Many people rely on Jeeps for their daily transportation needs, despite their high cost. This popularity has made Jeeps, and particularly the Grand Cherokee model, highly sought after. However, it is not uncommon for a Jeep Grand Cherokee to experience difficulty starting, even if it has power. So, Why might this happen, Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t start but has power.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is a reliable Jeep model that is known for its durability. However, like all machines, it has many mechanical parts that can malfunction or fail, leading to issues such as starting problems.
When your Grand Cherokee has trouble starting, it can be frustrating, and it is important to carefully inspect the vehicle in order to determine the cause of the issue.
This article will provide information on common causes of starting problems in the Grand Cherokee and suggest possible solutions to fix the issue.
Let’s dig in.
What are Common Problems with the Jeep Cherokee?
It is inevitable that the Jeep Cherokee will have problems from time to time, just like any other vehicle. The frequency of some problems may vary, however.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power. How does the Jeep Cherokee perform when it comes to problems?
Engine stalling and transmission issues are some of the most common problems. It is true that some of these problems can result in large repair bills, but there are other, less expensive problems that can occur. Moreover, there have been reported that the power liftgate does not work or fails several times.
Yes, you read that correctly. Hackers can access your information through Uconnect because it hooks up with a cloud service.
How to Diagnose Jeep Grand Cherokee Starting Problems?
The easiest method of diagnosing starting problems is to use an OBDII scanner. In the Jeep Grand Cherokee, there is an OBD system that helps you pinpoint the cause and location of problems.
The first step to diagnosing Jeep Grand Cherokee problems is to connect the OBD2 scanner to the vehicle. Under the dashboard, you will find the tool connector. You should turn the ignition on after connecting it, but do not start the engine immediately.
After that, it will ask you for some information. Please answer all questions correctly and provide the Vehicle ID number as well. In the trouble code, you’ll find information about the source of the problem.
Why Does Jeep Grand Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power?
Some times you may fall into situation that your Jeep Grand Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power. The Jeep Cherokee is a versatile vehicle that is suitable for both street driving and off-road adventures. However, if it fails to start, it can be a frustrating and problematic experience.
Here, we’ve pinpointed some of the most standard reasons for difficulty starting the Jeep Cherokee. These include:
- Faulty Starter Motor
- Defective Battery
- Corrosion On Battery
- Weak Key Fob Battery
- Fuel Component Issue
- Bad Alternator
- Ignition Issues
- Engine Timing
- Rodent Damage
It is important to diagnose and address the specific cause to get the vehicle running again.
Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Starting Problem: How To Diagnose It?
One of the most effective ways to diagnose starting problems, as well as other issues, in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, is by using an OBDII scanner.
The Grand Cherokee is equipped with an OBD system that allows you to identify the location and cause of the problem. To use an OBDII scanner to diagnose a starting issue in the Grand Cherokee, follow these steps:
- Connect the OBDII scanner to the vehicle by locating the tool connector under the dashboard.
- Don’t start the engine after turning on the ignition.
- Follow the prompts on the OBDII scanner and provide the necessary information, including the Vehicle ID number.
- The scanner will generate a trouble code that will indicate the location and cause of the starting issue.
Learn more at here-
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start: Causes & Solutions Explained!
Let’s explore our identified causes of why Jeep won’t start but has power.
1. Faulty Starter Motor
The starter motor is a crucial component in the starting process of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is responsible for turning over the engine and getting it running. On average, a starter motor will last between 100k and 150k miles.
But this lifespan can be shortened if the engine is frequently started. Over time, the starter motor may wear out and fail, causing issues with starting the engine.
Possible symptoms of a faulty starter motor
A bad starter motor often does not give much warning before it fails, so you may be stranded with a starting issue unexpectedly. One common symptom of a faulty starter motor is a clicking noise when the Jeep attempts to start.
If you experience starting problems that are likely caused by a bad starter motor, it is generally recommended to replace them. However, if you find yourself with this issue while on the road, you can try the following temporary fix.
Solutions
If your car is not starting due to a faulty starter motor, it is best to replace it with a new one. However, if you need to temporarily fix the issue, you can try the following procedure:
- Find a stick or metal tool.
- Tap the starter motor with the stick or tool.
- Attempt to start the car.
This method may be effective if any parts are stuck together or if there are any alignment issues. Keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution, and it is recommended to contact a mechanic for a more permanent fix.
2. Defective Battery
A defective battery can cause starting problems in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This may be due to a weak or dead battery. Or it may occur when a new battery has not yet reached its highest capacity.
Possible symptoms
Symptoms of a defective battery include slow or failed engine cranking. Using a multimeter, you can check the voltage between the battery poles to determine if the battery is the problem.
If the voltage is below 11.5 or above 14, the battery is likely experiencing problems.
Solution
To fix a defective battery, you can use jumper cables and a battery booster or borrow a battery from another vehicle. Using the red cable, connect the positive terminal of the dead battery to the black cable with the negative terminal of the donor battery.
You will then need to attach the black cable to the bare metal surface near the engine bay of the Jeep. Try to start the Jeep with a working battery. When finished, follow the reverse process to remove the cables.
3. Corrosion On Battery
If you have corrosion on the car battery contacts, it can result in a loss of contact and a reduced flow of current. Which can prevent your engine from starting properly. To determine if dirty battery contacts are causing starting problems in your Grand Cherokee, you can inspect the terminals for corrosion.
To do this, check for white or silvery-green deposits on the two battery terminal rubber covers. If you see these deposits but no other cracks or damage, you may be able to fix the issue by simply cleaning the battery, rather than replacing it.
Solutions: How To Clean It?
To clean the battery on your Jeep Grand Cherokee, firstly, you will need to remove the pole cables. In doing this process it is important to pay attention to the order in which you remove the cables. Start with removing the black cable from the negative pole.
Use pliers to loosen the pole clamp, if you find it very tight. But be careful not to touch any other parts of the body with the metal pliers. & unplug the red positive pole cable.
After disconnecting the battery from the circuit, start cleaning the corroded areas. Once you have finished cleaning, reattach the terminals in the reverse order in which you removed them.
4. Weak Key Fob Battery
A weak battery in the key fob of your Grand Cherokee may prevent your vehicle from starting if it has a push start/stop button. However, you can still start your vehicle even if the key fob battery is weak or drained.
The key fob battery is used for sending signals to lock and unlock the doors and does not affect the starting process. A depleted key fob battery may prevent the doors from locking or unlocking with the push of a button and must be opened manually.
It is important to note that the immobilizer, which prevents the vehicle from starting without the correct key, is controlled by a passive transponder that does not require its own power source.
5. Fuel Component Issues
If your car is shut off while driving & won’t start, it may be due to insufficient fuel flow. When the combustion chamber does not receive enough fuel, the engine may not start properly.
It can happen because of a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or malfunctioning injectors. These problems can prevent the necessary amount of fuel from reaching the combustion chamber, leading to starting difficulties.
6. Faulty Fuel Pump
As a result of the fuel pump, the injection system receives the correct amount of fuel from the tank. A malfunctioning fuel pump can prevent the engine from starting.
Other symptoms of a faulty fuel pump may include engine jerking, decreased performance over time, and reduced engine power. It’s better to replace the fuel pump to resolve these issues.
It is advisable to bring your car to a service center for a diagnostic check to determine the cause of the starting problems and determine the most appropriate solution.
7. A Clogged Fuel Filter
The fuel filter in your Grand Cherokee does not typically wear out like mechanical parts, but it can become clogged over time by dirt and other particles in the air. As the filter becomes clogged, its permeability decreases, and fuel pressure is reduced.
While some level of clogging may not have a significant impact on performance, a very dirty fuel filter can cause the engine to run at reduced capacity or even prevent it from starting altogether.
In these cases, it is necessary to change the fuel filter rather than attempting to clean it.
8. Bad Alternator
The alternator is a device that generates electricity to power the electrical systems of your vehicle, including the battery. During a failure of the alternator, the battery will not be able to charge and cannot produce electricity.
This can cause the battery to drain, resulting in the engine not starting. While alternators are generally reliable and can last for a long time, they can break down depending on how you use them.
And in the case of a used car, the alternator may be old and nearing the end of its lifespan. If you suspect that a faulty alternator is causing your engine not to start, you will need to replace it with a new one.
9. Ignition Issues
If your Jeep is experiencing starting problems due to ignition issues, it may crank but won’t start. There can be a number of potential causes for ignition issues, including faulty coil packs, damaged spark plugs or spark plug wires, and problems with the computer system.
It is generally recommended to have a mechanic diagnose the specific cause of the ignition issues.
10. Engine Timing
While it is relatively rare, engine failure can also be a cause of starting problems in your Grand Cherokee. If the engine fails, the vehicle will not function at all.
In some cases, the driver of the vehicle may be responsible for causing engine damage, for example by tearing the timing belt, using the wrong fuel, failing to properly maintain oil levels, allowing the engine to overheat, or driving at excessively high speeds.
An experienced mechanic will be able to diagnose engine failure in a workshop and determine the cause of the problem.
11. Rodent Damage
Rodent damage can cause starting problems in your Jeep. Like your Jeep Grand Cherokee shut off while driving and won’t start. It can happen if the animals chew through cables and wires under the vehicle. This can disrupt various systems such as the fuel supply, oil supply, and power supply.
The damage caused by rodents is usually visible when you inspect the engine compartment. Repairs for this type of damage can be completed in a workshop, but they may be costly.
Why Does My Jeep Randomly Not Start?
It is possible to cause your Jeep Cherokee to stop starting for a variety of reasons, however when it happens very randomly and seems out of the blue, you could be doing a variety of things, such as:
- Leaving your Jeep unattended for a long period of time.
- Too much cold exposure can damage your battery.
- Not refueling when your gas runs low.
Despite their frustration, these issues can be easily resolved. The battery will keep a good charge if you start your Jeep once every three to four days if it’s going to sit a while without being used. This will prevent wear and damage to the battery and other parts.
If While your Jeep is not running, keep it out of the extreme cold, this will prolong your battery’s life and reduce your chances of battery issues. Additionally, if you need to get somewhere in an emergency, you need to have enough fuel in your tank.
If you need to fuel up before rushing to get help or helping someone else, it may cause your car to not start the first few times you try.
How Do You Tell if Your Starter is Bad or Battery?
If You may have a faulty starter, or you may have a drained battery if your Jeep Cherokee won’t start. When your battery is fully charged, you can connect a battery charger to your battery and see if the engine starts after the battery gets enough power. Additionally, before doing the jump-start, make sure the battery terminals are not corroded!
In spite of the fact that jump-starting your car can get you on your way quickly, it doesn’t fix the underlying problem of why your Jeep Cherokee won’t start. If your battery keeps dropping without any apparent reason, then it may be a faulty alternator!
How To Start Your Jeep Grand Cherokee With Weak Key Fob Battery?
If your Grand Cherokee model lacks a physical keyhole for inserting a key, instead of relying on a key fob with a start/stop button, pressing the button may be enough to start the vehicle.
This is because the key fob emits a signal that is recognized by the vehicle’s immobilizer system, allowing the engine to start. Make sure to keep the key fob close to the start/stop button while attempting to start the vehicle.
Final Thought
Now you might understand that why Jeep Grand Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power. There can be many different reasons why a Jeep Grand Cherokee may experience starting problems. Such as, Jeep won’t start but has power or cut off while driving. Using the above guide, you’ll be able to identify potential causes and determine the appropriate course of action to take.
In cases where you are uncertain of the cause or feel uncomfortable attempting repairs on your own, you should consult a mechanic or dealership.
FAQs
Why won’t my Jeep crank over when I flip the key?
This might be because the ignition switch isn’t receiving power, a fuse has blown somewhere, the ignition switch is broken, the under-hood starter relay is broken, the transmission neutral safety switch is broken, or there’s an issue with the wiring or connectors that make up this ignition circuit.
Why won’t my Jeep start even if the battery is new?
The cabling from the battery to the starter must first be examined. The voltage drop across the starting circuit is what they should be observing. The starter and neutral safety switches should also be checked. The weak key fob could be the second problem.
Can a battery fuse prevent a Jeep from starting?
Your automobile won’t start if it is broken or if the fusible linkages are damaged. The starting relay, which is required to supply the spark, the ignition, and the power to drive your car, might be cut off by a faulty or blown fuse.
How do I activate my ignition switch without turning the key?
The vehicle’s accessory/battery mode is activated by pressing the start button once without depressing or pulling the brake. For automobiles using a conventional key system instead of a smart key system: To engage the vehicle’s accessory mode, turn the ignition key to the first position.
Can you start a Jeep Cherokee engine manually?
Push-starting often referred to as bump-starting, is an antiquated yet reliable method to start an automobile with a defective starter. It only functions, though, if your car has a manual transmission. How to do it is as follows: Keep the engi
ne running while shifting into first or second gear on your car’s manual transmission.
Learn about resetting the oil change light on your Jeep check it out Jeep Wrangler Oil Change Reset