Jeep won’t start but turns over is one of the most common issues Jeep owners experience. It can be frustrating and hard to know for sure, what might be the main problem, that is why in this article we are going to look at the possible reasons why a Jeep turns over but doesn’t start.
Let’s jump to it.
Jeep Won’t Start – Possible Causes
1. Bad Fuel Pump
If your Jeep turns over but won’t start, the very first thing you want to check is to see if your fuel pump is working. If it’s not working, then there is no chance for a Jeep engine to start. Check out some youtube videos on how to diagnose a bad fuel pump in a Jeep.
2. Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are a very sensitive component in a Jeep. They can get stuck and break which means that if you try to start the Jeep it won’t have enough power to start. To test your spark plugs, you can take a magnet and try to magnetize them or try to check them with a smoke test.
3. Bad Ignition Coil
Just like the spark plugs, the ignition coil can also fail. When it does, it will not be able to produce a spark in the cylinder to ignite the fuel. check out this video on how to diagnose a bad ignition coil in a Jeep.
4. Bad Octane
If you have a high compression engine and you are using low octane gas or lower than what your engine needs, then you might have trouble starting your jeep because of that. check out this video on how to diagnose bad octane in a Jeep.
5. Bad Ignition Switch
If your key won’t turn at all, then you have a bad ignition switch. The only thing that leads us to believe that the ignition switch is bad is if your key won’t turn at all. Check out this video on how to diagnose a bad ignition switch in a Jeep.
6. Clogged Fuel Filter
One of the most common reasons why a Jeep turns over but doesn’t start is because the fuel filter might be clogged and not be able to remove enough fuel from the tank.
7. Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor is a very common problem in Jeeps. Once they go bad you will have a hard time getting your Jeep started because they send a signal to the computer saying how far the crankshaft is from TDC.
8. Faulty Battery
If you don’t have a good enough battery to start your Jeep, this will not be able to give it enough energy to start.
9. Damaged Starter
The Jeep Starter is the most common problem with a lot of Jeeps. They can break and lose enough power that will make it impossible for your Jeep Engine to turn over.
Find the Problem on Your own – Jeep Won’t Start
If you have a OBD 2 scanner, you can check the reason for the issue in the system of the Jeep on your own. The scanner helps you to identify the issue code. With the code in mind you can better find the cause of the issue.
What to do if Your Jeep Won’t Start but Turns Over
Check Battery
The first thing we recommend doing is checking your battery and seeing if there is a voltage drop before or after the engine turns over. If there is, then you need to buy a new battery and replace it.
Check Fuel Used
If you have an older jeep with no fuel injection system, then the only way to check your fuel is with a fuel pressure regulator or carburetor float. When you are checking fuel pressure, the pump will be the only thing you need to test’.
Replace Bad Spark Plugs
Once your jeep starts turning over, then it’s time to check the spark plugs that are installed in your jeep. You can rent a spark plug tester, but if you can’t find one, make sure to wrap a piece of paper around the tip of your spark plug before trying to test it. If it’s not sparking, replace them all.
Replace a Bad Fuel Pump
If you have an older jeep with no fuel injection system, the only way to check your fuel is with a fuel pressure regulator or carburetor float. when testing the fuel pressure, the pump will be the only thing you need to test.
Check if your Fuel Filter is Clogged
Once you have checked all of your fuel-related components, then it’s time to check if you have a clogged or dirty fuel filter.
Call a Professional Jeep Mechanic
If none of the steps above have helped, then it’s time to call a professional mechanic because it could be something else. You can visit this page here to learn more about how to call a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
It’s important that you regularly check your Jeep for issues. You can do that by your own. If your Jeep is still under warranty, we advise you to have this check carried out by your trusted Jeep dealer.
If you have tried all the steps above and still can’t fix your Jeep, then it’s time to throw in the towel. There is nothing else that you can do. if you have any questions about this article or anything else related to a jeep, make sure to post a comment below.
We hope this article has been helpful for you.
