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98 Wrangler - no start no crank - tried EVERYTHING

7K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  pawpawJerry 
#1 ·
I have a 98 Wrangler 4.0L manual that's not starting. Everything on the dash lights up, but it doesn't make any effort to start when the key is turned.

Thought it was the starter at first, replaced that, no go. Had the battery tested and even tried a new battery in it just in case, not there. And I've tried jump starting it, which doesn't work.

So far I've replaced ignition cylinder, ignition switch, actuator pin, starter relay, starter, clutch safety switch, crankshaft position sensor, fuel pump relay, battery terminals, ignition coil and gave it a full tune up. I can pop start it and it drives fine, but once it turns off that's it.

The last time I pop started it, every time I turned the key the parking brake light would come on, which is new.

I don't hear/see any vacuum leaks. The fuel pump, clutch, flywheel and transmission aren't more than 3 years old, so I don't think it's there.

I've even taken it to the mechanic and they said ignition cylinder and switch, not there.

I feel like I've replaced just about everything. And I know my luck it's something simple, I just can't figure it out.

Any suggestions?
 
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#2 ·
Start by checking fuse 2 (40a) in the PDC with a meter. If good pull the starter relay & see if terminal 30 in the socket has 12v power (terminal #s should be on the side of the relay). If good so far make a short jumper wire, MAKE SURE IT IS IN NEUTRAL & jump across from terminal 30 to terminal 87. That should engage the starter & crank the engine. With the key on it should start. See if that works & report back.
 
#3 ·
I have a 98 Wrangler 4.0L manual that's not starting... So far I've replaced ignition cylinder, ignition switch, actuator pin, starter relay, starter, clutch safety switch, crankshaft position sensor, fuel pump relay, battery terminals, ignition coil and gave it a full tune up... I feel like I've replaced just about everything. And I know my luck it's something simple, I just can't figure it out. Any suggestions?
I don't know what it is, but seems like you're gonna have a heck of a healthy system with all those new parts once you figure out the issue. :)

I would have mentioned some of the items you did, but you've already mentioned them as being replaced.

Is you starter getting power? Test for that with a voltmeter while someone turns the key. If power isn't getting to that, then you know it's not down line in the mechanical aspects of the engine.
 
#4 ·
This is the exact issue I'm having. No crank no start and when I turn to "crank" position all dash lights turn off but the brake light turns on. Mofet23 did you ever figure it out?

I've replaced the ignition switch, starter and actuator pin.. 98 Sahara 5 speed

Any ideas?
Thanks
Chad
I have a 98 Wrangler 4.0L manual that's not starting. Everything on the dash lights up, but it doesn't make any effort to start when the key is turned.

Thought it was the starter at first, replaced that, no go. Had the battery tested and even tried a new battery in it just in case, not there. And I've tried jump starting it, which doesn't work.

So far I've replaced ignition cylinder, ignition switch, actuator pin, starter relay, starter, clutch safety switch, crankshaft position sensor, fuel pump relay, battery terminals, ignition coil and gave it a full tune up. I can pop start it and it drives fine, but once it turns off that's it.

The last time I pop started it, every time I turned the key the parking brake light would come on, which is new.

I don't hear/see any vacuum leaks. The fuel pump, clutch, flywheel and transmission aren't more than 3 years old, so I don't think it's there.

I've even taken it to the mechanic and they said ignition cylinder and switch, not there.

I feel like I've replaced just about everything. And I know my luck it's something simple, I just can't figure it out.

Any suggestions?
 
#9 ·
I have a 98 Wrangler 4.0L manual that's not starting. Everything on the dash lights up, but it doesn't make any effort to start when the key is turned.

Thought it was the starter at first, replaced that, no go. Had the battery tested and even tried a new battery in it just in case, not there. And I've tried jump starting it, which doesn't work.

So far I've replaced ignition cylinder, ignition switch, actuator pin, starter relay, starter, clutch safety switch, crankshaft position sensor, fuel pump relay, battery terminals, ignition coil and gave it a full tune up. I can pop start it and it drives fine, but once it turns off that's it.

The last time I pop started it, every time I turned the key the parking brake light would come on, which is new.

I don't hear/see any vacuum leaks. The fuel pump, clutch, flywheel and transmission aren't more than 3 years old, so I don't think it's there.

I've even taken it to the mechanic and they said ignition cylinder and switch, not there.

I feel like I've replaced just about everything. And I know my luck it's something simple, I just can't figure it out.

Any suggestions?
Did you ever solve the problem?
 
#10 ·
@Lynng415
Welcome to the forum!
That member has only been online that one time to post this thread and hasn’t been back. If you start a new thread with details on your Jeep and the problems you’re having you will get better help.
 
#11 ·
@Lynng415
Welcome to the forum!
That member has only been online that one time to post this thread and hasn’t been back. If you start a new thread with details on your Jeep and the problems you’re having you will get better help.
Thanks! I actually did post yesterday and got a few responses. I’m having the same issue and I’ve only owned the Jeep for 5 days (it ran beautifully for those 5 days) and know nothing about cars. So I’m feeling a bit defeated!
 
#12 ·
I know what you’re feeling. I believe I remember your post. Sometimes it will take a little time to get the bugs worked out, but the members here will guide you in the right direction to figure it out. They’ve helped me many times when I was at my wits end and didn’t know what to do.
 
#13 ·
I’m at my wits end. Ill fix it with five pounds of c-4. Anyway 1998 jeep tj, it’s been a great jeep for the last 18 years, bought it used. I replaced the ignition coil, now l have spark. Replaced the crankshaft position sensor, ignition cam sensor, ignition switch and checked the ignition pen not broken. It cranks but will not start, oh replaced the battery yesterday. I also hear the fuel pump start, l checked the Schraider valve at the fuel rail, lt has great pressure of gas coming out.
 
#14 ·
Possible fuel cutoff due to immobilizer? Checked the fuel injectors for pulses? Remove plug from one injector, wire a bulb instead. crank over.
If it blinks, your injectors are energized. Do you have a scanner? Possibly with live data?
There is no rocket science. If it has fuel, spark, compression and proper timing, it must run even on a moonshine.
 
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