96 Grand Cherokee (I6) won't start all of a sudden!

[gilje00]

Went out to start it this morning and it was having a HARD time turning over and finally it just stopped all together. I figured...NO BIG DEAL I probably left the lights on overnight or something. So I hooked it up to my other car's battery and got back in the Jeep. It started cranking just fine but now it won't turn over and actually start! Argh! Are these two SEPARATE problems or has something caused BOTH my car battery to die and now not to start. Ignition coil? Alternator? New battery? Come to think of it, Im not even CERTAIN that I left my lights on overnight. What else would drain the battery while sitting still?! It ran just fine last night when we brought it home.

Thanks!

JG

[CoolAJ86]

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
126k miles
-15°F currently

I have the exact same problem and I can't figure it out. Yesterday I bought I new battery and put it in thinking that that might be the problem. It seemed to work and I thought I was all set, but today it happened again. Sounds like it'll start, but won't. Tried Jumping it both times without luck.

[farmerscotty]

check the crank sensor..........had one that did kinda same way your describing............before it completely died.

[CoolAJ86]

My problem was the that the fuel pump suddenly died.
$412... not too bad I suppose. Could've been worse.

[xtalgrwr]

Have the crank and cam sensors checked.

Don't wear out your battery.

[mark_a_lucas37]

1) The shifter has a switch that Allows the Starter Motor to crank BUT cuts-out the Ignition system so the car cannot start. A sympton is that your Guages will All be dead, even thought your stater turns over.
TEMP SOLUTION: Jiggle the shifter shift it back and forth. Them try the key and check the guages.
PERM SOLUTION: Find a competent mechanic who works on Jeeps but does Not work for a dealership (they will typically screw you and although the problem may be documented in a factory bulletin - they may ignore it so they can charge you several hundred chassing "other rabbits" that will Not fix the problem.
2) Check the NEGATIVE/Ground cable from the Battery to the firewall.
3) The crank sensor problem will have MANY other symtoms, such as acceleration and fuel economy problems, and periodic unexplained engine gut-outs while at speeds 40-70mph.