Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum and am seeking your assistance. I drive a 1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ RHD with a 2.5L petrol engine.

Here is my problem:

• Vehicle Details: Jeep Cherokee XJ RHD, '97, 2.5L petrol
• Key: Black key with a square remote (lock and unlock)

Problem:My Cherokee won't start. There is bo crank at all. When I turn the ignition, nothing happens, the starter doesn't engage. The problem has gradually gotten worse. During my last drive, I spent over an hour trying to start the car.
Here are my observations: The security light no longer illuminates after pressing the unlock button.The red light isn't blinking.The battery is fine.All fuses have been checked and are okay.I also tried disconnecting the battery for 20-30 minutes, suspecting the immobilizer, but that didn't help either.

Does anyone have any ideas on what might be causing this or what steps I should take next? Thank you in advance for your help! Best regards,

Nick

 

I do not think it will be the immobilizer, cause afiac, that will allow the vehicle to start for 3 secs before shutting down fuel pump

Test 1) Turn on the headlights to high beam and run inside fan at max...this is a test of battery wiring, pulls a lot of current, are they both work ?

When you checked fuses, is voltage present ?

Do any relays activate in PDC, such as ASD, fuel pump, starter ?..you can hear/feel them if someone else turns key

A failing NSS will cause a no crank, Jiggle lever in Park or Neutral while cranking

Connect OBD2 reader to port..do you get and messages or fault codes ?

Failure to connect could mean you have a PCM problem

I do not know about the red lights etc

What I do know is if none of these test work, you should free download the FSM, and systematically diagnose, as above

I am slightly unclear on your full symptoms, be more descriptive please. How can it "gradually gotten worse" ?

A No crank is a No crank...unless it has been intermittent...in which case NSS would be my main suspect, could be ignition key though

 

Thank for the reply.
The red light is part of the immobilizer security system.

It took me two or three tries before it started, then about 3-10 minutes until the point where it doesn't start at all anymore.

Test 1 was good both was working fine.

i have a manual Transmission (thought i mentioned it)

 

Also found out that the starter looked pretty done.

 

Okay, I bypassed (screwdriver) the starter and it started up and was able to drive with any concern.

 

I would still be somewhat concerned if I had to crawl under my XJ every time I wanted to start it

Check with a test light if you are getting 12V at the solenoid when the ignition key is turned to "start"

If you are not, then the problem is not with the starter

If you are, its likely to be the solenoid, but replacing the starter assembly will rectify the problem