The Grand Cherokee is perhaps the most reliable Jeep model launched up till now. However, all machines have some trouble when the operation of mechanical parts is involved. A common issue with the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the starting problem.
It can be frustrating when you’re in a rush and your car doesn’t start. Before panicking about the situation, you need to know what is causing it. Take a detailed look at your car and fix this issue at home.
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How to Diagnose the Jeep Grand Cherokee Starting Problem?
An OBD scanner can be of great use when diagnosing issues with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. An OBDII can help you diagnose the issue behind the starting problem.
Use the tool connector below the dashboard to connect the OBD2 scanner to the car. Once connected, without starting the engine, turn the ignition on.
Answer all the questions the scanner asks correctly, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). After this, the scanner will provide a trouble code that shows where the problem lies in the car.
Causes and Solutions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Starting Problem
There are multiple causes for which your Jeep Grand Cherokee may not start. These include:
Defective battery
Over time a car’s battery dies or becomes weak. There’s a high possibility of this happening with your Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you have installed a new battery, the starting problem may occur since it hasn’t been used to its full potential.
If the car’s battery is dead or weak, then the engine will crank slowly or not at all. To ensure that the battery is causing the issues, check the voltage.
You can also fix a defective battery. Check the volts using a multimeter. Set a range on the meter and connect it to the battery poles. Your battery is perfectly fine if the voltage lies between 12 and 13. However, if the voltage is between 11.5 and 14, it’s a sign that your battery is running into some issues.
If the car battery is troubling you, you can get the battery from another car or use a jumper cable. To do a jumpstart, connect the red cable to the positive terminal of the dead or weak battery and the black cable to the negative terminal of the donor battery. Then connect the black cable to the bare metal in the engine bay.
First, start the car with the donor battery, and then start your Jeep Grand Cherokee. To remove the cables, follow the above procedure in reverse order.
Bad starter motor
A starter motor turns the engine on in your Jeep Grand Cherokee. If the engine is turned on frequently, the motor’s lifespan can be reduced from 150,000 to 100,000 miles. Over time, it can completely break down and not let your vehicle start.
A problem with the starter motor shows no signs, which can be quite dangerous. When you try to turn the engine on, you will hear a clicking sound which shows that the starter motor is causing the problem. The bad part is that you can get stuck anywhere due to this issue.
You will need to replace your starter motor if it is causing starting problems, but there is a temporary way to fix it. You must grab a strong stick or metal bar and hit the starter motor once. As aggressive as it may sound, this method helps when parts are stuck or have alignment issues. However, the best thing to do would be to contact a mechanic.
Battery Corrosion
Often, corrosion builds up on battery cables, leading to your Jeep Grand Cherokee not starting. Corrosion buildup affects the current flow and lessens contact with the battery.
To check if there is corrosion on the battery, you should inspect the battery poles carefully. First, lift the covers of the battery terminals and check for any signs of corrosion building up. There might be white or green-colored rust buildup on it. If there’s only corrosion, you don’t need to head to a mechanic or replace the battery; just wipe it clean with a cloth.
To clean the corrosion on a battery, you must first remove the battery pole cables. Pull out the black cable and then the red cable. Use metal pliers if you’re having trouble opening the wires. Remove the wires and clean them before reconnecting them.
Weak key fob battery
If your Jeep Grand Cherokee has a start/stop button, there’s also a possibility of a weak key fob battery. If this is the case, you can still start the car.
If no key insert option is available, place the key fob near the start/stop button. Your car will start despite a weak key fob battery.
Fuel component issues
With less fuel flow, the car will not start. At times, the combustion chamber doesn’t get enough fuel, due to which the car doesn’t start. This can occur when there’s a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or bad injectors.
The fuel filter can get clogged due to dust. Even though this isn’t problematic, it can affect the engine performance over time. If the fuel filter is clogged, you can’t clean it and need to replace it.
The fuel pump lets a certain amount of fuel pass through the tank to the injection system. The car engine won’t start if the right amount is not being passed. You’ll have to replace the fuel pump, but you can also get it checked by a professional mechanic.
Bad alternator
The alternator helps in charging the battery and is connected to it. If the alternator is worn out, the battery won’t work. You need to change the alternator if this is the case.
Ignition issues
Your car can also have ignition issues, bad coil packs, spark plugs, or wires. You can find the issue using an OBD scanner and resolve it instantly.
Engine Timing
The engine timing system decides when to fire the spark plug. If it doesn’t, your Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t start. If the camshaft sensors fail, then the vehicle won’t start either.
Rodent issues
Rodents can cause a lot of damage to the car, specifically to the power and fuel supply systems. Check the engine compartment to ensure your car is safe from rodent damage.
Even though rodent damage can be fixed, it is expensive.
Conclusion
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee may not start due to multiple reasons. You can diagnose the problem with an OBD scanner or by spotting signs of any defective parts. If you find any, you can either fix or replace them. However, getting your car checked from time to time is better so you don’t end up stranded on the roadside if your car doesn’t start.
You can go over the list above and see what may be causing the problem in your Jeep and resolve it. Safe driving!
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FAQs
Can I fix a defective battery at home?
If the battery charge runs out, you can recharge it using cables and a donor battery. If the battery is completely dead or defective, you need to replace it.
How can I diagnose the starting problem in my Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Using an OBD scanner can help you find the real problem in your Jeep Grand Cherokee. The trouble code will guide you to the defect so you can fix it.
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