QuestionHi Nathan, glad you are on here.
I have an '89 Jeep Cherokee Laredo, about 120,000 miles on it, automatic, 4 cyl. When I bought it used, it already had some electrical issues but basically it ran strong. Now tho, it is having problems and I know there is an impending failure...just not sure what component.
The radio was stolen so there are just wires hanging there, the ac doesnt cool so never run it. Heater works great, defrost also. There seems to be a short somewhere that interferes with all the lights working, and the left turn signal light stays steady green when the lights are on. Have replaced bulbs etc. Of the 4 gauges, 3 stay active ie fuel level, but one drops to zero (looks like a little battery and shows volts charging or negative) when the engine is shut off.
It cranks a long time and requires much fast stomping of the gas pedal to finally get it chugged to starting. Once it starts, is very steady and strong. No faltering, no dying.
Issue happens when you drive it say, 20 miles or so. The indicator showing the battery charge starts out centered or a little past that, but as time goes on it drifts to the left of center. As happened the other day, I drove about 25 miles to another town, parked, shut it off, came back and it wouldnt start. Just nothing when I turned the key, altho the ignition buzzer buzzed and had lights, so battery wasnt drained down all the way. Waited nearly 10 min, then it started.
Another time, driving around in town, made about 4 different short runs to different places, always shutting it off, running in, then back out and start. Then it refused to start again. Again, had battery power. Called AAA, they jumped it and it roared to life as if nothing wrong.
Another time: was loading the jeep to help a friend move,
and had the tailgate open, and doors open. Got it loaded up, piled in, turned ignition and nothing. Had lights, headlights, interior lights, but no start, not even a click. My friend jumped the battery, ran like a charm.
If I give up and sit, or come back later, it starts, almost as if it recharges. If am in a hurry, get it jumped, starts and runs like a gazelle.
According to AutoZone, the battery was at 80% charge, and they could find nothing wrong with the test they did on the alternator etc.
I know, with the way it is rapidly worsening, shortly I will indeed be stranded somewhere, and waiting or getting a jump wont help. Dont want to experience that, as I am on limited income and cant afford to get stranded somewhere away from home.
Any ideas?
AnswerSounds like to me you have a starting/charging problem. I would first start at the battery cable connections at the battery, it may not be making a good connection. Jeeps have always been known for the starter coming loose from the block. When this happens the starter looses ground, causing it not to run. One other possibility is the neutral safety switch, try putting it in neutral and starting if it starts, it needs a neutral safety switch. Hope I could help you!
