CJ7 Starting by Itself

[GunninIt]

All - I'm having an apparent starting/electrical issue over the last week.

Went to start up the Jeep last weekend, and the battery was super weak. Charged it up with my battery tender, then put it back in. Once I connected the positive terminal, the Jeep was starting by itself - no keys in ignition!

Undid the battery cables, and started researching. Messed with the key cylinder (cycled several times). Checked all my connections. Ended up buying a new solenoid after the recommendation from the CJ7 Facebook page. Installed the new solenoid - following the example of how I'd taken the old one apart. Put the battery connections back on. SAME THING with the new solenoid - Jeep starting on its own.

I've looked into some next steps (starter, ignition switch, key cylinder).

Just seeing if anyone else has had this problem and wanted to comment on solutions.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Disco the battery at the POS(+)terminal.
Turn the ign switch back to accessory, and then to off.
Take an air hose and blow out the ign switch area, including where the key goes.
Try again....
LG

 

[GunninIt]

Disco the battery at the POS(+)terminal.
Turn the ign switch back to accessory, and then to off.
Take an air hose and blow out the ign switch area, including where the key goes.
Try again....
LG

Thanks for the reply, LG. I did cycle the key a few times when it originally happened (and have numerous times since). That said, I'll look to blow out the switch area (and cylinder).

I'm open to anything at this point.

 

[mriplaybass]

Disconnect the wire going from the solenoid to the starter. Now check the small (16ga. ?) wire on the solenoid for power with the key in the off position. If you have power to this small wire, there is something wrong upstream from there. Probably the key switch. If this small wire has no power to it, check the starter side of the solenoid for power. If you have power on the starter side of the solenoid with no power at the small wire, you have a bad solenoid. I have gotten a few solenoids for various vehicles that were bad right out of the box.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I know this is no help to you but I find it funny that it's always people posting about their Jeeps wont start and yours starts all by it's self. Good luck with it.

 

[GunninIt]

Ok. I think I had some things a little backwards. But it’s all where it’s supposed to be. Except now...won’t start at all. Don’t get anything.

 

[JeeperChris]

I know this is no help to you but I find it funny that it's always people posting about their Jeeps wont start and yours starts all by it's self. Good luck with it.

And there we have it.

 

[GunninIt]

I know this is no help to you but I find it funny that it's always people posting about their Jeeps wont start and yours starts all by it's self. Good luck with it.

That’s actually hilarious.

Thanks also.