95 Grand Cherokee will not start

Hey guys! This is my first Jeep, and I’m having some issues with it. A couple days ago it started having issues turning over, and yesterday officially gave up entirely. At first, I could pump the gas and coax it into turning over, but now turning the key does absolutely nothing.
Battery is fine, alternator was kicking out 14 volts, just had the starter checked, replaced the fuel filter, put new plugs and wires in there (made certain they were all gapped appropriately and the firing order was correct), and there’s fuel in it.

Before it stopped altogether, it made noises like it was really trying to turn over, but couldn’t. Since then, it doesn’t even try. We’re talking not even a click when the key is turned.

Honestly, any ideas at this point would be incredibly helpful. Thanks!

 

pumping fuel injection is pretty useless. But we do it anyway IDK.
Which engine?
How long has the CEL been on and what are the codes?

So turning key and engine does not crank - am I correct?
Shake snifter and if you can try to start in N.
Can you use a wiring diagram and a test light?

 

It’s the 4.0 straight six. No CEL, and I’m not sure on codes. I don’t have a reader at my house, and it’s not going anywhere right now, unless I tow it.

Turning the key does absolutely nothing other than turn everything on inside the Jeep. No noise from the engine compartment whatsoever.

Trying to start it in neutral didn’t yield any results either. Although after taking the starter off and putting it back on, it does make one loud clock when the key is turned.

 

The below was previously posted for a 98 XJ.

Take a multimeter and begin at the starter. Have someone turn the key to start and see if you are getting 12v to the starter solenoid. If not work your way back.

Relay in the Power Distribution Center (PDC): Pull out the relay and use your multimeter to make sure there is 12 volts on the receptacle for pin 30, even when the vehicle is off there should still be 12 volts here. When the key is turned to start there should also be 12 volts on the receptacle for pin 86, if not I would look at your ignition switch. Also if you have continuity to ground on pin 85 your NSS is good.

Neutral safety switch could be an issue: If you tested pin 85 as noted above you may be able to skip this step. Try to start in N, you can also by pass the NSS by jumping the B and C wires as noted on the NSS connector (maybe) under the hood on the passenger side by the oil dip stick. Still no start? move to something else.

Ignition switch: Power into the switch should be on a Pink/Black wire and power out when in start position should be on a Yellow wire. Disconnect the switch and put your multimeter across those two contacts and turn the key, see if you have continuity. If not here is likely your problem.

 

Well, a buddy had a hunch, so we tried to turn the main crank, and it just barely moves. Looks like the motor seized up entirely.

 

Did you remove the spark plugs when you tried to rotate the engine?

 

I just did, and it definitely turns with the plugs out.

 

All hope is not lost just yet. If you can turn motor by hand. EXTREMELY good chance it's not seized. Maybe some other major issue. But im sure its agreed. It's not seized.

 

Best damn news I’ve heard all day. I’m gonna try swapping out the starter, and putting in better plugs. See if that helps out.

 

@Valtyrr . Reaching here. Check ignition. Rotor, condenser. Cap. Yes, plugs. It's a single coil system. Honestly...not sure how to check it. But $25 to replace it. Plug wires....again...I'm reaching here. A compression issue. Vapor lock?

 

Wound up being the starter, guys! Thanks for the help!

 

@Valtyrr Hey man, looks like I got here too late.

Same thing happened to me, took my started to get checked first thing and they said it was functioning just fine but in the end the fix was getting a new starter.

Glad nothing is actually wrong with your jeep!

Good luck bud and keep another ZJ on the road