Jeep Cherokee will not turn over

[davidlo]

All seems fine with the battery, tested voltage, light everything works fine. When you go to try to start everything in the car goes dead and the engine does not even try to turnover

[JDPascal]

Remove the battery cables and clean the outside of the posts and the inside of the cable clamp.

you can buy the post and cable cleaning tools from walmart or other places for under $5.

Remove the negative (black) cable first, then the positive (red +). Re-attach the cables - positive first and negative last. This order will help prevent sparks and other problems.

If your battery has removable cell caps, when you get the post cleaning tool, pick up a battery specific gravity tester and check the charge in each of the battery cells. That will give you an idea of the state of charge.

You can read up on battery service here.

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq.htm

If the cleaning doesn't help, then get the battery charged and load tested at a shop.

[davidlo]

Do you really think it is the battery, I bought a new one and that gave me the same result, it is almost like it is acting like it is in gear? Turn key and nothing, when you are not trying to crank everything seems fine

[JDPascal]

What you described in your first post can be caused by coroded battery terminals. or poor connections.

You didn't mention if it was auto or manual transmission but it is possible that the neutral safety switch is bad. Sometimes there is a switch on the clutch pedal for a safety as well.

Could also be the starter solinoid. It is mounted on the starter. some have a starter relay as well.

If all the battery and cable stuff is ok, sounds like the starter or solinoid


Can you give more info about the model and equipment of your jeep? I'll then look up some things and get back to you.

JD

[hundahunta]

I would also agree with that check connections at the battery and starter ...also if it is auto try to crank the vehicle in all the different gears.. if manual jump the switch(make sure vehicle is in neutral)... try swapping the relays... also try to have somene crank the vehicle while you hit the starter with a hammer...

[leowolf]

Deffinately a connection problem with the battery. It may be a loose or dirty connection as well as a battery with a cell that has one of these same issues.

God luck