Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.
My boyfriend is up in Washington on a trip and he turned the car off but everything inside didn't turn off, all the lights on the dash and the radio and inside lights stayed on. He went to turn the car back on and the key won't turn. He took the ignition out and turned the key in it to make sure it wasn't the ignition and it turned. He then tried undoing the battery and it turned everything off but he still can't turn the key and start the engine.
My car has 173000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
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.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The most common reasons a Jeep Cherokee won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
If the car cranks when you turn the key, but the engine won`t start, it could be because fuel isn`t getting to the engine. One potential reason for this could be dirty fuel injectors. Over time, the fuel injector nozzles can become clogged with rust, corrosion or debris.
The most common causes for a Jeep failing to start despite its radio and lights working are issues relating to its battery or other cranking/start-up components, such as the ignition switch, starter, or spark plug. These pieces might be damaged, dirty, or corroded.
If your Jeep Cherokee battery warning light comes on while driving, be sure to turn off your accessories, so the battery doesn`t dump further. The warning light usually means that the alternator isn`t working perfectly meaning you are operating solely on battery power.
If your car has no power, it may be a sign that your alternator is beginning to wear out. When your alternator stops functioning, your vehicle relies solely on the battery to power its electrical system. Once your battery runs out, everything in your vehicle will shut down.
If you don`t hear clicking when you start the engine, the problem may be a dead battery. If you hear clicking, but the engine doesn`t crank, the starter might not be getting enough electricity. Using your owner`s manual and a voltmeter, you should be able to test functionality.
The most common reasons a Jeep Cherokee won`t start is because of a bad battery, corroded battery terminals, or a bad starter. Other common reasons a Jeep Cherokee won`t start are a bad alternator and a broken or failing fuel pump.
The first is to check the wiring from the battery to the starter. They should be looking at voltage drop across the starter circuit. They should also be looking at the starter and neutral safety switch. The second issue may be the key fob is weak.
The key fob could have a battery that is going dead. I recommend replacing the battery as the battery only lasts about 8 years. Then you will need to reprogram the key fob to the vehicle by putting it to the ignition switch and pressing the lock and unlock buttons for about 5 seconds.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.
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.
As I’m driving, all my lights inside/out of the car turn off and the car still stays on. But when I turn the car off it won’t turn over
ANSWER : Hello there. The charging system on the car may not be charging the battery as you drive and the systems that keep the engine running are priority so the engine will stay running until the voltage drops below about 9 volts but the lighting and some other accessories may cut off above this voltage first. You should have the charging system tested to see if the alternator needs to be replaced.
Car won’t turn over. No lights come on when I turn it. Can’t even lock my doorsvor push the seat up or back.
ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.
Car won’t start after seeing engine hot turn a/c off warning light.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the battery cables and make sure that they are tight and clean. Then check the battery voltage and see if it has a voltage of 12.6 or 12.4. If the battery is less than that, then the battery needs charged. If the battery has 12.4 volts or higher, then place a load tester on the battery and see if the battery can hold a charge when a load is applied. If the battery drops under 9.6 volts, then the battery is no good and needs replaced. If the battery drops to 11.5 volts, then there is a dry cell and possible a burned cell and the battery needs replaced. If you need further assistance with testing your car battery, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
My car shuts off while driving and then turns back on multiple times or shuts off after driving and car turns off.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the alternator and make sure that the wiring it connected tight. Check the battery cables and make sure that they are tight and clean. Look for any loose ground wires to the chassis on the vehicle. If everything checks out to be working correctly, then the PCM may need to be replaced as it may have a battery disconnect condition. If you need further assistance with multiple functions shutting off, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.
Engine shut off after smoking and won’t turn on now.
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.
Cruise control turns on at idle, but when the car reaches 10 mph the cruise turns off and won’t turn back until idle again.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check all of the grounds to the vehicle and see if there is any wires that are damaged from the taillight short. A loose ground will cause multiple problems with the electrical system and some or multiple components will not work. If you need further assistance with your electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
