If You Own A 2011 Grand Cherokee, You May Have Encountered A Frustrating Problem: Your Car Won’t Start But Has Power.
This Means That The Battery, Lights, Radio, And Other Electrical Components Are Working Fine, But The Engine Refuses To Turn Over.
What could be the cause of this issue, and how can you fix it?
In this article, we will guide you through the possible reasons why your 2011 Grand Cherokee won’t start but has power, and the steps you can take to diagnose and resolve them.
Whether it’s a faulty starter, a bad fuel pump, or a security system glitch, we will help you get your car back on the road in no time.
Why My 2011 Grand Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power?
There are several possible reasons why your 2011 Grand Cherokee won’t start but has power. This means that the electrical system of your car is working, but the engine is not turning over or running. Some of the common causes are:
– A faulty battery or alternator
Even though your battery may have enough power to operate the lights and radio, it may not have enough power to crank the engine. This could be due to a weak or dead battery, or a bad alternator that is not charging the battery properly.
To check the battery, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage. It should be at least 12.6 volts when fully charged.
You can also check the battery cables and terminals for corrosion or looseness. To check the alternator, you can measure the voltage across the battery terminals while the engine is running. It should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage is too low or too high, the alternator may be faulty and need to be replaced.
– A bad starter or starter relay
The starter is the device that spins the engine when you turn the key or push the button. The starter relay is the switch that sends power to the starter. If either of these components is defective, the engine will not crank. To test the starter, you can use a test light or a multimeter to check for power at the starter terminal when you try to start the car.
If there is power, but the starter does not spin, the starter may be bad and need to be replaced. If there is no power, the starter relay may be bad and need to be replaced. You can also try tapping the starter with a hammer or a wrench to see if it loosens up and works.
– A bad ignition switch or key fob
The ignition switch is the device that sends power to the starter and other components when you turn the key or push the button. The key fob is the remote control that communicates with the car’s security system. If either of these devices is malfunctioning, the car may not recognize the signal and prevent the engine from starting.
To test the ignition switch, you can use a test light or a multimeter to check for power at the starter relay when you try to start the car. If there is no power, the ignition switch may be bad and need to be replaced.
To test the key fob, you can try resetting it by pressing the lock and unlock buttons simultaneously while standing next to the car for a few seconds until the horn chirps twice. If this does not work, the key fob may need a new battery or need to be reprogrammed.
– A problem with the fuel system
The fuel system consists of the fuel tank, pump, filter, injectors, and lines. It delivers fuel to the engine for combustion. If there is a problem with any of these components, the engine may not get enough fuel or get contaminated fuel and fail to start.
To check the fuel system, you can listen for the fuel pump to prime when you turn the key or push the button. You should hear a humming noise from the rear of the car for a few seconds. If you do not hear anything, the fuel pump may be bad and need to be replaced. You can also check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail with a gauge. It should be between 44 and 54 psi.
If the pressure is too low or too high, the fuel filter or regulator may be clogged or faulty and need to be replaced. You can also check the fuel injectors for leaks or blockages with a noid light or a multimeter. They should have a pulse signal and a resistance of about 12 ohms. If they do not, they may need to be cleaned or replaced.
– A problem with the spark system
The spark system consists of the spark plugs, coils, wires, distributor, and sensors. It delivers sparks to the engine cylinders for combustion. If there is a problem with any of these components, the engine may not get enough spark or get a weak or erratic spark and fail to start.
To check the spark system, you can remove a spark plug and connect it to a spark tester or a grounded metal part of the car. You should see a bright blue spark when you try to start the car. If you do not see anything, the spark plug may be worn or fouled and need to be replaced.
You can also check the spark plug wires for cracks or breaks with an ohmmeter. They should have a resistance of about 5,000 ohms per foot. If they do not, they may need to be replaced.
You can also check the ignition coils for cracks or burns with an ohmmeter. They should have a primary resistance of about 0.5 ohms and a secondary resistance of about 8,000 ohms. If they do not, they may need to be replaced. You can also check the distributor cap and rotor for cracks or corrosion with a visual inspection. They should be clean and smooth.
If they are not, they may need to be replaced. You can also check the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor for proper signals with a scan tool or an oscilloscope. They should produce a square wave pattern when the engine is cranking. If they do not, they may need to be replaced.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Ignition Switch On A 2011 Jeep Cherokee?
Some of the symptoms of a bad ignition switch on a 2011 Jeep Cherokee are:
- The car won’t start or stall while driving. This could be due to a faulty electrical connection in the ignition switch that prevents the power from reaching the starter or the engine.
- The dashboard or other accessories blink or turn on and off sporadically. This could be due to a worn or corroded ignition switch that causes intermittent contact with the electrical circuits.
- The ignition stays on after removing the key or the car does not turn off. This could be due to a stuck or broken ignition switch that fails to cut off the power to the ignition and other components.
How Do You Manually Start A 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
There are different ways to manually start a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, depending on whether you have a key, a key fob, or neither. Here are some methods you can try:
- If you have a key, you can insert it into the ignition switch and turn it to the right until the engine starts.
- If you have a key fob, you can place it over the ignition button and press the brake pedal, then push the button with the key fob until the engine starts.
- If you do not have a key or a key fob, you may be able to use a remote start feature if your vehicle is equipped with it. You can press the lock button on the remote control, then press and hold the remote start button for two seconds. The engine should start and run for 15 minutes.
Where Is The Fuel Pump Relay In A 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The fuel pump relay is a device that controls the power supply to the fuel pump, which delivers fuel to the engine for combustion. The fuel pump relay is located in the main fuse box on the far right side of the engine compartment at the driver’s side of the vehicle. It is near the side panel close to the battery terminals and it is in between the air filter assembly and the battery. The fuel pump relay is labeled as M25 and it is a black square with four pins.
To access the fuel pump relay, you need to remove the cover of the fuse box by pressing the two tabs on the sides and lifting it up. You will see a diagram on the inside of the cover that shows the location and number of each relay and fuse. You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a relay puller tool to gently pull out the fuel pump relay from its socket.
You can also use a test light or a multimeter to check for power and ground at the relay terminals. The fuel pump relay should have power at terminal 30 and ground at terminal 85 when the key is in the ON position. It should also have power at terminal 87 when the engine is cranking or running. Terminal 86 is the control signal from the powertrain control module (PCM) that activates the relay.
If the fuel pump relay is faulty, it may cause the engine to not start or stall while driving. This could be due to a bad contact, a burned coil, or a short circuit in the relay. You can test the fuel pump relay by swapping it with another relay of the same type and rating in the fuse box, such as the horn relay or the wiper relay.
If the problem persists, the relay is not the cause and you need to check other components in the fuel system, such as the fuel pump, the fuel filter, the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel injectors, and the wiring harness. If the problem goes away, the relay is the cause and you need to replace it with a new one.
What Is The Fuel Pump Relay Problem On A 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The fuel pump relay problem on a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a common issue that affects the performance and safety of the vehicle. The fuel pump relay is a device that controls the power supply to the fuel pump, which delivers fuel to the engine for combustion. The fuel pump relay is located inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which is the main fuse box on the right side of the engine compartment.
The fuel pump relay problem occurs when the relay fails or malfunctions, causing the fuel pump to lose power or receive intermittent power.
This can result in the following symptoms:
– The engine may not start or may stall while driving, due to insufficient or erratic fuel pressure.
– The check engine light may come on, indicating a trouble code related to the fuel pressure or the fuel pump relay.
– The engine may experience rough acceleration or performance issues, due to inadequate or inconsistent fuel delivery.
The fuel pump relay problem can be caused by various factors, such as:
– A faulty or worn-out relay, due to bad contact, burned coil, or short circuit.
– A defective or damaged TIPM, due to corrosion, water intrusion, or electrical power surges.
– A faulty or loose wiring harness, connector, or fuse, due to vibration, heat, or moisture.
The fuel pump relay problem can be diagnosed by using a test light, a multimeter, a scan tool, or an oscilloscope to check for power, ground, and signal at the relay terminals and the fuel pump connector. The fuel pump relay should have power at terminal 30 and ground at terminal 85 when the key is in the ON position. It should also have power at terminal 87 when the engine is cranking or running. Terminal 86 is the control signal from the powertrain control module (PCM) that activates the relay.
The fuel pump relay problem can be fixed by replacing the faulty relay or the entire TIPM, depending on the extent of the damage. However, replacing the TIPM can be costly and time-consuming, as it requires reprogramming and recalibration of the vehicle’s systems.
Therefore, some owners and mechanics have opted for a cheaper and easier alternative, which is to bypass the internal relay with an external one. This involves installing a new relay outside the TIPM and connecting it to the existing wiring harness with a jumper kit. This way, the fuel pump can receive power directly from the new relay, bypassing the faulty one inside the TIPM.
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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Won’t Start Just Clicks
A clicking sound when your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t start is a common symptom of a starter issue, but there are other possibilities as well. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose the problem:
1. Check the Battery
- A weak or dead battery is the most common reason for clicking without starting. Use a voltmeter to measure the battery voltage. It should be around 12.4 volts when the engine is off and at least 10 volts while cranking.
- If the voltage is low, jump start the car or get the battery replaced.
- Ensure all battery connections are clean and tight, corrosion can hinder proper connection.
2. Check the Starter
- If the battery is good, the next suspect is the starter. The clicking sound often indicates that the starter solenoid is engaging but the starter motor itself isn’t turning the engine.
- Warning: Working on the starter can be dangerous, so if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to take your car to a qualified mechanic.
- You can try tapping the starter lightly with a hammer while someone tries to start the engine. Sometimes a gentle tap can jar a stuck starter motor. However, this is only a temporary fix, and the starter will likely need to be replaced eventually.
3. Other Possible Causes
- Loose or corroded cable connections: Check the cables going from the battery to the starter and from the battery to the ground. Clean and tighten any loose or corroded connections.
- Faulty ignition switch: In rare cases, a faulty ignition switch can prevent the starter from getting the signal to crank the engine.
- Security system malfunction: Some security systems can prevent the car from starting if it malfunctions. Try locking and unlocking the car with the key fob a few times to see if it resets the system.
Jeep Cherokee Won’t Start Push Button
While the information provided for the 2011 Grand Cherokee applies to some aspects of your Jeep Cherokee with push-button start, there are some additional considerations specific to your model:
1. Check the Battery
- Like before, a weak or dead battery is a prime suspect. Use a voltmeter to check the voltage as mentioned previously.
- For Jeep Cherokee models 2014 and later: These models have a secondary (auxiliary) battery located under the hood, alongside the main battery under the passenger seat. Both batteries contribute to starting the car. Ensure both are charged and their connections are clean and tight. You can consult your owner’s manual for the specific location of the auxiliary battery.
2. Try a “Shift-to-Start” Override
- In some Jeep Cherokee models, particularly those in 2018 and later, a faulty brake pedal switch or neutral safety switch could prevent the car from starting. Try the following “shift-to-start” override:
- Shift the car into neutral.
- Hold the brake pedal down firmly.
- Press the start button several times rapidly.
- If the car starts using this method, it suggests an issue with the aforementioned switches and professional diagnosis is recommended.
3. Other Potential Causes
- Faulty key fob: If the car doesn’t recognize the key fob, it won’t start. Try using a spare key fob if available.
- Faulty start button: A malfunctioning start button itself could be the culprit.
- Computerized system issues: Complex electronic systems can sometimes develop glitches. Disconnecting the negative battery terminal for a few minutes might reset the system, but consult your owner’s manual before doing so.
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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Starter Location
The starter motor on a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is located on the driver’s side of the engine, near the bottom, below the exhaust manifold. Here’s an image for reference:
Conclusion
We have discussed the possible causes and solutions for the problem of the 2011 Grand Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power.
We have explained how to check and fix the battery, the starter, the ignition switch, the key fob, and the fuel pump relay, which are the most common culprits for this issue.
We have also provided some tips on how to diagnose and test the components with various tools and methods.
We hope that this article has helped you to understand and resolve the problem of the 2011 Grand Cherokee Won’t Start But Has Power.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Thank you for reading and happy driving!
