Q: My car occasionally won't start - 2003 Jeep Wrangler

asked by on November 02, 2016

I've starting having a problem with my Jeep starting. I initially thought it was a dead battery but after getting it juiced up at O'Reilly and having it checked out along with my starter and alternator, everything seems good with those and then the Jeep worked fine. Both times it has happened, I've been parked on a slight incline (once uphill and once downhill). Today when it happened, I was parked facing uphill and started to roll it backwards in neutral with the ignition on (so the steering wheel wouldn't lock) and the dials started to sputter and then it finally turned on (while it was rolling WITHOUT POPPING THE CLUTCH). Is this a problem with my battery terminals being dirty or is it a problem with something in my electrical system in general? If it were just the ignition circuit, wouldn't everything else work (headlights, etc)?

My car has 100000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I turn on the front fog lamps?
The front fog lamps are controlled with the exterior lamp control, which is located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column. To turn on the front fog lamps, press the exterior lamp control knob. To turn...
My instrument cluster is not working properly! Help!
Check that all fuses (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-fuses-by-rocco-lovetere) are good. You can try removing the electrical connector on the back of the instrument cluster and plugging it back in. Odds are, the amplifier inside the gauge cluster has failed of has poor connection....
Engine seized...rods shot out both sides of engine block.
Hello. To answer your question, yes, the lack of an air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) can cause catastrophic engine damage. Over time, the debris will build up inside of the engine as it mixes with air and other carbon contaminates. Eventually, it...
Car howling and jerking at stops
A howling sound is often times a sign of a failing or weakening alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement). As you may know, the alternator is a unit that is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. When the alternator begins...
Engine light came on suddenly
Hello. Typically when the reduced engine power light becomes a factor, the engine itself runs much slower and will lack power on acceleration. The vehicle needs to be scanned for diagnostic codes. From there the codes we already know are...
I think my car battery died, but im not sure.
Hi there. It seems that the security system has came on and lock out your vehicle from starting. If you open the door and the dome light comes on with a good solid light and the headlights work, then the...
Bouncing when towing or backing up
I am not surprised to hear that your Nissan struggles trying to move a heavy load up hill!! After all those years and miles, I would be glad that it still ran and save it for lighter work! Old trucks...
My exhaust was just changed, manifold, converters, pipes as well as o2 sensor and all and now it is revving high.
Hi Sheca. Unfortunately, when you have aftermarket conversions completed, you'll have to consult with the mechanic or company that completed the service. We do not offer technical assistance on these services, only OEM service, maintenance and repairs for US sold...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy That Can Be Towed Behind an RV
Summer Summer is a great time for a road trip, but often travelers like bringing all the conveniences of home along, in the form of an RV. Then they tow their car behind it – sometimes this practice is called...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alaska in 2012
Alaska Alaska requires a different kind of vehicle to handle both the terrain and the wintery conditions. While some of the most popular options for the Alaskan terrain in previous years included options such as the Subaru Forester and the...
Jeep Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you are in the market for a used Jeep vehicle, you may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read...