Topic: For the love of god save me from this 2.5td Cherokee (Read 10654 times)

Hudson. · « **on:** June 04, 2015, 06:24:30 PM »

Hi guys,

A few weeks ago i purchased the worst vehicle ive ever owned.

Its a 2.5td XJ Cherokee that goes by the name 'i hate you'

It was running fine (albeit with no heaters, engine temps fine). Then one day it just wouldnt start, as in, the starter wouldnt crank the engine over. As you turn the key to crank theres a feint 'click' thats about it. I tried:

A known good battery
Swapping starter relays (which do click when you turn the key)

The thing does bumpstart, just wont crank. So, time to check the power to the solenoid.....oh whats that? The solenoid is impossible to get to because its under the turbo?

I cut my losses, and had an absolute nightmare getting the starter off due to one absolutely stupid bolt behind the solenoid. In the end i disconnected the manifold from the car, which was also a nightmare, thinking id be able to remove the whole lot to gain access to starter motor. Oh cool, you cant get the manifold off because it hits the clutch master before clearing its studs. Not to worry, i'll snap my forearms into 27 pieces and get to the bolt that way.

Starter was off, took it to a specialist who diagnosed it with an 'intermittent' solenoid cap fault, replaced cap, £65 later.

Just fitted all this junk back together, it doesnt crank, at all.

I could cry but i have no emotion left in me. Ive had too many 'sense of humour failures' to see any kind of bright side.

Somebody help me, i beg you.

JamesH · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2015, 07:39:07 PM »

You aren't the first to feel that way about changing a starter on the 2.5 diesel. I have a petrol so can't help and you probably don't want to know how easy the petrol starter is to change.

Others will be able to help

Dave69 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2015, 08:30:18 PM »

owned one and rebuilt the engine once and the top end 3 times. yes hellish expensive

starter motor, remove rh eng mount and intake, the starter is then easier to take off so the manifold does not require removing.

MY personall opinion is to sell it and buy a 4ltr as it is cheaper to run in the long term plus the engine is more fun. vm mpg circa 25 to 28, 4ltr petrol 22 to 25.

which one is more fun?

can the engine be cranked by hand?

stating the obvious does it have an imobiliser that kills the ignition?

can you short the starter for a "manual start"?

Brachunky · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2015, 09:27:51 PM »

I would start by checking all the earth straps/cables making sure they fasten to a clean bright contact area.This will hopefully cost you nowt to check and only a few quid if they are shot.

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2015, 09:29:26 PM »

Although it's a diesel, I'd recommend you purchase a gallon of petrol...............

..........and a box of matches.

HKS · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2015, 09:28:01 AM »

Also check the fuse for the starter motor...I had exactly the same problem thinking it was immobilizer however the starter fuse had a fine crack which showed continuity on test however under load...zilch.....that's why I missed it ...deffo worth a try and hope it might also work for you :-)

Bubba · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2015, 08:15:08 AM »

Get it running then flog it for a petrol is the only advice I can give

Hudson. · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2015, 05:23:52 PM »

Hi guys!

Turns out i had to put my foot on the clutch to start the car? Even though its not in gear?! Weird, it works now...

Brachunky · « **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2015, 05:31:50 PM »

Delk · « **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2015, 05:42:55 PM »

Quote from: Hudson. on June 23, 2015, 05:23:52 PM

Hi guys!

Turns out i had to put my foot on the clutch to start the car? Even though its not in gear?! Weird, it works now...

Welcome to American. I remember my parents going back into a GMC dealership because the brand new Suburban wouldn't start. This was the mid 70's safety since we dont use the hand brake religiously and leave stuff in gear.

bgbazz · « **Reply #10 on:** June 23, 2015, 06:00:49 PM »

I had to have a little laugh about this one...my KJ had the same feature and it caught me out a few times during the first weeks of owning it. Quite a few other brands use this system as well..not just Jeep.

Funny thing is...I still use the same actions with my Nissan Patrol...select neutral, clutch pedal fully depressed, turn the key!

jay140285 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2015, 09:22:49 AM »

On the plus side, its fixed.

gazjeep · « **Reply #12 on:** June 24, 2015, 09:56:18 AM »

Suzuki bikes used to do this too, pull cl;utch in or it wont start, caught a few out

UKJeeper · « **Reply #13 on:** June 24, 2015, 10:00:42 AM »

Glad to hear it's running.

Now sell it and get a 4.0!

carljh · « **Reply #14 on:** June 24, 2015, 10:57:01 PM »

I have a WJ and a P38 Range Rover, must admit I like the WJ's safety features over the RR's total lack of any lol.

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2015, 06:03:22 PM »

Quote from: Hudson. on June 23, 2015, 05:23:52 PM

Hi guys!

Turns out i had to put my foot on the clutch to start the car? Even though its not in gear?! Weird, it works now...

D'oh!

craigderby · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2015, 05:42:34 PM »

I know it's not funny, but you have given me a giggle

XJ Fan · « **Reply #17 on:** June 28, 2015, 10:38:47 AM »

That made me chuckle

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Bubba · « **Reply #18 on:** June 28, 2015, 10:40:42 AM »

made i larff but glad its sorted

Dave69 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 28, 2015, 02:04:34 PM »

lets just hope its the only post about the 2.5td and not head related,

"regular oil changes and tip top coolant"

bgbazz · « **Reply #20 on:** June 28, 2015, 04:32:28 PM »

Quote from: Dave69 on June 28, 2015, 02:04:34 PM

lets just hope its the only post about the 2.5td and not head related,

"regular oil changes and tip top coolant"

That last bit is the best advice you will ever get regarding that motor!!!

Hillbilly · « **Reply #21 on:** June 28, 2015, 10:50:29 PM »

Quote from: bgbazz on June 28, 2015, 04:32:28 PM

Quote from: Dave69 on June 28, 2015, 02:04:34 PM
lets just hope its the only post about the 2.5td and not head related,

"regular oil changes and tip top coolant"

That last bit is the best advice you will ever get regarding that motor!!!

Sorry Bazz, I disagree. The best advice was from Mike. Box of matches etc. I'm surprised nobody has gone down the legal route and sued Jeep over this truly awfull engine.

bgbazz · « **Reply #22 on:** June 29, 2015, 06:27:03 AM »

Get on with it then!

wildwood · « **Reply #23 on:** June 29, 2015, 10:34:43 AM »

You've had the heads up,and I'm glad you got away with it.....so far!

Now get yourself a long lasting 4.0 litre petrol.......Top Gear Hammy got one for £250 for last nights prog.........

Or a GC......bit more comfort!

Author Topic: For the love of god save me from this 2.5td Cherokee (Read 10654 times)

Hudson.

Mike Pavelin

HKS

Hudson.

Delk

jay140285

UKJeeper

Mike Pavelin

craigderby