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JK does not start sometimes but eventually does

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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 04:05 PM
  #1  
Johns986's Avatar
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From: Denver, CO
Default JK does not start sometimes but eventually does

Approximately once a month, I turn the key to start the 2009 JKU and it does not turn over. I do have power to the dash, lights on, battery is new, alternator is ok, batter connection good.
If I turn the key to the off position wait a few seconds and try starting it again it will eventually start. sometimes on the second, third or fourth try but it eventually starts.
Anyone had a similar experience, what is going on, any thoughts.
Thanks,
John
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 04:07 PM
  #2  
mountain pee's Avatar
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From: omaha, ne
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Try putting it in neutral next time then start it. Mine does that. Think it's the park neutral switch.
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 09:25 AM
  #3  
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From: St Louis, MO
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I had an old XJ and the Neutral-Safety switch was broken. I'd have to put the Jeep in neutral every time I started it. If that's the problem, it isn't a big deal, just a minor nuisance to get used to. Good luck.
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 09:36 AM
  #4  
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From: King George, VA
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Could be the starter going out. Mine does the same thing.
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Old Apr 6, 2016 | 06:52 PM
  #5  
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From: Stanhope
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I cant remember if I had the same symptoms but sounds familiar. I added a ground strap from the battery to a bolt on the alternator and it solved my issue.
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Old Apr 6, 2016 | 08:14 PM
  #6  
Chuck-The-Ripper's Avatar
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Mine does it almost every single time. It'll give a click with no start. I usually just turn the key 50 times until it starts. Sometimes if I get out and give it a slight rock it'll start. If I'm on a hill I just bump start it. I always leave my jeep in 1st and sometimes when I start it it'll lurch forward like the starters driving it. Not sure if that's the same for you but I'm pretty sure it's my starter.
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Old Apr 8, 2016 | 04:24 AM
  #7  
Wrangled's Avatar
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Joined: May 2009
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From: The Praires
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Look up adding a second ground wire to the alternator. Easy to do, not expensive, and it fixed that exact issue with my "09. Been fine now for nearly a year.
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Old Apr 8, 2016 | 06:56 AM
  #8  
bryan1560's Avatar
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From: Boca Raton, FL.
Default dash lights up but wont start for several tries.

I have an 2008 JK unlimited. I am having the same issue. My dash light up but the starter dose not engage. I did have to replace my shifter cable a few weeks ago. Maybe it is my neutral control switch. Ill take a look at my ground from the alternator but I cant see how that would go bad.
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Old Apr 8, 2016 | 08:06 AM
  #9  
Jonathan_JK's Avatar
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Jacksonville NC
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Just a thought but could it be dirty injectors or bad plugs? Sounds like the fuel delivery or Ignition spark from the plugs. These things can be tricky to pinpoint. It sounds like a switch problem if the starter won't turn though.
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Old Apr 8, 2016 | 08:45 AM
  #10  
dahreno's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: sparks,nevada
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It's the neutral safety switch inside the plastic console where your shifter is. I have the same problem, have had it for years. I just push the shifter to any gear, then back to park, or neutral, then it starts. I'll bring it in sometime and have it fixed when I also have another problem. I have a lifetime warranty. I remember thinking when this first started happening that sometime it won't start, and I'll be stuck, has never happened. Maybe I'm just lucky !
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