The Jeep Cherokee is a reliable travel companion. But it’s a complex mechanism with many related elements. And, like any other piece of machinery, it periodically fails to work normally. Have you recently tried your hardest to get the Jeep Cherokee won’t start but has power? It doesn’t matter if you get ready to leave for work while still taking an off-road summer vacation. Or maybe you want to enjoy some quality time in your Jeep Cherokee.
When the Jeep Cherokee won’t start but has power, you are confronted with a dizzying array of worries. In order to inform you about the reasons why your Jeep Cherokee won’t start but has power, we devoted countless hours to our inquiry. So, here are some of the most common Grand Cherokee breakdown causes and fixes that we’ll be covering in a bit…
- It Won’t Start But Has Power
- Causes Of Car Won’t Start?
- Common Jeep Cherokee Problems
- Bad Ignition Switch Symptoms
- Jeep Cherokee Screen Not Turning On
- FAQs
- Final Verdict
Car Won’t Start But Has Power
Step 1: Identify The Situation
You should first evaluate the issue if something is amiss with your car or engine. Sometimes you can limit your choices by considering how old your car is. For instance, if the car is only a year old, the problem is probably not with the fuel injection. For older vehicles, though, it might be anything, particularly if it hasn’t been started in a while.
Any number of issues, whether electrical or battery-related, could be the cause. Let’s quickly examine what might be wrong with your car. You can tell your automobile has power when it won’t start, but there could be a lot of issues. Think about what occurs when your car won’t start but has power.
Step 2: What Takes Place When You Insert Your Key Into The Ignition
The starter motor receives a charge from the battery when the ignition key is turned, which rotates the crankshaft. Fuel from the fuel tank is sent into the engine through the fuel lines, injectors, and fuel pump simultaneously.
Before reaching the engine, air passes through the intake manifold and the air filter. The distributor uses spark plugs to deliver sparks into the combustion chamber. This spark starts the engine by igniting the mixture of gasoline and air. The engine may not start if one of these processes has a problem. In order to determine what might be wrong when your automobile won’t start, let’s examine each of these processes.
Causes Of Your Car Won’t Start But Has Power
When you know you have a busy day ahead of you, and your Jeep Cherokee won’t start, you could feel like all is gone. The problem could occasionally have a straightforward solution, though. However, it might be something outside your scope of expertise and calls for professional aid. Your concern about why your car won’t start but has the power to suggests that there are several potential explanations for power issues with your vehicle.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power, Causes #1: Faulty Battery
If you try to start your automobile, but it won’t go, you need to check the battery right away. You will need a voltmeter to evaluate the electrical readings and determine whether a faulty battery causes the problem.
You’ll also need a battery from a running Jeep and jumping wires to connect your Jeep’s battery to an external power source. Then, how do you run your tests on this hardware? Try inserting the key into the starter to start your Jeep; it’s really simple.
Turning on the headlamps should be your next move if you notice that the lighting produced is low or, maybe, dreadful if the headlamps don’t turn on, you may have a failing battery problem on your hands.
How can you ensure your Cherokee starts even with a low battery then? Using a jumping start to draw power from another carrier, you can fast restart a weaker or drained battery using boosting wires.
Another probable cause for your automobile to not start is corroded electrical connections. Even if it doesn’t happen often, you can inspect the battery wiring for rust or filth by removing the battery from the car. The first step in resolving this issue is to clean and reconnect the battery connectors. Try restarting your car to see if it fixes the issue.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power, Causes #2: Inadequate Key Fob Battery
It’s possible that a weak key fob battery is to blame if your Jeep Cherokee won’t start pushing the button. You can still start your car without a problem because the battery just serves to transmit the signal for locking and unlocking. When the key fob battery runs out, the door no longer locks or unlocks with a button press. The doors then need to be physically opened.
A passive transponder manages the immobilizer. The transponder inside the key is passive, so it doesn’t require a separate power source. If your Grand Cherokee is one of the models that only have a key fob with a start/stop button and no location to enter a key, try positioning your key fob as closely as you can to the start/stop button before starting the car.
As such, it’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms of low battery in your key fob.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power, Causes #3: Starter And Alternator Issues
Usually, the starter is the first thing to be ruled out as the reason your car won’t start. The engine cannot ignite unless the starter turns it over. In essence, if it isn’t working, that could be the cause of your Jeep not starting.
The alternator’s job is to recharge the battery while the car is running and moving. If this isn’t working, you won’t have enough electricity to run your car. Like a damaged battery, the alternator can be checked by having your electrical equipment tested or determining its workload.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power, Causes #4: Faulty Starter Solenoid
A starter solenoid is one of the most important components required to start your car. In other words, it starts a chain of electrical processes to ignite the combustion chamber by using electrical charges from the car battery and igniting equipment. Sparking is used to ignite the engine in your car. It is advised to check the fuses and replace any that need to be changed if it is not working.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power, Causes #5: Defective Spark Plug
Let’s say your Jeep Cherokee won’t start if the battery, starter, gas tank, and fuel pump aren’t in good condition. In that case, you need to check the spark plugs. You may locate the spark plug wires by opening your Jeep’s hood. The first spark plug wire should be removed, and a spark plug wrench should be used to detach the second wire.
Examine it thoroughly to check for any flaws that could become serious, no matter how small.
If you notice that the arc is wider than it should be, spark plugs need to be changed immediately. If you believe your Jeep’s spark plugs are damaged, replace them with new ones and perform another inspection.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power, Causes #6: Negative Starter Relay
The starting solenoid and starting relay are separate, despite their connection. The starting solenoid is turned on by a current that is activated by the starter relay. If it doesn’t work properly, there won’t be enough power to start your car. If it doesn’t, the battery’s electrical charge will become hindered.
Common Jeep Cherokee Problems
The four most frequent Jeep Cherokee problems are irregular electronic shifting, driving-related engine stalling, alternator failure, and ignition switch issues. Let’s examine the impact of each issue on various generations more closely.
1. Abnormal Electronic Shifting
About 37,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees in the US were subject to a recall in 2016 by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) due to transmission issues. Vehicles that had been shifting gears would become stuck in “park” or “neutral” due to a malfunctioning brake transmission shift interlock solenoid. The component had a loose electrical connection as a result of a manufacturing defect, which caused the malfunction.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 2014 and 2015 models also experienced transmission issues. The primary culprit was eventually shown to be a design defect in the gear shifter that made it challenging for drivers to certify that the car had been put in “park.”
Numerous reports of the car rolling away after the driver got out were caused by issues with the model’s automated shifting. People falling from the Jeep or chasing it caused bodily injury in several cases as a result of this problem.
2. Failed Alternator
Alternator failure is another potential cause of starting issues with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. In some circumstances, the alternator is only shorted, and the issue is quickly resolved. However, models from 2012 through 2014 can have a defective alternator that could catch fire while the car is being driven.
Whining noises, smoke, and burnt-odor smells were reported by owners of the impacted automobiles. It is important to address this issue seriously. Because it could be challenging for drivers or their passengers to notice an electrical fire from within the cabin, a blown alternator poses a serious safety danger. When driving in this manner, a car could suddenly stop out on the road and crash fatally.
Failure of the alternator will result in a loss of electrical power, which will force the vital car systems to shut off. This could render the central body controller, electronic stability control system, electronic control module, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) cornering brake control (CBC) inoperative. Later, FCA announced a recall for these vehicles, citing the necessity for an alternator repair (and learning how to fix an alternator).
3. Faulty Ignition Switch
Jeep Grand Cherokees from the 2005 to 2007 model years were among the 800,000 vehicles FCA recalled because of a defective ignition switch. It was found that when the driver’s knee made even the tiniest touch with the running vehicle, the ignition key would flip to the “off” or “accessory” position. This issue affected over 650,000 units of this model.
Driving with a broken ignition switch could prevent a car’s airbags, power steering, and power brakes from working. Some car owners experienced losing control of their vehicle while completing a turn and having their engine stall out when driving at highway speeds.
The manufacturer advised drivers to use extreme caution and abstain from touching the key until the ignition switch was replaced. Without labor, a new ignition switch for a Jeep Grand Cherokee might run you anywhere from $15 to $100.
If you presently own this model or intend to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee, it’s critical to be aware of these typical issues. You could also find it helpful to get opinions from other owners of cars from particular model years. More importantly, it’s usually a good idea to consult a technician, particularly if you’re looking to buy a used car.
4. Stalling Of The Engine
It’s common knowledge that new car owners should avoid the fourth generation of this model. Engine issues in the Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2011 to 2013 are frequently the result of a malfunctioning fuel pump relay in the fully integrated power module (TIPM).
The TIPM serves as an electrical control panel for the fuel pump, radio, power windows, door locks, and other features of the car. The engine can start cranking but not running or stall out suddenly while you’re driving if a module fails. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received complaints from thousands of motorists about their Jeeps dying unexpectedly and leaving them stranded on the road.
Some were fortunate enough to be traveling close to their residences or through slow-moving regions where they could quickly pull over to safety. In order to fix this problem, FCA later recalled all vehicles produced between 2011 and 2013. The company continues to deny that the TIPM is at blame while refusing to accept any responsibility.
To prevent traffic incidents that could result in significant injury and vehicle damage, vehicles covered by this recall must have the defective fuel pump relay and wire harness replaced right away.
Jeep Cherokee Bad Ignition Switch Symptoms
The following are some of the most typical Jeep Cherokee bad ignition switch symptoms.
1. Stalling On The Road
Stalling is the most obvious sign of a damaged ignition switch. The malfunctioning switch switches off the gasoline pump or the power to the ignition, causing your Cherokee to stall. The engine won’t be able to start until it receives that signal back in this situation.
2. Starts Then Stops
Your Jeep Cherokee should quickly die after starting, which is a very good sign that the ignition switch is damaged. This is what occurs. While the key “rests” in the run position, neither the ignition nor the fuel pump receives power. However, you do when the starter is turned on. As a result, when you hit the starter, everything is powered. Your Cherokee dies the moment you let off the key.
3. Never Starts Up
Your Jeep Cherokee won’t crank at all if the ignition switch is damaged. Additionally, it has a few distinct methods that can prevent your Cherokee from starting. The first occurs when the starter turns over but the ignition or fuel pump isn’t turned on due to a faulty ignition switch.
There won’t be any spark, the engine will simply run. The starter not turning at all constitutes the second method. This might be annoying because a defective starter or battery is typically to blame for a starter that won’t turn over at all.
4. Insufficient Power For Accessories
The accessories are supplied with power by the ignition switch. Therefore, if your Cherokee starts, but nothing else in it does, it could be that a malfunctioning ignition system is causing your difficulties. The headlights, brake lights, horn, and dome lights are a few electrical components that, because of necessity, operate without the key at all.
Power for devices like the sunroof, radio, rear defrost, power windows (but no locks), and climate control will all come from the ignition switch. It’s time to check to determine if the ignition switch is defective if several of them fail at once.
5. Battery Depletion
The opposite of the accessories, fuel pump, ECM, and ignition losing power is for them to continue receiving power even while the key is in the off position.
Jeep Cherokee Screen Not Turning On
A shortened or disconnected power line under the dash, a software bug, a blown fuse, damage to the screen, or any of a number of other possibilities may all be to blame for the touchscreen on the Jeep Grand Cherokee not working.
How can I fix my Uconnect touch screen?
- For 10 to 20 seconds, press the voice activation and phone buttons.
- The Jeep trim logo will appear on your UConnect before turning it off.
- Once more, your screen will turn on and display the trim logo.
- Your UConnect device has just been reset.
How do I reset the screen on my Jeep Uconnect, furthermore? Make sure your car is in the “Run” and “Park” modes. The volume and tuner knob buttons should be pressed and held simultaneously. For 10 to 20 seconds, keep the knobs depressed. The screen should flash the name of your car after you hold down the knobs, then go dark.
Given this, how do you soft reset Uconnect?
- While leaving the automobile in park, turn the ignition to “Run.”
- Press the tuner knob as well as the volume button at the same time.
- Hold the pressure for 10 to 20 seconds.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power: OBD2 Diagnosis
Since the Jeep Grand Cherokee has onboard diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis might give preliminary clues to the location of the defect. You must first connect the diagnostic tool to your Grand Cherokee before you can start troubleshooting.
Under the dashboard is often where you’ll find the OBDII port. Turn on the ignition after connecting the wire. However, take care not to start the car. The majority of diagnostic tools then request certain details about the car.
You must input this completely accurately, or the search result could be tampered with. You typically need to enter the engine and vehicle VIN number in addition to the car brand and model. Always verify the accuracy of the information for precise troubleshooting.
FAQs On Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power
Do Jeep Cherokees Have A Lot Of Problems
Over the years, reliability ratings for the Jeep Cherokee have ranged from poor to average. The 2019 model received a poor 2 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports, placing it 26th out of 27 SUVs in its class.
Why Won’t My Jeep Start
The most frequent reasons why a Jeep won’t start even though the radio and lights are working are problems with the battery or other cranking/starting parts like the ignition switch, starter, or spark plug. These components could be rusted, filthy, or damaged.
How To Start A Jeep Cherokee Without A Key
Place the key fobs’ on/off ends over your car’s ignition switch. Put the brakes on. Now use the key fob to press the ignite button.
How To Start Jeep Cherokee With Emergency Key
The top of the metal key is the silver portion of your fob. Once you move the release button to the side, it easily slides out of the fob. Not the key, but the release, is what malfunctions. Key pulls straight out. The key returns instantly to the fob without requiring the spring-loaded release to be moved.
My Jeep Won’t Start But The Battery Is Good
If your starter spins, you have a starter issue, but your engine won’t start or the Jeep Cherokee won’t crank. It’s possible that the starter’s spindle or drive has been harmed. The drive spindle can be replaced if the starter is repairable; otherwise, a new starter must be installed.
How To Reset Jeep Grand Cherokee Computer
The scan instrument’s data link connector (DLC) port should be connected to the data cable. In Jeep vehicles, the DLC port is typically found under the driver’s side dash, adjacent to the fuse panel. The negative battery cable should be disconnected and left unconnected all night. In the morning, reconnect the negative battery cable to clear all except any hard codes. You are essentially giving the computer a type of amnesia when you detach the battery, causing the computer to lose any stored codes.
Where Is The Starter On A Jeep Grand Cherokee
The starter is located on the passenger side of the engine, toward the back. Access is available from your Jeep’s underside.
How To Jump Start A Jeep Grand Cherokee
Red cable should be connected to the dead battery’s positive terminal in your Grand Cherokee first and then to the positive terminal of the donor battery. Connect the black wire to the donor battery’s negative terminal next, then to the exposed metal in your Grand Cherokee’s engine bay. Start your Grand Cherokee first, then the donor car. Reverse the order of the cables’ removal.
When Do Jeeps Start To Have Problems
A Jeep Wrangler with proper maintenance may travel up to 400,000 miles. Most autos begin experiencing significant issues at 100,000 miles.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power: Final Verdict…
To sum up, the potential factors mentioned above may result in a Jeep Cherokee won’t start but has power. As a result, it’s essential to have your Jeep routinely maintained to ensure all of its components are working correctly.
After reading this article, you should now have a better grasp of the potential reasons and how to deal with them. Maintain the battery and starter on a regular basis to prevent frustration when the Jeep struggles to start. Refueling is important for keeping acceptable fuel levels in the tank after a long ride or several short ones.
