sounds to me like a short in the key switch

 

^x2

 

if it is this " key switch " is that an easy, inexpensive repair ?
thanks!

 

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.

 

I had a similar problem with my last car. Turned out to be the ignition. Car would shut off randomly, sometimes while driving.... Hope it isn't that for you. Mine was expensive to fix...

 

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!

 

do what cogman said and start with the cheapest part first...LOL

 

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.

 

good luck bro ... keep us posted

 

yeah...with the wk/wh it could be anything on the elcetrical side...lol

 

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.........

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.

 

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/\/

 

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.)

 

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

 

those starters are notorious mine is going out now FTL

 

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)

 

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.

 

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).

 

Had a similar problem in my 1993 jeep. After changing the start motor, problem reappeared. Turned out to be the park neutral safety switch. Just another possibility to consider.

 

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!

 

I am having a similar problem. Bought a 2006 WK Limited 5.7L 4x4 and within 3 days it quit starting. If i tried to start it enough times it would start. When it decided not to start it wouldn't even click. Its currently at the dealership. I'm hoping its a simple fix.

 

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...

 

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....

 

Chrysler has a 12mo 12k warranty on parts unless specified otherwise (like 3yr 100k powertrain reman part)

Sent from my SCH-I500