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Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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SoL52
New User
Oct 11, 2009, 7:10 PM
Post #1 of 13
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Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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My vehicle:
1999
Jeep
Cherokee Limited Edition (says it on the side, figured I'd include it.)
4.0L
107,000 estimated(its not nearby to tinker with at this moment)
The main problem for me to sum is: I do NOT know how my issue started. I simply parked my Jeep for the night, came back to it the next day (I live up in Michigan, and this weekend was below freezing past sundown) I came back to my car, and the battery had no energy whatsoever. Turning the key while in the ignition did nothing, no noises. I than jumped my car (also, where I had the car parked/and live I do not have a garage to throw it on a charger), and it started almost right up. I let it run for about 40-45 minutes before turning it off, and I turned it on again to make sure it would work, it did. I returned the car about 35-40 minutes later, and I started it, however starting it that time it felt as if there was a strain in energy to start it up, as the lights for my gauges and notifications on the dash dimmed a bit. I drove for about 5 minutes, parked, and turned the car off. I came back half an hour later, and my car could not start, however I did note that the cars dash lights and parking lights were flashing on and off about every second to second and a half though I assumed that it was maybe the remote starter that was installed into the car before I came to own it, so I have no clue about its spec's. It had energy for the lighting, and the alert beep for when the keys were put in the ignition, however the only thing I got was simply clicks.
Originally I thought it was simply a battery/alternator problem, but after a second jump, the engine would not run while idling. I would have to press down the gas pedal to keep the engine running, but as soon as I let go, the engine dies. (fuel pump bad now???)
I have not been able to do anything to try to resolve this problem yet(going to try and get something done tomorrow), but I would like to see if I could get a general guess as to what it might be.
Notes: I have a Diehard gold battery, which is around 2-3 years old, I'll have to get paperwork to check date and other information such as warranty.
I also have a sound system in my vehicle. It includes an Alpine CDA-9886(if i recall correctly) deck, 4 SPS-500 type S speakers (55W RMS, 170W peak). 2 SWR 1022(or 1042, they are almost alike. 500W RMS, 1500W peak) and powering those are 2 MRP-M650 amps. I have no capacitor with the system yet.
In my own opinion, I'm ruling out my system simply because it has never caused this problem before, and it never drained the car's battery while it was off before. I think it would have been something coupled with the cold, but thats just my inexperienced, frustrated arse going about.
I hope I provided enough information, and thats all I can provide at the moment anyways. I have no way to check my on board computer, or even to check the pressure in the fuel line.
Thank you in advance!
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re-tired
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/ Moderator
Oct 11, 2009, 9:14 PM
Post #2 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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You have a drain on your batt with the key off. It could be a number of things . The most common are ; dome lite staying on, glove box lite staying on, radio or amps staying on,brake lite switch stuck on. Now to find out which one . You need to buy a test lite . Any parts house will have one under $20 .Please dont buy the cheapest one it will fall apart. Open hood and close all doors .Unplug hood lamp if you have one. Disconnect the (-)neg post cable. Put the test lite clip on cable end and touch probe to post , if it lites up ,you have a draw. Take fuses to different items out one at a time only ,recloseing door each time .When test light goes out look in owners manual to see what it covers, such as CURTSY would cover dome ,interior and glove box lights and lighters. If you have a aftermarket radio/amp it will have an inline fuse to it. Unplug the item and replace fuse verify lite stays out.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Sidom
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Oct 11, 2009, 10:14 PM
Post #3 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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1st thing to do before anything is get the battery tested. Extreme heat or cold will kill a marginal battery and can cause most of the problems you listed.
Get it tested and then go from there. Also make sure all connections are clean on the reinstall.....
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re-tired
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Oct 12, 2009, 1:44 PM
Post #4 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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In fla we dont have the temp problems that the people in tundra land do . By all means have batt charged and load tested . if ok then do the draw test . BTW sons going skiing tomorow ,,,water shiing 95 degrees here
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 12, 2009, 1:51 PM
Post #5 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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Extreme heat is just as fatal to a battery as the cold is so definitely test that as Sidom suggested.
I don't like using a test light for testing draw because of the numerous timers and normal draws that current vehicles have makes the test light unreliable.
Here is the best method for test for parasitic draws.
You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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re-tired
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Oct 12, 2009, 2:26 PM
Post #6 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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First of all i like the fishing buggy . There are a few tricks i do to be accurate in finding draws . Use a test lite with a incadecent bulb . second is after hooking up test lite , touch neg cable back to post for 10 sec. this will put all timers and keep alive circuits to sleep. I have never missed a draw in 30yr shop ,10 yr military electronics and associate degree in electroinics. its a simple fast and accurate way to do it if done right . but by all means do what your comfortable with.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 12, 2009, 2:41 PM
Post #7 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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After 30 years of using this primitive method, you probably can read the illumination of a test light but the average person cannot tell you how much current is traveling through that test light judging by the brilliance so as I said, using ammeter is much more reliable to know exactly how much current is passing through it which will also give you a good idea of what is operating at the moment. You will also see when the timers expire. Since some draw is normal and acceptable, you need to know when your at that point. This was not an issue 30 years ago and I also used a test light then but it's no longer the recommended method in today's vehicles.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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SoL52
New User
Oct 12, 2009, 5:10 PM
Post #8 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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Ok first off, that water skiing comment...totally uncalled for. :P I hate this winter weather this early in the fall.
Secondly, by testing the battery, would you have me take the battery itself to a place that can do a test of it (Sears, Autozone, Advanced Autoparts)? Or should I try jumping it, and keep the accelerator down all the way to a place and let it die there so they can test it?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 12, 2009, 5:28 PM
Post #9 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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If the car won't drive there, then remove the battery and carry it over there.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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re-tired
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Oct 12, 2009, 5:41 PM
Post #10 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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Primative ? that hurts . I have used that procedure right up to today. it takes 50ma +- a percent to lite the bulb . Less and no lite . tried and true is ok, primative no. If you were here i'd rap your knuckles with my cane,
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 12, 2009, 5:49 PM
Post #11 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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I used it myself for many years but it's not something to suggest to an inexperienced person for a late model vehicle. I've got a few years behind me doing this stuff also, about 43, but don't tell anybody.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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re-tired
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Oct 12, 2009, 6:01 PM
Post #12 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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I just figured it would be easier to have someione with no mechanical ,electrical background watch a lite ' than have him buy a meter and try to explain milliamps and all that mumbo jumbo. I hope you know it was never about mine or your experiance
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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SoL52
New User
Oct 12, 2009, 8:57 PM
Post #13 of 13
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Re: Jeep Cherokee starting problems
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One thing I want to check on really quick.
I stopped by my car earlier, (its parked about a 20 min walk from where I live, so I really wasn't gonna lug my battery around), and the battery still had energy in it, remote locks worked, opened the door and the interior lights all turned on, decided what the hell, and wanted to see if it would start, turned the key but nothing from the engine, not even a click.
Just an update on that try to confirm/eliminate the battery.
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