positive lead from the side that is connected to the battery/alternator (the big 6 gauge) to the wire (16 or 14 gauge) on the other side of the solenoid the small wire terminal not the starter motor terminal....

Doing this you bypass the ignition switch .....

Cheers

Michel
74 wag

[Chero77]

Sounds like the ignition switch to me too. Mine did the same thing when it went out. Sometimes worked fine. Sometimes nothing. If you have an automatic there is also a nuetral start switch that may cause the same problem. Both switches are mounted on the column. Good news is the parts are cheap. Bad news is you will have to spend many minutes in contorted positions under the dash to replace.

[Gwamp]

Can I get the switches from Napa or is this a junkyard run?

[chrisnsarah]

Napa will have them. They're different if you have a tilt column. They are located on top of the column under the dash. You'll save yourself some frustration if you just undo the plastic collar at the dash and undo the column mounting bolts and then the column will drop enough for you to get to the switch. Make sure it's adjusted properly.
Next time it doesn't start, jump a wire from Bat+ to the "S" terminal on the solenoid, if it turns over, problem is in the wiring or the neutral or ignition switches.

[Gwamp]

I don't have tilt steering. I wish I did though. smile.gif I have never dropped a steering column before. Nothing like a new challenge! I probably should just trot on down to Napa and get both switches and replace them. Because if I just do one, it will be the other one that is bad. :rolleyes: Thanks to everyone for pointing me in the right direction.

[chrisnsarah]

The only tricky part is there are 2 sort-of hidden screws on the plastic collar. You have to go at them from underneath. when you undo the bracket bolts, the column can be lowered down several inches-plenty of room to get to the switches.
I should also mention to check the wire connection at the "s" terminal on the solenoid. I used to have that 90 degree slip-on connection and it got corroded and loose over the years and caused the same symptoms you are describing. I changed it to an eyelet for a more positive connection.

[Gwamp]

I just finished up this job. Not too bad really. 45 minutes from start to finish. The hidden screws on the plastic collar kicked my rump and I no longer have a top piece to the plastic collar. Another completed redneck interior redesign project! ;) Hopefully this will cure my starting problem. It fired right up upon completion so hopefully it is fixed. *fingers crossed* Time to go and make a sacrifice to the Jeep Gods.

[Gwamp]

drove it to work last night and sure enough, get off of work and *poof* no go. So I go out there a bit ago and wiggle and play with everything I can find and finally try tapping on the starter solenoid and jumping it. After a few tries, this worked! So now it is down to Napa for a new one in the AM. At least I know what it is now for sure. smile.gif