Jeep Won't Start

Recently my wife and I bought a 2009 wrangler Rubicon and we couldn't be more thrilled. The two of us are constantly out doors and going on adventures with our two dogs, so a jeep with less than 50,000 miles on it seemed to be the perfect addition to our family.

Unfortunately we've recently run into some issues. One day while I was at work the vehicle wouldn't start. I tried a couple more times and he started up normally. This problem progressively got worse and soon enough the car refused to start more often then not. I took out the battery because I noticed some corrosion and took a wire brush to the battery terminals and all the rough spots. I reinstalled the battery and the vehicle started right up with no problems (repeatedly).

Much to my dismay the problem has come back. When I go to start the car I hear a single click, but the car doesn't crank. All the electrical components work (including head lights) and remain on even as I attempt to start it up. Ill disconnect the battery to inspect it, and every time I reconnect it the vehicle starts right up (even though I've done nothing to it at all). So every time it doesn't start I pop the hood, disconnect the battery, and reconnect it just to get to where I need to go.

Has anyone faced this issue before? I'm currently working 12-14 hour days so it's difficult finding time to hit a shop since I really only have the night time to work on my jeep. Obviously if it's not something I can correct on my own I'll make time to get it worked on and car pool with a shipmate, but if I could correct this on my own without being hit with a bill thatd be awesome.

Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds like the battery terminals are getting bad connection. That build up you mentioned will keep building up in the wires under the coating until you won't be able to clean is enough to decrease the resistance it is causing. I have heard that you mix baking soda in water in a cup. dip the wires in and they will bubble. When they quit bubbling add more baking soda. Repeat until no more bubbling. I have also heard that you can spray the terminals and bare wire with Brake Clean. I've never done either. Below are some websites for information.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-battery-cable

http://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/15120/what-causes-battery-terminal-corrosion

 

I'll give this a shot. Thanks for the quick reply!

 

Your welcome. If it keeps happening you may need to replace the wires, usually just the ground. Are you running a lot of accessories? If so you might need to upgrade to a stronger alternator. I read that the buildup on the neg terminal can be caused by an undercharge.

 

I ended up replacing the ground wire. I realized it was just too far gone once I really started inspecting them. The jeep is running like a beast! Thanks again for the advice!

 

Yey!