1999 XJ with an intermittent no start issue
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Rome, GA
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Hey guys, I know it's been quite awhile since I've been on here but, the RENIX is gone and I now have a '99 that has been experiencing random no starts.
From the symptoms I'm getting, I'm sure it has to be a ground wire somewhere but as yet, I've been unable to find which one.
Most times, it will start and run just fine. Other times, usually when I'm away from home, I turn the key and nothing...........all the lights go out and will stay out for several minutes before coming back on. Tested the battery and even after the no start occurs, while all the lights are still out, it's showing 12.73 volts. When this happens, it can't be jump started and and shorting the starter solenoid terminals does nothing either.
I've pulled, checked and cleaned the terminals on all related fuses and relays. Battery cables are in good condition and the terminals at the battery are tight.
I've even gone as far as testing the resistance between battery posts and terminals, all wires from the battery to their respective connection points, and engine ground wires as well. The highest reading I got was from the negative post to the fender ground which was .003 Ohms. Not enough to matter but, I cleaned it anyway until the reading was zero.
In any case.........after several tries after the lights come back on, eventually it will start like normal.
I swear this thing has a gremlin or something.
Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
From the symptoms I'm getting, I'm sure it has to be a ground wire somewhere but as yet, I've been unable to find which one.
Most times, it will start and run just fine. Other times, usually when I'm away from home, I turn the key and nothing...........all the lights go out and will stay out for several minutes before coming back on. Tested the battery and even after the no start occurs, while all the lights are still out, it's showing 12.73 volts. When this happens, it can't be jump started and and shorting the starter solenoid terminals does nothing either.
I've pulled, checked and cleaned the terminals on all related fuses and relays. Battery cables are in good condition and the terminals at the battery are tight.
I've even gone as far as testing the resistance between battery posts and terminals, all wires from the battery to their respective connection points, and engine ground wires as well. The highest reading I got was from the negative post to the fender ground which was .003 Ohms. Not enough to matter but, I cleaned it anyway until the reading was zero.
In any case.........after several tries after the lights come back on, eventually it will start like normal.
I swear this thing has a gremlin or something.
Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Hamster; 04-06-2017 at 12:51 PM.
#3
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Join Date: May 2012
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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*sigh*
It's not the CPS.
I would be checking your battery terminals and cables first. Don't just look at them, pull them apart. This is classic intermittent connection stuff.
It's not the CPS.
I would be checking your battery terminals and cables first. Don't just look at them, pull them apart. This is classic intermittent connection stuff.
#4
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Examine the alternator and battery connections at the PDC bus bar for corrosion and security. See pic.
Remove and examine the maxi fuses in the PDC for corrosion on the fuse pins and in the pin sockets in the PDC base. See pic.
![Name: PDC%20Bus%20Bar%20jpg.jpg
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![Name: %2098%2099%20PDC%20REV%2012_06_2015.jpg
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Size: 454.3 KB](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attachments/f2/304012d1501201200-1999-xj-intermittent-no-start-issue-2098-2099-20pdc-20rev-2012_06_2015.jpg)
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Remove and examine the maxi fuses in the PDC for corrosion on the fuse pins and in the pin sockets in the PDC base. See pic.
![Name: PDC%20Bus%20Bar%20jpg.jpg
Views: 104
Size: 779.5 KB](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attachments/f2/304011d1501201200-1999-xj-intermittent-no-start-issue-pdc-20bus-20bar-20jpg.jpg)
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![Name: %2098%2099%20PDC%20REV%2012_06_2015.jpg
Views: 60
Size: 454.3 KB](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attachments/f2/304012d1501201200-1999-xj-intermittent-no-start-issue-2098-2099-20pdc-20rev-2012_06_2015.jpg)
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