I would like help diagnosing a problem I'm having with my Jeep. I've already recieved two possible answers, but I'd like to get some more opinions.
When I first turn my car on for the day -- after its been idle for quite some time (as in, twelve hours or more), the engine will not turn over. Everything else will come on -- lights, radio, etc. But not the engine. After a few minutes, the engine will turn over, and I won't have any problem starting it for the rest of the day.
I've recently replaced the starter, alternator, *and* battery, and had an electronics systems check done yesterday which showed no problems with any of the electrical components of the vehicle.
The mechanics told me it might be a problem with the ignition switch.
A guy I work with (who is into fixing up cars) told me its probably the engine being too cold in the morning, and needing a few minutes before it is ready to start.
I have NEVER had this problem in the almost four years I've owned this Jeep. The first time I experienced this was Monday, then again on Wednesday, and then this afternoon.
Thanks for any input you can give.
Posted by The359 (Member # 37) on :
I would have said it was the battery too, but since you said that checks out, I can't think of anything else but the starter.
Posted by StarFire (Member # 748) on :
It's probably the cold. Mine has been doing the same this this winter. Previous winters here haven't been this cold (dunno about where you are) and it does take the car a bit to warm up. Espically as you put more miles on it.
Meanwhile, mine tends to start smoking a little when run for more than 30 minutes. Getting that checked out and am terrified of what it might be...
Posted by Toadkiller (Member # 425) on :
I assume that you've checked to see that there aren't any deer body parts plugging up anything important under the bonnet?
Posted by CaptainMike (Member # 709) on :
its called the hood!
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
Check the spark plug wire attachments. When I mean check, I mean pull them & reattach them one at a time. Sometimes it's a loose connection, or they may need replacement. My 1984 Nissan Stanza had the same problem of not starting in rain. Replacement of wires solved problem.
Posted by Grokca (Member # 722) on :
Have you changed the solinoid? This brings in the contacts which bring power to the starter motor. If the solinoid is weak then the friction of the cold lubricant in the solinoid my be enough that it takes a while to come in. This may explain why it comes in after trying to start it a few times. The solinoid is a coil with an iron bar going through the centre, well if you keep applying power to the solinoid it will heat up just as any wire will if power is applied to it.Warm it up enough and the lubricants become more fluid and allow the bar to move, bringing in the contacts and your jeep starts.
Posted by The359 (Member # 37) on :
Have you considered just getting rid of the Jeep? Posted by Malnurtured Snay (Member # 411) on :
No, for a variety of reasons. Assuming my finances pan out, I do plan on picking up a Hyundai Accent in the fall.
Posted by Grokca (Member # 722) on :
So did you get it fixed?
Posted by Malnurtured Snay (Member # 411) on :
No.
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
Which means that in a few months, you'll have lots of little Jeeps rolling around. Be careful leaving your car in strange parking lots.
An Accent? I thought you were big on the whole "I can go more places than you in theory" thing. I'd expect a Santa Fe or a VUE or an Expedition or something.
Posted by Malnurtured Snay (Member # 411) on :
I'm keeping my Jeep.
In warm weather, I don't have a problem getting it started, so fixing this problem isn't a big priority for me.
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