Help: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start looking
for the source of this problem: when I try to start my 1999 TJ, the
engine will turn over slowly two or three times and then stop turning
over, then I'll hear a rapid-fire popping/snapping noise. The lights
inside, like the airbag-off indicator light, will flicker with the
popping noise. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Jon

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

jlomme did pass the time by typing:
> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start looking
> for the source of this problem: when I try to start my 1999 TJ, the
> engine will turn over slowly two or three times and then stop turning
> over, then I'll hear a rapid-fire popping/snapping noise. The lights
> inside, like the airbag-off indicator light, will flicker with the
> popping noise. Any thoughts?

Dead battery or corroded battery cables.

--
DougW

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

jlomme did pass the time by typing:
> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start looking
> for the source of this problem: when I try to start my 1999 TJ, the
> engine will turn over slowly two or three times and then stop turning
> over, then I'll hear a rapid-fire popping/snapping noise. The lights
> inside, like the airbag-off indicator light, will flicker with the
> popping noise. Any thoughts?

Dead battery or corroded battery cables.

--
DougW

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

jlomme did pass the time by typing:
> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start looking
> for the source of this problem: when I try to start my 1999 TJ, the
> engine will turn over slowly two or three times and then stop turning
> over, then I'll hear a rapid-fire popping/snapping noise. The lights
> inside, like the airbag-off indicator light, will flicker with the
> popping noise. Any thoughts?

Dead battery or corroded battery cables.

--
DougW

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start looking
> for the source of this problem: when I try to start my 1999 TJ, the
> engine will turn over slowly two or three times and then stop turning
> over, then I'll hear a rapid-fire popping/snapping noise. The lights
> inside, like the airbag-off indicator light, will flicker with the
> popping noise. Any thoughts?

The snapping/popping noise is probably your starter solenoid. You've got
what sounds like a dead or nearly dead battery. They do wear out over time.
But before you replace it check that there's no corrosion inside the clamps
that connect to the battery. And if they're not corroded then make sure
there's also none where those same cables meet the engine and starter.
Cables can also corrode over time, and if they're corroded it's often
worthwhile to replace then when having a new battery installed.

-Bill Kearney

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start looking
> for the source of this problem: when I try to start my 1999 TJ, the
> engine will turn over slowly two or three times and then stop turning
> over, then I'll hear a rapid-fire popping/snapping noise. The lights
> inside, like the airbag-off indicator light, will flicker with the
> popping noise. Any thoughts?

The snapping/popping noise is probably your starter solenoid. You've got
what sounds like a dead or nearly dead battery. They do wear out over time.
But before you replace it check that there's no corrosion inside the clamps
that connect to the battery. And if they're not corroded then make sure
there's also none where those same cables meet the engine and starter.
Cables can also corrode over time, and if they're corroded it's often
worthwhile to replace then when having a new battery installed.

-Bill Kearney

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start looking
> for the source of this problem: when I try to start my 1999 TJ, the
> engine will turn over slowly two or three times and then stop turning
> over, then I'll hear a rapid-fire popping/snapping noise. The lights
> inside, like the airbag-off indicator light, will flicker with the
> popping noise. Any thoughts?

The snapping/popping noise is probably your starter solenoid. You've got
what sounds like a dead or nearly dead battery. They do wear out over time.
But before you replace it check that there's no corrosion inside the clamps
that connect to the battery. And if they're not corroded then make sure
there's also none where those same cables meet the engine and starter.
Cables can also corrode over time, and if they're corroded it's often
worthwhile to replace then when having a new battery installed.

-Bill Kearney

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

Thank you Doug and Bill. I had thought briefly about the battery, but
I just put a brand new battery in it about a month ago. I guess I can
take it back in and have them check it. I don't recall seeing any
corrosion on the cables where they touch the battery, but I didn't
check the other ends of the cables. I'll take a look there, too.
Thanks,
Jon

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

Thank you Doug and Bill. I had thought briefly about the battery, but
I just put a brand new battery in it about a month ago. I guess I can
take it back in and have them check it. I don't recall seeing any
corrosion on the cables where they touch the battery, but I didn't
check the other ends of the cables. I'll take a look there, too.
Thanks,
Jon

Re: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound
 

Thank you Doug and Bill. I had thought briefly about the battery, but
I just put a brand new battery in it about a month ago. I guess I can
take it back in and have them check it. I don't recall seeing any
corrosion on the cables where they touch the battery, but I didn't
check the other ends of the cables. I'll take a look there, too.
Thanks,
Jon