Questions and Answers

Jeep Wrangler Won't Crank When Hot Q. Hi Vincent. I have a 1991 Jeep Wrangler 4X4, 4.0 six cylinder with 125,000 miles, P/S, A/C and three speed automatic transmission. My problem is I have put in two new starters and the joker will start up when it's cold, but! When it gets to normal operating temperature and you shut it off, then try to start it again. I don't even get a click from the starter or anything. No crank over at all.

I let it cool down and sure enough it starts. When it doesn't start hot I set the ignition to the ON position and cross the terminals on the starter and it will start. Please help. I have checked the ignition switch in column and cleaned and lubed all connections. What could this be? Greatly appreciate any and all help you can give me.

Frustrated Home Mechanic.
Michael

A. The problem is not the starter. The problem is getting to the power to the starter. The two most likely culprits are the Starter Relay or the Neutral Safety Switch.

These relays are located inside the Power Distribution Center. The Power Distribution Center is located next to the battery.

Get yourself a wiring diagram of the starting system and you can trace the power flow from the ignition switch to the starter. It's a basic system so it is very easy to track down.