Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
I'm randomly unable to get my 2008 Jeep Wrangler to start or turn over and it is very inconvenient. I will try and try and then nothing will happen. Then I wait a while and it will work. I even had the thing towed once and by the time we got there, it started right up. This is such a frustrating problem to have! The truck has 90,000 miles on it. What can I do about this?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Jeep released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that covers this no crank or no start problem. The TSB 08-007-08 dated 7/04/2008 states that the wireless control module (WCM) is susceptible to locking the ignition after getting a static charge from inserting the key. The WCM interprets the charge as the wrong code and temporarily disables the ignition.
The only fix for this problem is to replace the WCM and program it to work with your vehicle. Because this is a TSB and not a recall, the repair is only covered if the vehicle is still under a warranty policy.
For vehicles out of warranty, a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, can replace your WCM and make sure it is properly programed for your vehicle.
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 Wrangler won`t start is because of a dead battery, a bad alternator, a defective starter, or a malfunctioning ignition switch. Other common causes include a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump.
Typically, a vehicle will start and then quit because of an issue with the fuel or electrical system. It is important to monitor fuel levels as well as warning lights which can signal to the driver that a vehicle may quit unexpectedly.
The most common reasons a Jeep Wrangler 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 you hear a clicking, whining or grinding noise, your starter is likely the problem. However, clicking can also indicate that you have a bad battery. If there is smoke coming from the engine, your starter is likely the cause. Starters can smoke when they have completely gone out and you attempt to use them.
If your vehicle won`t start, it`s usually caused by a dying or dead battery, loose or corroded connection cables, a bad alternator or an issue with the starter. It can be hard to determine if you`re dealing with a battery or an alternator problem.
Some of the most common Jeep Wrangler problems include water leaking from the doors, ignition switch issues, and the throttle position sensor failing. Share: The Jeep Wrangler is a popular and rugged off-road capable SUV, but like any modern sport utility vehicle, it can experience problems over time.
The most common and obvious reason your car may start then die is the fuel shortage in your engine. This happens because there`s not enough fuel in the fuel rail, and there`s no fuel pressure to keep the engine alive. The reason isn`t always you forgetting to fill up your gas tank.
Common culprits include a faulty fuel pump or fuel pump relay. A clogged fuel filter or bad fuel pressure regulator is also common on return-type fuel systems. Another often overlooked problem is the vehicle simply being out of fuel. Sometimes the fuel gauge breaks or is inaccurate.
A lack of gas is one of the most obvious reasons why your Jeep Cherokee may not be starting. If the vehicle is out of gas, it won`t start. So, be sure to check the fuel level before starting the Jeep. It`s also a good idea to keep a full tank of gas in the Jeep to avoid running into this problem.
Chrysler has issued a recall for 2008 models of the Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander, and Jeep Grand Cherokee that may have an ignition switch problem. Chrysler says that on some 2008 vehicles, the ignition key may not properly return to the “on” position after starting.
According to Motor and Wheels, the Jeep Wrangler has an average lifespan of 10-15 years and between 100,000-280,000 of mileage. However, several Wrangler owners boast that their SUV has reached 400,000, which is impressive. A good candidate for a reliable Wrangler is the 2018 model year.
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 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.
Most of the time, NO, you can`t jumpstart a car with a bad starter unless you repair it. When the battery is dead, jumper wires or boosters are employed. You use a second battery to provide the necessary electricity to start the car.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My car won’t start, neither does my auto. Start. Sometime it might start if I jump it sometimes it won’t.
ANSWER : Hi there. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem. Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair. You might want to have a mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection so they can pinpoint the source of the issues you’re having and recommend the right repairs be completed.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
New battery & fuel pump. Hours later car starts and shuts down 3X in a row. Finally it starts, 48 hours later, won’t start at all
ANSWER : Checking all the fuses was a good move. I would also want to put a scan tool on it and check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) as well as seeing the data that the computer is seeing.
A fuel pressure test would be a good idea to verify correct pressure and so that you’d be able to eliminate that possibility. It should be 58psi on your Magnum.
I also recommend getting your battery tested (I know, it’s new, have it tested anyway) and be sure it’s charged to at least 75%. And yes, loose battery cable connections can result in electrical problems.
If you need some assistance with this, consider enlisting a certified mechanic who can perform the checks I’ve mentioned and diagnose your starting issue firsthand. The mechanic can then perform the necessary repairs once the problem has been isolated. Good luck.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
My truck has problems turning over when I crank the engine (it won’t start), and my battery keeps draining.
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. It sounds like your vehicle may be having a couple of problems. For the first problem, regarding the battery being drained and not charging back up, you will need to have the charging system checked to see if the alternator is faulty and/or needs to be replaced. For the second problem of no turning when cranking it, the issue may be that the starter is going bad from trying to crank it with a weak low battery, and may need to be replaced. If you would like help with having these inspections performed, consider having one of our expert automotive technicians come to your home or office to look at and diagnose these issues for you, and make any repairs as needed. Hope this helps and good luck!
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
Vehicle won’t start, once it’s jump started it only stays running until you turn it off, then it work start again without jumping.
ANSWER : Hi there. There could be two problems here. It is possible that your battery is bad and will not take a charge from your alternator while driving. In that case every time you shut your car off you will not have enough juice to start it again. Inspect your battery – it should have at least 12.5 to 13 volts to start your car, if it doesn’t you will need to replace the battery. The second problem could be that your alternator is bad and not charging your battery, in this case you will need to replace your alternator. Both the battery and the alternator can be tested in your car. If you would like to have the car checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and proceed with repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
My polo 3 won’t start when engine is warm or exposed to the sun for a long time
ANSWER : Hi there,
The problems you are having with your vehicle, may not be easy to diagnose. Apparently, under hood temperature and ambient temperature both create the no start condition. Components can act-up with temperature change. Assuming no check engine light is on. The no start condition will have to be duplicated and inspected at the time of no start. This will help identify what is wrong. So many things can keep the vehicle from starting. I recommend having the vehicles no start condition be inspected and diagnosed by a certified technician from YourMechanic.
The problems you are having with your vehicle, may not be easy to diagnose. Apparently, under hood temperature and ambient temperature both create the no start condition. Components can act-up with temperature change. Assuming no check engine light is on. The no start condition will have to be duplicated and inspected at the time of no start. This will help identify what is wrong. So many things can keep the vehicle from starting. I recommend having the vehicles no start condition be inspected and diagnosed by a certified technician from YourMechanic.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
The car crank but won’t start
ANSWER : Hi there. This does sound like an issue with the wiring. If the check engine light is coming on every now and then this means that when it does not come on there is no power to the computer. This can be the wiring harness issue or an ignition switch problem. I would have to test for voltage to the computer when the problem is occurring to be able to find where the issue lies. If you need assistance, a certified YourMechanic technician can be dispatched to your location to inspect your vehicle’s non-start issue and suggest any necessary repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
