Check gauges then nothing
 

This morning, after dropping kids to school, the radio died, then i noticed the CHECK GAUGES red light on.
'99 Grand Cherokee Ltd
I stopped, when i restarted, nothing, nada, kaput...... the only sign of life was the clock which still showed 230.000 -
i got a boost, first time it started...... when i took the cable off, it stayed running, went to drive and it died (only left running 1-23mins)

When i pushed it down to its parking space (not easy this time of year alone!), the fob wouldn't work.

The date on the battery is 10/08

is it the battery or alternator??

thanks for any info......

Cormac

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

Hey cor,
Welcome. Could be as simple as bad connection(s) to and from the battery/alternator/ground. Start with the easiest/cheapest first. Check and clean all major connections. When it's running, what does the volt meter read? Should be about 14V
A properly maintained battery SHOULD last some 5 years.
Peter

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

thanks Peter,

Will try that - it will have to be by hand, all my tool were left in Ireland when i left, and of course i have no wheels to pick some up!

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

Try a simple test first...Get it running anyway you can(by boosting or charging the battery on slow charge for 8 hours)
While it's running remove the positive battery cable from the battery,if it stays running,it's just the battery,if the engine dies as soon as you disconnect,it's the alternator.

But my own personal rule of thumb is to replace both when either has a problem,in my experience the other component is not too far behind.
That is only if a sudden problem develops,like in your case.There are times when I leave the key on all afternoon and end up draining the battery-in this case I would just recharge or replace the battery.
Hope this helps and keep us informed. :)

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

thanks

could that be the case? In my GC, i can take the key out with the engine running.... could i have not turned it fully? but why did it die while i was driving?

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

i just had it running off next doors SUV, for about 5 mins, then drove 5km, left it running while i went into a store, it started ok, first time (outside my door!)

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

I think you drained your battery somehow(dome light left on,or as you said,ignition switch not fully turned off.
Try the test I posted above,it will tell you instantly.
Just a tip,loosen the positive cable terminal first and wiggle it loose so it can be easy to remove when the engine is running.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

will do tomorrow thanks, will let you know how it goes

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

cor,
OK. Still not a bad idea to check all your connections. Could be it's making contact now and for say the next while but she could let you down at the worst time. What is the volt meter reading while running? Not sure whether disconneting the battery whilst running might harm something or not. UAP or similar might test alternator or battery for free.
Peter.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

meter is showing 14, will check connections by hand tomorrow too,

as i said, I have not even got a spanner!! (Got to Canada in September)

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

Wife went out a 6am, started first time - I went out a 6.:40 and absolutely nothing.....

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

cor,
Aw rats! Still leaning toward connections BUT (and I hope not) could be a dead spot on starter motor.
Peter.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

what would that be? - new starter motor? sounds even more expensive than an alternator

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

cor,
Not saying it IS the starter motor. Just a random thought. As I said before...start with the simplest/cheapest things first. I fully appreciate your recent arrival and your lack of equipment. I'm NOT suggesting you start changing parts willy-nilly. We've got to find out what the problem is first!
C'mon fellow members, this guy could use some suggestions OR a GOOD mechanic in the Kitchener area.
I've never heard too many good things about Canadian Tire service so that would probably be the LAST place I would suggest.
cor, what about asking around in the neighbourhood or at work for a mechanic failing any input from the folks on this site?
Peter.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

I don't work yet! Waiting for my PR!, the wife works in a factory with other women so the advice is (gotta be carfull!), scant!
I will try the wires going into alternator, hopefull its a loose clip (can see 1-2 going into it)

Cormac

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

Alright,First-make sure the battery is fully charged.
Second-check all starting system connections...follow the positive battery cable to the starter,check connection if loose or corroded.
do the same with the negative cable.

The #1 problem is a bad/poor connection somewhere.
If all connections are ok,then it is most likely a component-battery,alternator,solenoid on starter(but is usually integrated on the starter) or possibly a crank position sensor.
To further help you,I'm gonna need more info on your ride-type and size of engine,make and model,year.
I believe you have a "99 WJ from your first post.for which Jeep made three types of engines-
the 4.0L I-6, 4.7L V8, and 4.7L V8 HO
In your case,you should have the 4.0L.correct me if I'm wrong,but humor me and state the info anyway.
I'll get back to when you supply the info.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

199 Grand Cherokee - Limited - V8, 4.7
I'm picking up a battery tomorrow AM,
i connected a boat FishFinder (powered by a car battery), and nothing, I also connected a current tester light, and got nothing...... so heres hoping...
I removed the terminals, removed the gunk and reattatched them

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

ok,good,so far it sounds like a battery will do the trick.
That gunk-the greenish evil smelling stuff is corroded battery acid-be sure to get it all off and wear gloves!
Hard to believe but that gunk will actually impede conduction if there is enough build up.
tip-when you install your new battery and reattach the terminals-smear a generous amount of Vaseline on the terminals,it will retard the occurrence of corrosion.
Good Luck and post the results.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

thanks, there was no gunk to remove though!- bone dry bit like dust, intention was to remove gunk - apologies..........

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

that's good news then! no gunk,yaaaaa. lol.

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

changed the battery, started first time - i am still going to go down tomorrow and get the alternator checked.

Thanks for all the input folks........

Re: Check gauges then nothing
 

glad to hear it's working.