Jeep usually starts up great but a couple of times lately i've gotten nothing?

Question

So a while back my Jeep was having these intermittent problems starting where it would just click but eventually turn over. Well we went through about 4 starters because that was the obvious solution and it still did it a few days after the last starter so we knew it must be something else. Then one day I couldn't get the Jeep to start at all but the radio went on and the windows worked for a few minutes and then absolutely nothing. I obviously thought it was the battery so I went out and bought a new battery, hooked it up, and it worked great. But twice in the past week, i've turned the key and everything would just shut off like the radio and headlights and it would seem like the battery was totally dead. No clicking or anything. Then i popped the hood and wiggled the battery cables a little bit, turn the key and got a little something, and then it would shut off again. A few times of doing that and eventually it starts. Could it be bad connections? Thanks for any help.

Hey thanks for all your ideas. It's a 98 Grand Cherokee Laredo by the way. That's interesting that you have the same kind of problem as me. My brake light has gotten stuck before without me realizing it too. Weird.

Answer 1

Hi,
I have a 1997 Grand Cherokee Jeep and have similar problems.
What I have to do to open the bonnet/hood open the circuit panel and pull out the RED circuit breaker to reset the car.
Its a fault with some jeeps around that year.

I asked the jeep service department could they fix it. They told me it would cost $$$$$ and the problem may come back. It started playing up about 4 years ago. I am use to it now, that is pulling the RED circuit breaker.

One more thing that is now playing up now is the brake light sometimes get stuck on and if I don't notice it and jiggle the brake peddle to get the lights off. When I come out in the morning I have a flat battery.

Hope this helps.

PS. out of curiosity what year and model do you have?

Answer 2

Have the alternator tested. It's usually free and only takes a few seconds. Shops have a portable machine that they can test the alternator while it's still on your vehicle.

Answer 3

well, what i think it is, you might have a cable loose somewhere making your battery to drain, or your alternator isn't workin' properly. But when it comes to electrical problems it could be anything.....also try checking the starter switch.

Answer 4

you could have bad connections to your battery make sure there is no corrosion and they are secure, or it could be your alternator.