There are a few reasons why your Jeep Cherokee won’t start. It could be something as simple as a dead battery, or it could be something more serious like a fuel system issue. Whatever the reason, it’s important to diagnose the problem so you can get your jeep up and running again. In this article, I am going to help you diagnose the issue by listing out what are the main reasons for your Cherokee not starting read on.
What Causes that a Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start?
Bad or Dead Battery
The most common reason a Jeep Cherokee won’t start is that the battery is dead or dying. If your Jeep has been sitting for a while, the battery may just need to be recharged. But if it’s been starting and stopping without issue, then it could be that the battery is starting to fail and will need to be replaced soon.
To check if the battery is the problem, try jump-starting your Jeep. If it starts right up, then you know that it’s time for a new battery.
The costs to replace the battery in your Jeep Cherokee range between $250 and $380.
Loose Terminals
Another potential reason your Jeep Cherokee won’t start is that the terminals are loose. This can happen if you don’t tighten the terminals after replacing the battery. Or, it could be that the terminals are corroded and need to be cleaned.
To check if the terminals are the problem, remove the positive and negative terminals from the battery and clean them off. If they’re corroded, you can use a wire brush to clean them. Once they’re clean, put the terminals back on and try starting your Jeep again.
Failing Starter
If your Jeep Cherokee still won’t start, it could be that the starter is failing. This is usually indicated by a clicking sound when you turn the key. If you hear this, it’s time to replace the starter.
You can calculate with costs between $450 and $550 to change the starter of your Jeep Cherokee.
Bad Fuel Pump
If your Jeep Cherokee won’t start, it could be due to a failing fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If it isn’t working properly, the engine won’t be able to run.
The average cost to replace a bad fuel pump in your Cherokee is between $1,00 and $1,200. The costs are so high because the mechanic has to remove and remount more parts to change the fuel pump.
ASD Relay Problem
Another possible cause of a non-starting Jeep Cherokee is a problem with the ASD (automatic shutdown) relay and system. This system is responsible for shutting off the engine when the vehicle is not in use, and if it isn’t working properly, the Jeep may not start.
Bad Crank Sensor
A bad crank sensor can also prevent the Jeep from starting. The crank sensor is responsible for sending a signal to the computer that tells the engine when to start. If it isn’t working properly, the engine won’t start.
Blown Fuses
Another problem that can cause your Jeep Cherokee not to start is blown fuses. If one of the fuses in the Jeep is blown, this can lead to starting problems.
The best way to check blown fuses is with a multimeter. If no connection can be measured, then the fuse must be replaced. Remember to check the fuses in the engine compartment, under the dashboard and in all other circuits.
Bad or old spark plugs
Another common reason why your Jeep Cherokee won’t start is faulty spark plugs. Time and miles are the enemies of spark plugs. They wear out or become fouled and then need to be replaced.
A sign of old spark plugs is when the Jeep is hard to start or runs rough. If you suspect that the spark plugs are the problem, it is advisable to take your Jeep to a mechanic or dealership to have the work done.
Rodent Damage
Do you live in an area with lots of rodents? They may be the cause of your Jeep not starting. Rodents like to nibble on cables and other parts of the Jeep. As you can imagine, this can lead to problems.
Before you take your Jeep to a mechanic, you can check the visible cables for rodent damage yourself. If you find any, then contact your trusted mechanic so that he can carry out the repair.
How do you start a Jeep Cherokee with a dead battery?
If your Jeep Cherokee has a dead battery, there are a few ways you can start it. One way is to jump start it with another car. You’ll need to connect the positive and negative cables from the other car to your Jeep’s battery.
Once the cables are connected, start the other car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting your Jeep. If it starts, you can disconnect the cables and drive as normal. Another way to start a Jeep Cherokee with a dead battery is to use a jump starting kit. These kits usually come with jumper cables and a portable power pack.
To use one, you’ll first need to connect the jumper cables to the power pack. Then, connect the other end of the cables to your Jeep’s battery. Once the cables are connected, turn on the power pack and let it charge your battery for a few minutes. Then, try starting your Jeep. If it starts, you can disconnect the cables and drive as normal. If neither of these methods work, you may need to replace your Jeep’s battery.
Conclusion – Why your Jeep Cherokee won’t start
In conclusion, If your Jeep Cherokee won’t start, it is most likely due to a dead or dying battery, or loose terminals. Try jump-starting your Jeep to see if the battery is the problem. If the terminals are loose, tighten them up. If neither of these solutions work, then it may be time to take your Jeep to a mechanic for further diagnosis.
If you have trouble choosing the right battery size for you Cherokee, we save you a lot of time with our guide about the battery size.
If you can’t find the batter in your Cherokee, we cover this for the model years 2011 and 2012.
