A vehicle that won’t start is extremely frustrating. It seems to happen when you most need to get somewhere or are away from home in the vehicle. Jeep Wrangler starter problems are not uncommon. However, in many cases, the starter itself isn’t the cause of the problem.
Why won’t your Jeep Wrangler start? Is it a starter problem, or something else?
When your Jeep won’t start, there are several possible causes.
The most common are:
- Totally integrated power module
- Battery issues
- Neutral safety switch failure
- Starter failure
The good news is, Jeep Wrangler starter problems can be fairly easy to diagnose and fix. If your Jeep Wrangler isn’t starting, it could be one of these issues. We’ll take a look at each one and what you can do to repair it.
Jeep Wrangler Starter Basics
The starter requires more power than any other single component of your vehicle. The starter itself is a small motor, which requires power from the battery to function. The ignition switch sends power to the solenoid, which is a large magnet. The solenoid activates the starter motor.
The starter turns the engine over, which is actually a process of creating suction. Air and fuel flow into the engine, combustion begins, and the engine fires. Then the starter disengages until the next time it’s needed.
There’s also an electrical system that controls the starter motor. It includes the ignition switch, neutral or clutch safety switch, the anti-theft system, and the key fob. If any of these components malfunction, your Wrangler won’t start, even if the starter itself is functioning.
4 Common Jeep Wrangler Starter Problems
Jeep Wrangler TIPM
Jeep Wranglers are infamous for TIPM failure. The TIPM is the totally integrated power module. It’s essentially the brain of your Jeep. Many Wrangler owners say that their Jeeps seem to be possessed.
This is because when the TIPM malfunctions, it can cause lots of issues with your vehicle. A TIPM failure can cause your vehicle to crank but not start. Other signs you have a bad TIPM include door lock or power window malfunctions and the horn sounding at random times.
The good news is that the TIPM isn’t that difficult to replace. You can replace the module yourself or take it to a mechanic once you are sure that’s what is causing your Wrangler not to start.
Battery Issues
Your battery is what powers the starter, so if your battery doesn’t have a sufficient charge, your Wrangler won’t start. In most vehicles, this would be as simple as checking the battery and the alternator.
You can have this performed for free at most auto parts stores. However, the Wrangler also has a problem with the battery draining if it has been sitting for a few days.
The cause of this problem hasn’t been clearly identified. If the problem is your battery, you should be able to recharge the battery with jumper cables and start your Jeep. If the problem continues, it’s either a bad battery or the Wrangler’s battery drain issue.
Batteries are easy and inexpensive to replace. You should also check your terminals for corrosion, because this can prevent the power from going from the battery to the starter.
Neutral Safety Switch Failure
The neutral safety switch is a safety mechanism for automatic vehicles. It keeps the vehicle from starting if it isn’t in park or neutral. On manual transmissions, the clutch safety switch performs the same function.
These switches can go bad on your Jeep Wrangler, which will cause it not to start. The vehicle is supposed to start from park or neutral. If your neutral safety switch is going bad, it might crank from one but not the other.
It could also allow the vehicle to start in any gear, which is a safety hazard. If you’ve determined that your neutral safety switch is the reason your Wrangler won’t start, it’s best to have it replaced by a mechanic.
Starter Failure
Failure of the starter itself is also one of the Jeep Wrangler starter problems. Other than not starting your vehicle, which can also be caused by the other factors mentioned, there are a few indications you have a bad starter. The first is noise.
If you hear a clicking, whining or grinding noise, your starter is likely the problem. However, clicking can also indicate that you have a bad battery.
If there is smoke coming from the engine, your starter is likely the cause. Starters can smoke when they have completely gone out and you attempt to use them.
Lastly, if you are relatively sure it isn’t one of the other issues, it’s probably your starter. Starters can be replaced without too much hassle, so the good news is that the issue is certainly fixable.
