1998 Jeep Cherokee Logo
Posted on Jun 28, 2009
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98 cherokee starts for 2 seconds and shuts off.

Jeep starts for 2-3 seconds and shuts off. fuel guage does not work, volt meter does not work parking lights blow fuse when turning them on, windows do not work, power locks move real slow or not at all, dash lights do not work. This all started last night. Jeep ran fine then turned off and went to start and this all happened.

  • djones20 Jun 28, 2009

    It is not a fuse or a bulb issue. LIke i said the door locks don't work execpt for the drivers side. it only unlocks and locks the drivers door. Checked the ground under the front seat the they are also good. None of the windows work and the guage cluster also does not work. When you put on the park lights the fuse blows. Even if the alt is bad the jeep would still run until the battery is dead. You mentioned somthing about resetting somthing on the computer. What is it and how do you do it.

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  • Posted on Jun 28, 2009
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Sounds like a serious short and or blown fuse. Check battery voltage. Move on to underhood fuse block. Check all fuses. Move on to cabin fuse block. Check all fuses. Check fuel cut-off switch. Reset switch. If you still have the problem and the battery is good than you have a short in your starter, alternator , or fuel pump. I won't go into lighting cause I figure you can tell a bad bulb from a good one. If your battery voltage is 12v + with the engine off your ok. If you can start the engine, check the voltage at the battery again, it should now be around 14v. If not , go to the positive terminal on your alternator and check the voltage there. If you read 14+ at the alternator and not at the battery , then the wiring in that circuit needs to be changed. A quick alternator test is to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery while the engine is running. If the car dies then your alt is bad. If you read lower than 12v on your battery. disconnect it, add water unless its maintenance free., charge it on a charger or preferably get a new one. Go and feel your starter for excessive heat. A short will also heat up your negative battery terminal

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