In case, you are dealing with the annoying headache of your 2020 Jeep Wrangler starting issue i.e. not cranking though the battery is good, you should take heart.
Many Jeep owners face this scenario, and it can be due to a variety of factors.
The bright side is that, after a quick inspection, you may often be able to locate the issue and resume driving your Jeep.
In this blog, we will discuss the most common reasons why a Jeep Wrangler has power but no crank and provide a comprehensive tutorial with detailed instructions.
Understanding the Symptoms
Before walking through the troubleshooting procedures, there is a need to point out the symptoms you have.
In several scenarios, a key or a start button when turned or pressed does not initiate an engine crank; as opposed to which there may be a click or multiple clicks only.
Warning lights on the dials might turn on, and the sounds of the radio along with the blower motor might seem to be working normally which means power is present.
All the peripherals are working fine but the most important part- the engine is dead quiet.
Common Causes
Guilt is a shameful defense Some problems can cause your Jeep to show signs of power but yet not start.
Here are the most common causes:
- Battery Issues: Even though electric accessories such as lights and the radio may work, the battery remains weak and is said to be of an inadequate level of power. In some cases, a battery can be strong enough to operate electrical components but weak enough to operate the starter motor.
- Starter Problems: The starter motor itself can be damaged. This can range from the solenoid having an issue or the motor failing to turn over.
- Relay and Fuse Failures: A blown fuse or failed relay may be the reason why the starter is not getting power even when the battery has enough charge.
- Ignition Switch Malfunction: If the ignition switch is defective, then it is likely that the car will not start as all the other systems may be working.
- Neutral Safety Switch: This switch is to ensure that the engine can only be cranked while the gear position is either park or neutral and vice-versa. Its malfunction may also inhibit the engine from being cranked.
Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Check the Battery
The first step is to confirm this and start by looking over the battery. Sometimes a battery is weak, this is applicable even if the lights are bright.
Here is the step on how to test it:
- Rather, both test measures above state how to conduct the above tests Wait for the lights to come on for a few minutes, then cut them off. If there is a drastic reduction in brightness, the battery may indeed be weak.
- Try using a jumper pack or voltage from another vehicle to jump-start the Jeep. If the starter turns over then the battery may very well be the issue.
- Above the thirty-six-month range for the battery is not reasonable, take the battery to an auto parts store for further testing.
Step 2: Inspect the Starter
If the battery is fine, proceed to the starter. Here’s how to go about it:
- Pay attention to the presence of a click when the key turns. If just one click is heard, it points towards a start and solenoid problem.
- When someone else is turning the key, try to gently hit the starter with a hammer.
- At times, it can assist the starter in getting engaged.
- Inspect the starter connections for any signs of corrosion or loose ends.
- If you own a multimeter, assess the area surrounding the starter for voltage with the key turned in the ignition. If power is present but the starter is not turning over, you may likely need a new one.
Step 3: Check Relays and Fuses
In turn, this brings us to checking the relays and fuses next:
- Try to find the fuse box, and see if there are any fuses burnt for ignition or starter circuits.
- Replace the starter relay with an identical relay located in the fuse box in order to determine if the problem has been solved or not.
Step 4: Test the Ignition Switch
If the battery and starter work well, the trouble could be the ignition switch:
- Insert the key into the ignition socket and move the key from side to side while attempting to crank the vehicle. If the engine cranks up, it is highly likely that the ignition switch will have to be changed.
- Look for any loose connections of wires over the ignition switch.
Step 5: Inspect the Neutral Safety Switch
Check the neutral safety switch last:
- Make sure that the car is set to the park or neutral. Many times, if the neutral safety switch is defective, shifting the transmission may cure the problem.
- Test the switch with a multimeter to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re at the end of these steps and your Jeep Wrangler refuses to start, that is an indication that you can call professionals for assistance.
More severe faults or mechanical failures may exist, which will need special tools and technical know-how.
A qualified technician has sufficient diagnosis and repair knowledge of the fault without unnecessary delay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a no-start condition with a 2020 Jeep Wrangler can be disheartening when everything else seems to work satisfactorily.
Going through these steps of troubleshooting, you can often diagnose the problem saving yourself the cost and time.
In this regard, don’t forget to begin troubleshooting with the battery, starter, relays, fuses, ignition switch, and neutral safety switch.
Even so, speak with a professional mechanic, if you are still unsure about the problem and wish to get onto the road more quickly.
FAQs
Why won’t my Jeep Wrangler start but the lights come on?
When your Jeep Wrangler fails to ignite yet the lights are on, several factors could be wrong. First, take a look at the battery.
It might have enough energy to ensure that the dashboard lights up but fails to start the engine. Next, look into the starter motor.
A broken starter may also inhibit the engine from cranking. Also, reflect on the ignition system. Starting will be affected if the ignition switch or spark plugs have stopped functioning.
One more thing to consider is the fuel supply. Check to see that there is fuel in the tank and that the fuel pump is operational.
Finally, check to see if there are any blown fuses. A simple fuse issue can also cause starting problems.
Why won’t my 2020 Jeep Wrangler start?
If you own a 2020 Jeep Wrangler and all of a sudden you are not able to start it, there could be multiple reasons for the starting failure.
To resolve it, start with the battery. The battery is usually either weak or dead. Make sure the terminals are clean as well as tightly fastened.
After that, consider the ignition system. An old worn key or a broken ignition switch could be the problem. In addition, check the fuel system as well.
A low fuel level or broken fuel pump could be the symptoms. If there are no dashboard warning lights, then there should be some specific problems.
Last but not least, check the starter motor as well. Starter degradation causes barely a click while trying to engage it.
How do I know if my Jeep Wrangler starter is bad?
If a Jeep Wrangler starter is bad, there are noticeable signs that indicate its failure. First,
if you have turned the key to start your Jeep and all you here is a “click” without the engine turning, chances are the starter is going bad.
Furthermore, if you’re trying to crank the engine and there is a significant drop in the output of the dashboard lights, such a case could lead to trouble with the starter.
Another is, if the engine turns over but too slowly or does not turn over at all simply because the starter is not able to supply enough power to the system.
Other things to check include smells that are out of the ordinary especially burning which is indicative of something going wrong inside.
Last but not least, if the starter works sometimes if you tap it lightly with a tool then the time has come to change the starting unit.
Why is my Jeep Wrangler having trouble starting?
In the case of a Jeep Wrangler failing to start, it can be attributed to some factors at hand. First things first, let’s begin with the battery.
It might be weak or completely drained which causes the Jeep to be unable to start. Check the terminals to ensure that they are clean as well as well secured.
After that, it’s the starter motor. When there is a problem with the starter, it attempts to engage but is unable to with the engine crank.
You may also turn your attention to the fuel system. It can be due to a dirty filter or lack of fuel in the tank that the engine does not perform up to its full potential.
Also checked are the ignition systems. If the spark plugs are worn out or ignition coils are damaged, they may interfere with the starting procedure.
And lastly, fuses and relays. If any of these areas have some damaged components, the engine starting issues may be connected to these components as well.
What can be mistaken for a bad starter?
Several problems can also be confused with a malfunctioning starter. A weak battery may similarly present itself.
When there is not enough charge in the battery, there is a possibility that the engine will not crank as it should. Again, starter performance may be impacted by faulty wires or corrosion.
A similar situation arises when the electrical current is low and these problems tend to behave similarly to a starter failure.
An inoperative ignition switch may also stop the starter from engaging in an electrical current. For instance, if the fuel system is working but has a broken fuel filter, the engine will find it hard to turn.
Alternatively, a starter can fail to turn because of an internal engine problem that leads to the engine being frozen.
It is important to accurately ascertain the cause of the problem in order not to replace unnecessary elements.
What is the biggest cause of starter motor failure?
The major cause of the failure of the starter motor is due to excess heat. Due to overheating, the internal parts may become damaged thus leading to failure.
This is often due to excessive cranking times or a weak battery. When the battery is weak, the starter motor is under additional strain, causing it to perform more than desired.
Bad electrical connections also create resistance and it can aid in overheating.
A defective ignition switch may also cause the starter to be activated for longer than is desirable. Contaminants such as oil or dirt can also affect performance.
However, these problems can be managed with routine maintenance, for example, checking battery conditions and battery connections would eliminate starter motor problems.
By taking such measures early on, the life of the starter motor could be increased.