Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

WK Starting Issue

6K views 29 replies 8 participants last post by  wcjr 
#1 ·
2005 Grand Cherokee 5.7 with 59k miles.

Having issues with the vehicle starting.
The starter and everything seems to be working fine but it sometimes takes two attempts to get the vehicle started.
I have also noticed that if you dont let off when turning the key over it will eventually hit and start?

Just wanted to check and see if this was a simple issue before I take it to the dealer and get ripped off.

The only thing that has been done is that the EGR valve has been replaced.

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
Could be a lot of things (I went through something similar a little while back).

Common things to check (especially if they haven't been done recently, IMO):

1) Plugs and wires. If they haven't been serviced, you are certainly at the mileage where these cause hard-start conditions.

2) Try swapping your fuel pump relay with another. This was what I believe was causing my problems. A flaky relay would start the fuel pump sometimes, and not others. Eventually, it would kick in.

3) PCV Valve...not sure if it can cause your symptoms, but certainly wouldn't hurt if it hasn't been checked.

4) Check fuel line pressures (or have them checked).

5) Camshaft/Crankshaft position sensors.

I'm sure others with more experience will have other suggestions as well! Good luck.
 
#15 ·
Could be a lot of things (I went through something similar a little while back).

Common things to check (especially if they haven't been done recently, IMO):

1) Plugs and wires. If they haven't been serviced, you are certainly at the mileage where these cause hard-start conditions.

2) Try swapping your fuel pump relay with another. This was what I believe was causing my problems. A flaky relay would start the fuel pump sometimes, and not others. Eventually, it would kick in.

3) PCV Valve...not sure if it can cause your symptoms, but certainly wouldn't hurt if it hasn't been checked.

4) Check fuel line pressures (or have them checked).

5) Camshaft/Crankshaft position sensors.

I'm sure others with more experience will have other suggestions as well! Good luck.
Where is the fuel pump relay located?
 
#5 ·
The Doc has it right, especially with the 05's. Verify all of his suggestions are good and within tolerance and I am sure you'll find your problem. The EGR Valve wouldn't have anything to do with it. Do you know the maintenance history of the vehicle and whether or not it has been maintained as scheduled?

It's due a 60K maintenance now, which is a fairly extensive inspection and maintenance procedure. I just finished mine about 5000 miles ago, and in addition I decided to change the MAP Sensor, install a Challenger IAT Sensor (thanks again robpp), and all O2 Sensors.
 
#7 ·
What's the difference made with the Chally IAT? Do you have a part number, and is it plug and play, or do you need a new plug?
 
#6 ·
To check the wires, you want to make sure the resistance isn't too great, that the wire are in good physical shape, and with the hemi that they are routed properly through the loom (the plastic clips the wires pass through to get to the opposite side).

If they are real bad, you'll be able to see arcing when looking at them in the dark.

Can't remember what the resistance values for the wires are, but google or the fsm will provide the answer.
 
#9 ·
To check the wires, you want to make sure the resistance isn't too great, that the wire are in good physical shape, and with the hemi that they are routed properly through the loom (the plastic clips the wires pass through to get to the opposite side).

If they are real bad, you'll be able to see arcing when looking at them in the dark.

Can't remember what the resistance values for the wires are, but google or the fsm will provide the answer.
Is there a write up on how to check the plug wires?
 
#8 ·
Robpp came up with this tidbit. It's a longer IAT Sensor and reads the temp. more from the middle of intake tube than the closer to the wall. Guess the purpose is to get a more accurate temp. reading and avoid the heat soak that is closer to the intake tube outer wall. I got one for my 05 LX too and it doesn't fit....different plug. It does fit on the 06 Hemi WK though, for those that are interested. I'll be searching for the new type plug for my 05, as it definitely suffers from a 5-10* heat soak and the sensor is located right in front of the throttle body butterfly. Here's robpp's thread. The part no. is toward the bottom of the post.

http://jeepgarage.org/showthread.php?t=28102
 
#10 ·
Again, the Doc is right on what to check regarding the wires. Just put one lead of the multimeter on each end of a wire and check the reading. In the old days the "rule of thumb" was NO MORE than 10000 ohms per foot of electronic supression wire. It should, however, normally be much less. I checked one of my original wires (I put Taylor Shorty wires on my 05 LX about 5 years ago) that had about 20000 miles on it, and the resistance was about 12000 ohms for the approximately 3 foot long wire. That should be a guideline, get you in the ballpark, and give you an idea of what to look for and expect for good wires. There may also be more accurate instructions in the FSM too.
 
#13 ·
I had a similar problem with my '05 GC. I replaced the starter and still had the same problem. Basically a click-engage starter-click-disengage ocurred when I turned the key to the start position. A second or third turn of the key usually got it started but not always. It turned out to be a worn ignition switch (its located behind the key cylinder). I replaced the ignition switch and that fixed it. It involved a little disassembly of the dash and some contortionist moves while on my back under the dash to replace it. Unfortunately about two years later, it failed again. The second replacement appeared to be re-designed. So far so good on the second one. By the way both parts were OEM parts from the dealer.

John
 
#14 · (Edited)
Installed new spark plugs this afternoon, drove the Jeep to Kroger's got out and back in within 15 minutes. When I went to start the vehicle it didnt want to start, so I held it until it started (maybe 5 seconds at the most). Other times you go out and start it and as soon as you turn the key over the vehicle is on. I believe that it has something to do with a hot start (motor has already been warmed up)

Just a note: The starter and motor always turn, it is just sometimes delayed before the motor comes on.

At this point I have installed new spark plugs as well as an EGR valve.
The only thing on the wait list is the PCV valve, which I have a feeling is not causing the issue.


HELP!
 
#22 ·
It seems to me like it would have to be something electrical like a sensor, since it only happens every now and then.

On another forum people have suggested that it could be a bad fuel pump check valve, leaking fuel injectors, bad camshaft & crankshaft position sensors, the list goes on and on.....
 
#24 ·
Dont waste your time taking it in for a 60K maintenance check. Most of the stuff they do you can do yourself and cheaper!

-also have ur oxygen sensor checked as well. My 08' was starting with a few problems as it approached 60K. This summer seemed like a headache of problems but Everything "seems" to be fine at the moment lol.
 
#29 ·
its back in the dealership....going on day 3.
They have checked the fuel pressure and it does not seem to be a leaking fuel injector (its not losing fuel pressure). They have a fuel pressure guage mounted and have even drove around and taped it to the windshield and have not noticed any fuel pressure issues. They also have a computer in the passenger set hooked up and have not picked anything up.
No stored codes, no check engine line, etc. Has only done the long crank once while it has been thier. They have drove it around town and warmed the motor and parked it and its been starting fine. They havent had any luck replicating the issue. Any further advice would be appreciated. It seems like such a simple problem, but hard to pin-point.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top