posted
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.
posted
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.
-------------------- "Lotta people go through life doing things badly. Racing's important to men who do it well. When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting."
-Steve McQueen as Michael Delaney, LeMans
Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
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...
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Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
I assume that you've checked to see that there aren't any deer body parts plugging up anything important under the bonnet?
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Registered: Oct 2000
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capped
I WAS IN THE FUTURE, IT WAS TOO LATE TO RSVP
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posted
its called the hood!
Registered: Sep 2001
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
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.
-------------------- "The French have a saying: 'mise en place'—keep everything in its fucking place!"
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
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.
-------------------- "and none of your usual boobery." M. Burns
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted
Have you considered just getting rid of the Jeep?
-------------------- "Lotta people go through life doing things badly. Racing's important to men who do it well. When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting."
-Steve McQueen as Michael Delaney, LeMans
Registered: Mar 1999
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
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.
-------------------- "The French have a saying: 'mise en place'—keep everything in its fucking place!"
Registered: Jun 2000
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