Troubleshooting Jeep TJ Wrangler! Won't Start but Problem Found - Project 2004 

Videos like this that make me love humanity. Someone taking the time to document issues like this which helps others. You gave me peace of mind today. Thank you truly saved me!

Your video made changing these parts a breeze! Thanks for the in-depth instruction, it really helped understanding how the parts engage with each other when putting them back together. I have an 03 wrangler, came out of the store and the Jeep wouldn’t start. After replacing the starter and found that wasn’t the problem we searched on-line and found your video. Our part broke in the same exact spot as yours did.

Just brought the same exact Jeep even color for my 15 year old son a few weeks ago. Today at the gas pump , filled up , my son cranked the Jeep over and nothing happened. Luckily we were a block away from home. Your video was so spot on and informative. I picked up the part at autozone and followed your step by step install . Problem solved thanks to you. Thankyou for taking the time and making this for us.

Your video just saved me. I needed to get my jeep back up quick in time for work. Every Google search and forum I found kept directing me in the wrong direction. This was EXACTLY what was wrong with my 03 TJ. $75 in parts and an hour later my Jeep is running strong again. Thanks for your help!

My son's 02 Wrangler Sport had the same issue. I was left scratching my head. After my wife found your video, we knew where to look. Sure enough, pin was broken. Exactly like yours. Thank you for the video. I now follow you.

The bypass fuse located in the glove box was actually the problem in my jeep. Thank you for showing this part you saved me a couple of hundred dollars.

Pure genius!! Lol, love the videos. I learn more and more watching your videos so please keep them coming.

You are a lifesaver. I had no idea where to look after changing the starter motor. I owe you a LOT of money 😂

Thank you for posting this video. I was completely stumped, when I took my ignition apart my actuator was broken in the exact same spot yours was. Auto part store had one on the shelf, amazingly enough, and I am back on the road!!!! Thanks again, this was very helpful.

Wanted to thank you for this video. Last night trying to leave work my Jeep wouldn’t start, it’s a 2004 LJ in mint condition low mileage with a new battery. I could feel the key didn’t feel right so I was sure it was the ignition but I had no idea what exactly it was. I got a ride home and did a search and your video popped up, I knew this was my problem. I ordered the part today then tore it apart and it was broke exactly like yours. I used a screw driver to start it and get it home. This saved me a ton of time and money. I subbed your channel and when I have issues I’ll check here first.

Literally the best video for my situation. My TJ 02 suddenly didn't turn on after gassing up. Had to bump start it (3 times actually cause I still did the trail!). Love the wire trick to trouble shoot!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This step by step video was incredible and saved me from pulling what little hair I have left out. Awesome job with this video!

nice job. just found same thing on 2006 wrangler sport. your diagnostic took me right through it. broken part looks just like yours.. Thanks.

Sitting in a jeep with broken pin now. Thanks for the great video. Life saver

great video... experienced same problem in the target parking lot... i didn't have to have it towed home... an old timer with his Chrysler sedan... came up behind me and gave me a push so i could pop the clutch... will troubleshoot tomorrow... thanks again...

One of the best troubleshooting videos out there!! Helped me a lot!!

Thank you for creating this video. I didn't diagnose as you did, I went straight for the jugular and pulled the actuator pin. Just like others in the comments, mine was broken the same way.

I’m so glad you posted this. I have an 04 LJ with the same issues. All dash lights come on, power is coming from battery and I just replaced the starter a few months back. Next day I’m off, I’m gonna check it out. Appreciate it man!

This happened to me January 1st. Jeep wanted me to spend several hundred on a new steering column but I found the broken part used from Daveys Jeeps. What a pain. Thanks for the detailed troubleshooting steps.

Awesome! This was the first hit when I searched! My problem turned out to be the Clutch Safety Switch! Thank you for making this video!

Thanks for your info concerning the key switch on my 05' rubicon... I changed the starter(new one+solinoid) and after checking everything else like you did you had the answer, thanks a lot!

thanks brother- info was right on- video was mercifully short-! (God Bless you guys who put out these helpful vids!)

Your video saved me some time and money I appreciate it! Switched out the power converters just fine but didn't have any needle noses on me for the fuses so I tried to pull them out by hand, hit my head on a low flying plane I got shocked so bad but somehow that seemed to do the trick thanks again!

This video saved my day today.that starter wire is a sleeper issue. Thank you so much.

You just saved me countless hours of scratching my head that is the exact issue I have I did your wire test on the ignition wire and I have the same issue. my ignition has always been a little flaky time for a new one

This is a great diagnostic tip video for the Jeep TJ!

very informative and easy to understand. Thank you!

The two videos have help me so much! Ty for your videos my 2001 Sahara did that exact same thing without the rain 🌧

Thanks for the tutorial. I learned a little something something today.

Awesome video. I love your channel. Thanks for taking the time and sharing with us.

Very good to know this is an issue that may come up... Going to have a "10ga wire with the spade end, and female end" in my emergency bag for now on as an emergency remote start.

Thanks for including your process for tracking down the issue ... in my case it turn out to me the solenoid.

Had the same problem in an 06 Liberty and had it towed too. Next morning woke up and found the same problem. I wish you would of messaged me on insta haha. Glad you got it fixed pal!

Having same issue towed at night home too, . Will b following ur very systematic, well articulated l instructions, very sure same issue, very grateful!!

Just wanted to say thanks for the video. I followed your steps and found it was the clutch safety switch.

Thanks for the info. Years ago I had an '83 Mazda p/u that started blowing the fusible link on the ignition, I finally figured out it was in the ignition switch.

My ‘97 will turn over and will fire with starting fluid. However the gauges won’t work and it won’t pump fuel. After watching your video I’m going to test the ground wires. Thanks for the help.

I was SOOOOO glad this happened to me in my WJ, as I was leaving home, rather than out-&-about somewhere!

Saved my life, Jeep Rubicon 2015 wouldn’t start for two days before seeing this video, I thought it was either battery, fuse or starter. Paid local mechanic to check with machine no signs of problem. Solved problem by jiggling or slightly holding up key while turning the ignition!

Very nice video well done very helpful starting with the basics on up my daughter is having troubles and this gave me a very good order to help diagnose the issues thanks a bunch well done

Thanks for this! This was the first video that popped up on google and it fixed my exact problem!

I'm at this point now. It's dark now. I have to work the next few days. Just replaced the Relay, purchased the ignition switch. Did not see in the diagram that I have for an actuator "PIN" I'll have to go back to advanced Auto to see if they have that. Excellent video. Just subscribed. Hoping this works. Like most families, we live paycheck to paycheck because of covid.

Thank you!! Watching your video I when straight to the problem 😁🙏👍

Spot on, you saved me a lot of grief. Thank you.

Thank you so much. This was exactly my problem.

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks You saved me from a half day of screwing around.

Your video just helped me diagnose this exact issue - THANKS! The metal part was broken in the same way. One thing I would add is that you'll need a small security type torx bit to get at the actuator - be careful, there's a spring in there. Also, f you don't know how to get the key barrel out (like me) you put your key in and turn it while depressing a small latch on the underside of the barrel. You can then pull it out with your key. This will free up the actuator so it can be removed.

Thank you very much Sr.!!! 👌👌👌 excellent video! 👍👍👍

Thank you very well made video saved me from spending lots of money 💰

Good job troubleshooting!

Amazing video and super helpful, thank you so much for the information!

Thank you!! Mine was broken the same way. Very helpful video.

Thanks, some great information in here, I have the same problem and I’m going to try the steps hopefully I will resolve the issue. However mine seems to be an intermittent issue Every once in a while it won’t start and then out of the blue it will start again

Great video man, thank you a big help

This helped out a ton! Thanks

Hey, just a heads up, before anyone starts tearing things apart, check your neutral safety plug at the transmission. I found that it had fallen off and just needed to be plugged back in. Super easy fix!

Liberty same install in key on position that allows after IGN mod and actuator are assembled in place, you will be able to install key IGN switch and will lock in place smoothly. Good video AA ++

great video, very informative thanks.

hallo and thanks to you i fixed my tj it was the clutch safty switch again thank you

Thanks for all your videos!! I have a 2001 jeep wrangler. Good battery, replaced starter but every once in a while, when I go to start it, it takes longer to start or it just "clunks". I will also say, the key will come out without pushing the ignition button. I don't want to get stranded somewhere. It is a manual, 4.0 TJ. Yes, i do have the clutch pushed all the way down lol. Any advice would be appreciated!!

Thank you , this happened to me today .. I now know what order !!

Thank you for your very very good video. I have a 2005 TJ experiencing the same symptoms. Where can I find a new ignition switch and new ignition actuator? Thanks in advance for your help.

You should really explain yourself at 2:26. I'll assume you bought the hammer to tap the starter (sometimes if the starter is crppin out, it may turn again if you tap it) Or maybe you just needed the hammer to get the jeeps attention, lol Great video, both of them, it really is the 'best' Helped me a ton. My friends jeep was a success because of these videos. Hers was the ignition module, i think, she bought the module and the actuator. I would never have attempted pulling apart the column if i hadnt seen you do it. Pretty sure hers was the module, the pin was ok. Something was rattling in the module

Hi, Thanks for all the great video's. Had all the same symptoms. Before seeing your video's we purchased a new starter not the problem so we replaced the a actuator pin and stater switch and still nothing. Any ideas? Thanks, Rick

Great video

How did you check for continuity when testing the clutch? Did you plug both the pos and neg cables into the circuit? What sockets are your cables plugged into for testing the clutch circuit? Similar question for using the multimeter to text the voltage for the starter control wire. What sockets are your wires plugged in to?

I was hoping I had the same issue you have in your next video and replaced both pieces like you did. It didn't fix the issue. My center piece wasn't broken. I will try your "hotwiring" to the positive tomorrow to see if it cranks. For about a week when I turned the key it felt like the whole cylender inside was turning, but I don't see how it could now that I have taken the whole assembly apart. Any other suggestions?

I had to bypass the clutch safety control on 2001 TJ by moving a fuse into #20 spot. I was able to crank up Jeep after this. What would be my next step in order to avoid future problems in this department?

yeahhhhhh buddyyyyyy this was my issue the whole time. wish i'd seen this video before i put a starter in. lol

Same sh!# just happened to me this evening. Here in Europe not so easy to come by to spares. P/N would be much appriciated :-) BTW - well made video. Pure useful content. No long selfie useless blah blah :-)

Great video. I did everything you did for my YJ and still can't get power to the solenoid.

I have to think how many more potential problem points there would be on the JL if the symptom was that the starter was not turning over. I think the car manufacturers are intentionally trying to make the vehicles more complicated so as to make it so that you *have* to take your vehicle into the dealership to get a problem diagnosed. :( More "features" equals more complexity, equals more potential failure points. :(

Did you ever get any clicking when ever I try to start mine im getting a click on the start relay what should I be looking for

My Jeep suddenly wouldn't start after replacing the coil pack. You video lead me on the right path. My problem turned out to be the wire from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid was broken. Easy fix. I also last year had a similar problem with the ignition switch actuator being broken, but in y case, the Jeep would start, but not turn off. I kept pulling a fuse to kill the engine until I got the new ignition actuator.

With ignition mechanism brocken do you still turn in all your dash lights indicator and gauges? I have 2010 wrangler no crank probed the starter relay no 12vdc on pin 85/86 so I replaced ignition switch still no crank. Any idea?

Im having the same issue with a 2008 JK. Would trying to start it at the actual ignition switch give you a crank in this situation ?(electric switch, not the one with the key)

Lawd, I’m dealing with this now

Same issue and bought the same parts. Only question is would the jeep start using the spade connector trick you showed with key on run position? I've tried this on my jeep but it only cranks. I swear I even hear the fuel pump cycle on....doesn't make sense and now I'm worried I may need a pcm to actually fix the issue

My ignition is working intermittently. Do you know if it's possible the actuator will work off and on before failing completely like mine?

Daveys Jeep is a great place for parts. You can also get a new ignition actuator from a auto parts store that sell Dormen Parts. They make the actuator for $40. But you have to assemble it. And it can be a pain. Dealer Ships want you to buy a new steering column.

When you cranked the engine by jumping the starter solenoid, would the Jeep start and run or just crank like it wasn’t getting fuel? Asking bc my 06 Rubicon will crank doing that jump, but won’t start even with the key in the on position, even though the fuel pump is working. But by turning the key, you get no crank or click.

possible causation: looks like you have too many keys on your key ring. years back I had similar problem "jeep" told me never to use key rings that are heavy. now i limit my keys to like 4, no more.

Thank u mine was just the relays

I have a 89 yj it won't start , I have fire to the plugs & it will turn over but no start , do u think it might be the key ? My key silender not the same . I enjoy ur channel & all ur stuf is newer than mine

Thank you

was the key lite warning on when you lost cranking power to switch

My tj dies on me with my headlights on do you think its my computer?? I got brand new battery, alternator is fine, new spark plugs, new fuel pump idk what else it could be

2 questions: 1 did you also have an engine light on cuz I do and 2 what was the part number to fix your issue? Thx

Got a 1998 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.0 motor, just driving back home, it cut off, won't crank up, it spins over but won't start, I got fuel going to it, someone told me when I tried to crank it, rpms wouldn't move, though it was cam sensor, changed cam sensor, bought it from jeep dealer, I changed coil, plugs, wires and rotor button, still cannot get power to coil, getting ready to change key switch , hope that works, if that doesn't work, do you know what it could be, I have checked out all the wires they look good

what gauge wire was used to make the bypass troubleshoot?

I have a 97 tj. I have the same issue about every 30th start. I can slap the side of the steering g column and it will start. I’m going to look at wiring connections at the plugs

IF...you own a jeep .....you should be a decent mechanic , if not you better have a decent wallet!

Hi! Have you ever come across this problem? I have an 04 wrangler sport (standard) I can’t shift the car into gear once it’s running. When car is off it shifts fine. I start and then can’t em get it out of neutral!😔

no joke this happened to me last week on my tj!

How did you know it was the actuator and not a faulty switch? I am having a problem with intermittent power relay to my accessories and assume it is the switch.

Superbe champion 03D le kind de la jeep 💪👍

How do you take the halo off to get the cylinder out. I have a p0633 code

Im stuck. I've got a 97 that decided to stop cranking. The battery is fine and it seemed odd for it to fail so out of the blue so after reading the forums I assumed it was the actuator pin and started there. I got the pin out and it was all still in one piece. I replaced the starter to find that that wasnt it either. I played with the fuses for the starter and also placed a fuse in the position 20 slot and that didnt do anything. I'm not sure what else to do

Great video. 2:44 got to clutch bypass switched the fuse from 19 to 20 and it worked. The jeep started. But what does that mean? Thank you in advance for your help