problem with relays fuses and safety shtuff

[originalrider41]

Having trouble starting an 04 after it sits for any longer than say an hour. Turn the key and the only thing that happens is the engine light turns on, no clicks or cranks. It can be started by dumping the clutch on the roll and once its running the engine light goes off, also it will be able to be started with the key (so far) if started shortly after it is turned off. Im sure if I had a scanner or code reader it would be fixed by now but obviously I do not. Anybody have a guess on what would cause my problem? I believe it's some safety relay or something of that type but would rather not replace every one.

 

[TLCJ5]

Sounds like your battery is draining while it sits....check with a Volt meter across your battery....it should read 12V. Since you say it runs ok after push starting I would think your alternator is ok & it's running off of the alternator.(you should read about 14V across the battery when the engine is running).

 

[JPNinPA]

2X Winters seem to find weak or failing batteries. The battery should have 12.6 fully charged engine off. 13.6 to 14.4 engine runing. Any more or less there is an issue. 12V is near dead and below you will likely not crank at all.

A poor battery terminal or chassis ground connection could be the cause as well. Happened to me. Installed the lights and didn't tighten the ground lead. Wouldn't start all the time.

You could go to a autozone or O'Reilly or Advanced and they could load test your battery and alternator. Best if off the jeep.

If all is good report back and we could go from there.

 

[originalrider41]

it just tested at 12.6.

 

[Utah_jeepster]

You could go to a autozone or O'Reilly or Advanced and they could load test your battery and alternator. Best if off the jeep.

They can test it on the jeep with the new testers including AGM type of batteries. Just drive over and ask.

 

[JPNinPA]

They can test it on the jeep with the new testers including AGM type of batteries. Just drive over and ask.

Good to know. I thought on jeep testing of the alternator was just a voltage verification and not a current load type test.

 

[SteelHeadz]

Either a bad cell in the battery or a bad starter solenoid is my guess.

 

[originalrider41]

With all starters that went bad I at least heard a click when I turned the key. I'm not saying it cant be the starter just has anyone had strictly a starter problem and gotten absolutely nothing when turning the key?

 

[TLCJ5]

With all starters that went bad I at least heard a click when I turned the key. I'm not saying it cant be the starter just has anyone had strictly a starter problem and gotten absolutely nothing when turning the key?

The "click" you hear is the solenoid trying to engage....if the solenoid or a connection to the solenoid is bad you may get nothing.

 

[Turbogus]

Here in the PacNW ground gremlins abound and is our numer one problem especially on CJ's it seems. When I find ground issues I've wire brush with my drill, Dremel or toothbrush shaped wire brush and when all is said and done I coat the area with that Dielectric tune up grease.