When I try to start my 97 Jeep Cherokee, it will turn over and try to start for a few seconds and won't actually start unless I cut the engine off and try to start it again right away. So I turn the key and the engine cranks, turn off the car and turn the key to start it again and it starts right up. Any ideas?
2006-09-14 05:19:19 · 7 answers · asked by lipglossaddiction 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If it matters, I just had the fuel pump replaced last week, and it started doing this the day I got it back from the shop.
2006-09-14 05:22:04 · update #1
It drives just fine once it started.
2006-09-14 09:16:57 · update #2
It sounds like an ignition problem, probably linked to the circuit that controls the amount of juice going to the starter and ignition system. It could be a ballast resistor. This little gadget has the job of delivering a nice healthy spark while the engine is being turned over on the starter. Otherwise, you can get a very poor spark and the motor just sort of hiccups but wont fire into life. Once the engine fires the ballast resistor has done its job and drops out of the circuit.
This is why it will fire using the method you've adopted. Sounds like your ballast resistor has gone out to lunch. Permanently.
If it is the ballast resistor they're not an expensive part (relatively) and only take a few minutes to change.
Lenky
EDIT: PS. It's possible that one of the wires to the ballast resistor got bumped loose while it was in service. Check if there's a loose wire hanging from a small (usually) ceramic matchbox-sized thing inside the engine bay on the ignition side of the motor. If there is, push it back on. If it looks okay, try pulling the wires off (they're on clips usually), give the terminals a wipe with a clean rag then shove 'em back on again. They could just have got a drop of oil on them.
2006-09-14 05:31:43 · answer #1 · answered by Lenky 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 89 Jeep Cherokee and when I have a performance problem, I go to '2CarsPro' to the 'Auto Repair by Topic' section. When I go to my mechanic for repair, I am able to speak on there level well enough to communicate the problem. I can't rceommend 2CarsPro highly enough.
2006-09-14 05:48:43 · answer #2 · answered by illinipower 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
soundsl ike bad fuel filter too. maybe you need it replaced. when you first turn the key one click you should hear the pump noise in back. if you dont it may have been a faulty pump or a fuse blown for the pump. whatever you do, take it to the mechanic and make him fix it. winter is coming and this can be bad.
2006-09-14 05:46:24 · answer #3 · answered by ManFromMumbai 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check to make sure the battery cables are tight on the posts and also make sure your belt is tight ur alternator may be going bad but sounds like a loose connection somewhere
2006-09-14 05:32:35 · answer #4 · answered by chrismccarthy420 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does it have problems when it is running? or does it go down the road just fine?
2006-09-14 05:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by ru2tipsy2c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might need a tune up
2006-09-14 05:48:06 · answer #6 · answered by Bri Bri 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it works-don't fix it!
2006-09-17 14:22:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋