I have more recently purchased my '99 cherokee xj. I have noticed it has issues starting up. If I leave it sit for a couple days it starts up just fine. However, if I start it up and drive it around, then park it to go in the store or something and come back out to start it, it takes me multiple turns of the key to get it started. When trying to start it, under the hood there are some pretty nasty sounds that are made. Just curious if anyone has an idea as to what the issue could be. Again, typically starting it up after not having drove it for a couple days its starts up fine, but when I start it up and turn it off, then try to start it up again, thats when I have the issues.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom, knowledge, or thoughts! I greatly appreciate it!

 

I'd start with the battery and its connections. Cables, connections. All of them, not just at the battery end. Take them apart, clean them to shiny bare metal, slap on some dielectric grease and reassemble.

Also check for corrosion that may have crept up inside the cable insulation. It can hide there.

Also, check your fuel pressure, and have your battery & alternator tested (free) at your local AutoZone or similar store. Many of them offer this as a free service.

 

I am curious here about the "pretty nasty sounds" it makes. Like rattling? Knocking? Chance on a video?

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Thank you so much for your suggestions, I appreciate it! I did just replace the battery, I have new cables I bought from jeep cables that I plan on replacing when the weather gets warmer. I did not know you could go to autozone and do that, so I might give that a shot and see if they can test my alternator.

 

I will try and get a video of it!