2002 KJ starts only intermittenly

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 376

My KJ seems to only start when it feels like it. Turn the key and instant start, then come back to the jeep 30 minutes later, turn the key = lights on the dash come on but no starter turn.

I replaced the battery, no difference
I changed the ignition switch and ignition actuator pin, no difference. Same old key and cylinder - could this part be bad?
I swapped and replaced the starter relay, no difference.
I tried to do the trick with a wire and or pliers to trip the starter under the hood, with the key in the on position, slight spark but no starter crank. It's almost like there is something in the key ignition area not making a connection or ground.

The starter was replaced a few years ago, so I don't think that it is bad. It starts up perfectly when my jeep decides to work.
Seems to happen more when the motor has been running then turned off for a short while. "Warm engine"
If I let it sit for a couple hours to cool off, then it starts up perfectly again.

Any tips on things to check? Does my 2002 have a key sentry system? Do these go bad? Any way to fix or bypass it?

Thanks

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Mar 06, 2025 5:03 pm

Based on your description, sounds like your starter solenoid is bad and is having high resistance issues when it gets hot.
Using a 12v test light or voltmeter, test to see if you are getting 12v to starter solenoid (on starter) when the ign switch is turned to the start position.

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 376

I haven't been able to reproduce these symptoms where I live. There is a big difference in temperature where I live and the place when it wouldn't start "at my mom's house". It's been in the low 60s all month for me in Torrance, but it got up to 82 degrees in Alhambra a couple weeks ago.

The only real difference that I can find is the interior temp. The interior stays cool where I live and it was an oven inside the last time I couldn't start my Jeep in Alhambra.

Anyone have a similar experience? Super hot interior from sitting the sun most of the day but zero response from the starter. All of the other electrical items are working = radio, fan, lights, dings, windows etc. No ODB2 codes. I didn't have my voltage tester with me so I couldn't tell if all 12 volts were going to the starter or not. I bought a new voltage probe to keep in my Jeep.

I'm going to try driving for at least 40 minutes tomorrow and then see what happens after I stop but it's going to be cold outside in the South Bay for at least one more week.

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 376

ETA not the battery, I took it out, took it to the store and it passed the tests. For some reason, the battery tests higher/good outside of the Jeep but the voltage falls when hooked up.

Any ideas as to what could be causing the drop in current?

I think that the battery that they sold me might be bad. It has trouble staying about 12V and these Liberty's don't like it when the voltage drops below 12V. I'm going to replace it under warranty and see what happens. If this doesn't fix it, I'll try replacing the starter next. I just had replaced the starter not that long ago 12/22.

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 376

Anyone know anything about the SKIM? WTF is the SKIM module and what does it do? It really sounds similar to the problem I've been having.

No Crank - YES
Turns off after a few seconds - Doesn't happen to me
Security Light Turns on - Doesn't happen to me
Locking and Unlocking issues - YES sometimes
Key in the ignition does not turn - Doesn't happen to me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvG2xubQXj8

2002 KJ starts only intermittenly

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