hi everyone, today I was on my way to the gym, got into my car, turned the key, and it wouldnt turn over. There was no crank at all, just dead, all the power was working as I had my ac on and the radio and it was all working, all the lights were on the dash so I know it couldnt have been the battery. So I tried about 2 or 3 times and it wouldnt start. So I got out, locked the door with the alarm and waited a min, hopped bakc into the car and it started fine..... Really weird.... does anyone know what may have caused this? I had a new starter put in about 2 years ago, also a brand new fuel pump relay as well. Could it maybe have something to do wiht the alarm system? I do have a auto start remote alarm system that I had installed about 2 years ago, but its the first time this has happened to me... any ideas would be appricated. Just dont wanna get stuck in the middle of somewhere with the problem, thanks!!

 

year and model...this is why we've asked members to have this in their signatures at the least

 

hi, 1996 xj6

 

there are several things I would check. Start with ALL connections from the battery to the starter. I would loosen, wiggle back and forth to clean and retighten. Do this to all power and grounds. The other issue is the exciter ring that reads the key around the ignition barrel in the column. If memory serves it sshould ohm out at 33.4ohms pretty much exactly. If not replace it. Dont discount the battery, do a load test. I just had one today that I think had a loose plate connection. It had 12volts till you hit the starter then it just clicked. I had no amperage and when hooked up a booster pack drew it down too. replaced the battery and all was well. I dont think this is your issue, but just dont forget the obvious. There is a wire that kicks the starter when you turn the key and you may want to make a jumper to activate the starter independant of the key if it does it again. You just turn on the ignition and then jump the starter wire(its small about 12 gauge wire coming up from the starter by the firewall.)

 

Had the exact same problem twice........ once it was not all the way in park. My shifter cable was a little tight so I had to give it a nuge. The second time my little one likes to pop the trunk for a joke and I think she engaged the anti theft.

Brian

 

the starter ground on the passenger (US) side of the engine bay has a tendency to come loose also. found that one while recently replacing a whole mess of electrical stuff