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2008 JKU won't start

Discussion in 'Wrangler JK (2007-2017)' started by Spaceace8736, May 26, 2019.

  1. May 26, 2019 at 5:18 AM
    #1
    Spaceace8736

    Spaceace8736 [OP] New Member

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    my 08 jku was running perfectly, I went to a ball game and came out and it won’t start. The red security light was on before I even inserted the key. It’s acting like an alternator issue but when I cycle the ignition I get no codes. If I leave the ignition on the ETC light goes off after a while but the check engine light blinks and stays on. Not sure how it could run so good and then just quit with no warnings. Thanks for any help.
     
  2. May 26, 2019 at 5:58 AM
    #2
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

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    when turning key to start - does engine crank?
    08 manual wrangler trans?
     
  3. May 26, 2019 at 6:42 AM
    #3
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Welcome @Spaceace8736 ....probably would have had other signs if there was an alternator issue. CEL is a good one....get the codes read at any auto parts store and post them here for further discussion. Could simply be a loose or bad ground wire.......................When you got a better handle on the situation use the "upload-a-file" tab and share some pics of your JKU
     
  4. May 26, 2019 at 7:32 AM
    #4
    Spaceace8736

    Spaceace8736 [OP] New Member

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    No, engine does not crank. Just clicks.
     
  5. May 26, 2019 at 7:33 AM
    #5
    Spaceace8736

    Spaceace8736 [OP] New Member

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    Can’t get the Jeep to a auto parts store.
     
  6. May 26, 2019 at 7:37 AM
    #6
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Beg, borrow, steal (joke) as basic code readers are relatively inexpensive these days. Useful today and in the future for DIY diagnostics
     
  7. May 26, 2019 at 8:54 AM
    #7
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

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    have you tried to jump start the vehicle?
     
  8. May 26, 2019 at 3:08 PM
    #8
    Jim Beam

    Jim Beam Well-Known Member

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    I would consider the vehicles security system, They can go bad just as easy as anything else can. First try the jump start option.
     
  9. May 27, 2019 at 4:03 AM
    #9
    Spaceace8736

    Spaceace8736 [OP] New Member

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    So, tried jumping it. Finally called for a tow and talked through it with Troy from the tow company. After a couple minutes he came to the conclusion it was the starter. Banged on it a couple time and fired right up. Thanks everyone for all the help.
     
    aggrex and Billy1234 like this.
  10. May 27, 2019 at 3:59 PM
    #10
    Jim Beam

    Jim Beam Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I have seen those tow truck guys perform wonders. Once jumping a battery that I could not get to work and another showing me how to bypass a LoJack in order to get my truck to start.
     
  11. May 28, 2019 at 8:56 AM
    #11
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    The clicking you were hearing was likely the starter solenoid. Sometimes a bad connection at the battery can cause this as well as it's not getting enough voltage.
    I have used the banging on the battery trick before but at that point you are on borrowed time. Glad you got it figured out.
     
    aggrex likes this.

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