Jeep won't start...help

[Pond scum]

I recently replaced the battery and the alternator abount 2 weeks ago. It has been running fine since. TOnight I took it for a short drive. While driving it started dying like it was running out of gas. I had the little wifey run a couple gallons to me (fuel gage doesn't work) and it started. I drove for about 1/2 mile and filled up with 93 octane. Left it running and drove another 2 minutes home. Turn it off and try to start it and click click click click......................! Like the battery is dead and wont recharge. While driving for the 2 minutes to get home, the lights were dimming like the battery was going dead.

Any ideas what this could be. Alternator and battery should both be good.

Thank you

 

[Jake]

I Would check all the connections from the batt and alt, also to the starter relay. Could be a bad connection that is draining the batt. When you drive it, it may be losing connection and cutting out.

 

[IOPort51]

should be good and are good are two different things. I'm betting the alt has a problem. is it a one wire or does it have the small exciter wire from the dash. I would have the parts house check it or at least check it's output with a volt meter.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Not quite sure the year / model you're working on, but i would Check the Bat with a volt meter, and if you can carefully test the return line from alt to make sure you're getting voltage back...

If so (all good) I'd suspect (as Jake mentioned) the starter solenoid...

Mine was going out and would intermittently not start out of no where, replaced it (after testing by turning on key with wheels chalked and in neutral of course and jumping straight from bat to starter, but I am positive there's a better way someone can suggest for testing... but worked for me ) and have had no further problems... It would "ground out" making my voltage meter show some weird stuff...

Anyways, hope this helps.



~ JR

 

[BusaDave9]

I recently replaced the battery and the alternator abount 2 weeks ago.

Double-check the alternator belt. I've had new belts go loose. Maybe they stretch when new or it might take a while before they seat but now I always double-check any belt that I replace.

 

[IOPort51]

this is sound wisdom Dave. I will say that anytime I had a loose alternator belt and a low charge the belt would squeal like a pig under a gate.

Double-check the alternator belt. I've had new belts go loose. Maybe they stretch when new or it might take a while before they seat but now I always double-check any belt that I replace.