Starting Issues

[dodgeboy42]

I washed the engine on my 03 Wrangler a few days ago and then had a tough time getting it started. Once it was started it missed and sputtered most of the way home, but by the time I got there seemed to be running fine. After shuting the vehicle off, the starter would not engage again. I have replaced the starter but still get nothing. Battery checks fully charged. This is the 2nd time I've had issues after washing the engine. The first time I replaced the starter and everything was fine for a couple of years. Also when it happened the first time it was the same, missed part of the way home, then seemed fine, but once I shut it off it would not start again. Anyone ever had similar issues? HELP!

[gtmud]

Just fixed my starting issue, I would take All of your battery terminal connections off and clean them and their mating surface, wether it be the engine block, or starter terminals, and even battery connections. Water on the engine and sputtering tells me that you haven't for a while changed your plug wires. Check them, if they are dry and brittle,or crack when you squeeze the boots, their shot! replace them. That is if you have wires, not sure if the 03 had the coil packs. Even so, check them too.

[89YJunky]

Um.. honestly, the first thing I would check if I just washed my engine and had a starting issue is moisture in the Distributor cap man. I was out mudding with buddies and had that issue.. just popped off the cap and dried out the fine condensation with an air hose and paper towel. Started up fine after that. That is a common issue for any car that gets moisture in the distibutor cap.. same thing happened to my wife's 95 range rover when she took it to a car wash and sat a little long in the wrong spot with an undercarriage wash blowing right on that very area. Wouldn't start for like 15 mins til it dried out.
When there is even just a fine mist in there you have arcing from pins going places they shoulnd't be going and all kinds of electrical issues.
You likely didn't need to spend all that cash on parts man.

Cheers.