Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Brynjaminjones on December 30, 2015, 11:24:30 PM

Title: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: Brynjaminjones on December 30, 2015, 11:24:30 PM
I'm visiting the parents for New Year, and Mum says she's having trouble with her TJ. Basically it often does nothing at all when the key is turned to start, but after lots of attempts will start like nothing had happened.
It recently got so bad that she called the AA, only for it to immediately start perfectly.

It's a 2005 4.0 TJ 6 speed that's only occasionally used, with about 20,000 miles on the clock.

I'm wondering if it has something to do with the clutch/start prevention switch?

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Title: Re: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: jay140285 on December 30, 2015, 11:29:42 PM
Auto or manual? Guessing auto.

Safety neutral switch would be my guess


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Title: Re: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: Bishops Finger on December 30, 2015, 11:43:07 PM
2 dumb questions Bryn is the clutch being depressed? Battery OK?

OK next stereoand indicators working? If not that's the indicator barrel
Title: Re: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: Brynjaminjones on December 31, 2015, 01:17:05 AM
Sorry, should have stated. It's a manual and the clutch is being pressed in.
I've had this problem with it before and, whether through coincidence or not, it eventually started after changing nothing except wiggling the gearstick and repeatedly pressing the clutch.

Battery, indicators and radio all seem fine.

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Title: Re: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: scrw on December 31, 2015, 09:19:03 AM
Do TJs have a clutch interlock on the ignition? Check for a switch on the clutch pedel
Title: Re: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: Jonny Jeep on December 31, 2015, 09:54:29 AM
First thing to try is bypassing the clutch switch. There should be a blank fuse position somewhere that bypasses the clutch switch using a 10A fuse. I think fuse 28 in the PDC in your year should be labelled but the FSM doesn't show the interlock.

If you have a meter or test lamp you can check for voltage at the relay terminal when the key is turned to start. While there you could always swap the start relay for one of the others. With clutch in or switch bypassed, if you get no voltage at the starter relay coil terminal the ignition switch actuator pin could be weak, and not always turning the switch to the start position. You need a t10 security torx to remove the switch. With switch off the switch can be turned with a screwdriver to make sure that's OK, and the end of the actuator pin can be seen.
Title: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: Arno on December 31, 2015, 06:11:38 PM
I also have a 2005 TJ, had the same issue a few years ago..

My first check was the starter, and bingo, solenoid was the culprit, new starter and all sorted

I would recommend, take the starter off and test it on a bench, that should quickly give you an indication if its the starter or not
Title: Re: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: ivanidea on December 31, 2015, 06:44:37 PM
I have a similar problem, but mine needs a new ignition key barrel since the radio, wipers and indicators sometimes fail to work too.
Title: Re: 2005 TJ not starting
Post by: Bishops Finger on January 01, 2016, 01:34:19 AM
Ivans correct he diagnosed this at Tong and mine was sorted for MOT As mines parked up I reckon your mum needs to use it more Bryn TJs are temperamental critters....