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2006 Grand Cherokee Overland won't start !

26K views 24 replies 16 participants last post by  2005JGC 
#1 ·
Help folks!
I have a 2006 GC Overland, 5.7 hemi 2WD -
I'm having issues getting it to start - the problem is completely random.
REMOTE KEYFOB opens/unlocks doors - NO ISSUES THERE
PUT IN KEY - TURN KEY - ** SOMETIMES ** NOTHING HAPPENS -
after the key rotates past the ACC area, and all the way to the right to begin the START procedure - NOTHING -
the lights in the doors/buttons/ radio go dead, and I hear a single " click "-
I can repeat this procedure intermittently and eventually it will START.
This has happened about 10 times in the last month. it's been on cold days/warm days, after sitting for 8-10 hours, or sitting for 10 minutes, there is just no pattern, except that its becoming MORE FREQUENT. It has been tested at the local dealership and they told me, after 2 hours and $75 fee, that THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT -
I'm told it started fine for them each time they attempted. Well it does the same for me, just not every time I need it too! It has left me stranded for up to 30 minutes before randomly turning the key before it will start. The BATTERY is only 1 year old, and tested perfect at the dealer. LOCAL DEALER says they won't be able to determine the problem unless it isn't starting while they have it hooked to the computer. They say they are unfamiliar with this problem, however, researching the internet I see there are a few people having similiar issue.

Any suggestions? LOCAL DEALER tells me only option is to start randomly replacing parts involved with ignition/starter....

PLEASE ! haha thanks!
 
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#5 · (Edited)
Could also be the neutral safety switch. Try jiggling the shifter a little when it isn't working. Hold it in the start position while doing this.

Could also be the starter going out. This is a common problem, usually between 50-70000 miles. Or, possibly the starter relay is going bad.

I would be surprised if it were the ignition switch though.

Keep us posted.
 
#7 ·
So far, the car has not shut off while driving -
only problem is getting it started, which happened again TWICE yesterday morning between work and one stop at the store before home. It's really getting annoying cause now it's like I have to wonder if it will start before i even put the key in!
Car just rolled over 59,000 miles - dealer wants to start randomly replacing parts MENTIONED by jeepgcoman - which I am beginning to get annoyed with because I feel like they are waiting on ME to tell THEM what's wrong with it !
If i let them begin replacing parts - WHAT would you guys recommend the FIRST one be? I'm not made of $$$$ either lol
thnks!
 
#9 ·
UPDATE : the issue progressed to nearly EVERY SINGLE TIME that I tried to start the car - BACK TO DEALER : this time their computer scan logs an issue with the " FRONT MODULE " or whatever the hell that is, so I was told by the service rep...
tech " FLASHES THE SOFTWARE FOR THE FRONT MODULE " -
I am told this should correct the problem... that was earlier this morning and I haven't had the issue occur again YET today <fingers crossed> ... will keep posted.
 
#12 ·
At last! We actually have someone whose electronic ghost was fixed by the dealer the first time! :thumbsup:

I need to get in line for this.........:D

Glad it was so easy to resolve. These WK's are great vehicles, but the electronic design is an abortion. Don't think they will be around in 20 yrs. like the restored 60's / 70's muscle cars.
 
#13 ·
UPDATE !!!

Problem began again, 2 weeks ago, then very random then rapidly progressed to nearly every attempt to start -

after a total of FOUR (4) visits to dealer -

A NEW STARTER IS INSTALLED - $75. diag fee + $240. parts&labor

plus the countless hours I spent commuting and waiting....

but has been working like a champ ever since.

/\/\rPost/\/\a/\/
 
#14 ·
I had the same problem with my '06 Overland and the starter was the culprit as well. It sure was a bear to change. If anyone wants any tips let me know. (e.g. You can easily add a new mounting hole on the existing heat shield instead of buying a new one that is called out in the parts ordering system.)
 
#17 ·
I had the same problem with my '06 Overland and the starter was the culprit as well. It sure was a bear to change. If anyone wants any tips let me know. (e.g. You can easily add a new mounting hole on the existing heat shield instead of buying a new one that is called out in the parts ordering system.)
Hey - my starter is bad too, imagine that???

Jeepbert, could you post a list of tips and anything else that would help with the replacement procedure?

That would be great!

Thanks - emachamer
 
#16 · (Edited)
I'm getting the same sporadic non start and not taking it in because I know they will give me the "could not duplicate" bs. I am thinking starter (solenoid) but not sure if it can be tested when it's working; probably not, since it's a switch for the most part. I surely hope this isn't the sign of things to come (mystery problems that can be many different possibilities) :( Problem is, my warranty expires in ~150 miles or this week...I'll change the starter myself, but the wife is already complaining about the maintenance $ (for me, it's part of it) and that is assuming it would be the most logical thing (damn to electronics when you don't have the resources to DIY)
 
#18 ·
I had the same randomness issue with my 2008 Grand Cherokee. My mechanic didn't bother futzin with it. He just replaced the starter and everything was back to normal. It was just soooo weird because the thing wouldn't even grind when you turn the key. I had to take the train home 3 times and every next day the thing started up but would fail the next day.
 
#19 ·
Yep the starters on the 5.7 can be weird, I think I have had one similar on a 3.8 in a wrangler where it is just silent when you turn the key like nothing is happening, in reality power is getting where it needs to go its just not being let through the front door (like ugly at a cool party).
 
#21 ·
I'm now having the same damn problem. Bought a 2006 GC about a month ago. Only had 58K miles.

In the first three weeks, happened maybe twice and then immediately started after repeated attempt.

Now, it's gotten to the point where almost daily it doesn't start - just clicks. It will start immediately when jumped, though.

Took it to the dealer and - shockingly - couldn't find anything wrong. It's under warranty that would normally cover a starter but said they may not be able to get it covered if they're not sure it's a starter.

Postman or anyone else - did fixing the starter permanently fix the problem? IF so, I'm going to raise holy hell until they give me a new starter.

Thanks!
 
#23 ·
I'm just starting with the same issue. Had the vehicle since new, the wife drives it except weekends, and is now just over 70K miles. I like Jeeps (have 3 currently, have had a few more plus a couple Dodge P/U's), but Chrysler dealers scare the heck out of me. I've had TERRIBLE experience with them. I've suspected the neutral safety switch, but the last time it happened (about a half hour ago, at my wife's office), she was able to get it to start after adjusting the tilt steering wheel, which might just be coincidental, or could indicate a loose connection or pinched wire, I suppose.

Never heard of a "FRONT MODULE" but I will try to find out about it and/or talk to a dealer (shudder). I appreciate the info on this topic so far...
 
#24 ·
Update on my situation. Had the starter replaced today. My wife couldn't get it started this morning, but it started right up for me, and OF COURSE it started every time for the mechanic. Still, the starter's replaced now, so we'll see what happens. BTW, the replacement starter has a lifetime warranty, and the shop did it for about 1/2 of what the dealer wanted - with no warranty at all. The replacement isn't MOPAR, but then, it looks like the MOPAR starter isn't all that great to begin with....
 
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