Engine shut off after smoking and won’t turn on now.

ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.

ANSWER : Hi there. If the VSA light is coming on and shutting off but does not come back on until the next start, then this is a normal condition as the light is telling the drive that the VSA system is deactivated. There is a switch under the dash to turn on and off the VSA system. Try the switch to see if the light continues to come on or off. If the same issue is occurring, then the wheel speed sensors or the VSA switch has failed. If you need further assistance with your warning VSA light coming on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. The battery has burned up, the alternator has burned up, or the starter has burned up causing the engine to not start up. If the vehicle was running with a clicking sound and then the engine has stalled with smoke coming from the engine compartment for 5 minutes, then I suspect that the alternator has burned up the windings inside it and overheated the battery. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you with your smoke coming from the engine compartment.

ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like the EFI relay is sticking or has resistance internally. This relay provides power to the engine computer. If it delays that power, then there is a delay in the Check Engine Light displaying and the engine starting. The Check Engine Light is there during start up to show that the engine computer is on and powered up. Try replacing that relay and see if the condition continues. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. YourMechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a starting issue inspection and service your ECM relay as necessary.

ANSWER : The problem sounds like the battery is too low to crank the engine and was most likely caused by the alternator not charging. You should have battery fully charged for at least 15 minutes and then see if it cranks over. You may need to replace battery and alternator. Have the system checked and replace these components as needed.

ANSWER : You did not mention why the radiator was replaced but I think your engine was overheated causing the head gasket to go bad. This would cause the white smoke out of the tail pipe and an engine misfire and overheating can cause the check engine light to be on. I recommend having the engine checked for leaking head gasket and scan the computer for codes.

ANSWER : Hi there. This type of electrical glitch can be very difficult to pinpoint or diagnose without a physical inspection. However, in general, the most common causes of this issue is an exposed electrical wire within the ignition system. It is best to have a professional mechanic complete an electrical problems inspection first in order to correctly diagnose and resolve this issue.

ANSWER : Check to see if the fuse(s) in the windshield wiper and power window circuits are intact. If those fuse(s) have blown, there is probably some sort of short circuit. Even though the battery might run the lights, that doesn’t mean the battery is in good enough condition to run a starter motor which draws a large amount of current. Once full charged, the battery should definitely be load tested to be sure there is no issue there. Also, the terminal connections to the battery and the grounds should be cleaned and tightened. The loud buzzing sound could be a relay malfunction due to excessive voltage drop when you actuate the starter circuit. What I would suggest is diagnose the starter circuit and that malfunction may just resolve itself once the no start issue is resolved. To deal with the no start issue, be sure any engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated, thus preventing the car from starting. Broadly, either the starter motor/solenoid assembly is faulty or the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch and terminations. Basically, with the key held in the "start" position, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. With the key in the "start" position, if the starter motor is getting power but it doesn’t work, the starter is condemned and replaced. On the other hand, with the key in the "start" position, if there is no power to the starter, then the starting circuit is traced until the fault in the circuit is found. In addition to a faulty ignition switch, faults can include high resistances, due to corrosion, wire strand breaks, or loose terminals, which can only be diagnosed using a voltage drop test. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get the problem diagnosed and repaired for you. Please recontact YourMechanic if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.