Q: No spark 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

asked by on February 10, 2017

I'm not getting spark and I changed the distributor cap rotor and the coil - and when I discovered the problem I found a pair of pliers on my negative cable end on the battery terminal - can you help me

My car has 1350000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello - your symptoms suggest someone may have "worked on" this without your awareness of what might have been done. Hate that! You will likely have to get out a voltmeter and start following the electrical path to the plugs. Is the battery charged and at a reasonable voltage (12v or better)? Headlights appear to be strong? Any fuses blown, especially those related to ignition? Power coming out of the ignition relay? If yes, check power to the coil? If not, and there is power to the ignition relay, the relay is bad - replace. If no power to the relay, check ignition switch and neutral switch. for assistance with this process, I recommend a no start inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

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

Problem with fuel lines.
I would ask for help from one of the mechanics at YourMechanic. They can come to your location and check what the problem with your fuel lines is (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-injection-lines-replacement) and recommend a solution for you.
Getting a Transfer Case Neutral warning.
Its sounds like you may have an issue with the transfer case shift motor. The motor has a rotary sensor to monitor the shift fork position in the transfer case. If this sensor is faulty or the sensor signal gets...
Throttle control warning light coming on
Hello, If the throttle control warning light is on and the truck has no power, it means that there is a malfunction. Specifically in the throttle body, and the computer does not know how much gas the car needs in...
Can an alternator be damaged when replacing the water pump?
The coolant that may have leaked from the water pump could have gotten into the alternator which could short it out. You should test the alternator and recharge the battery. You can also have a qualified mobile technician come to...
Popping noises in gear shift - 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Hello. Usually transmission popping noises are caused by issues with the transmission, however there are many possibilities. The first thing I would check, is to see if this vehicle has a dipstick that allows you to check the fluid. I...
My belt fell off, and after putting it back on, it is squealing. Do I need to replace the belt?
If the belt came off on its own, then you most likely have a tensioner that is not putting tension on the belt to keep it on. Have the tensioner checked and replaced if it is broken or lacks tension,...
My brake light stays on - 2004 Infiniti QX56
Hi there. Check the brake pedal brake light switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-switch-replacement) to see if the contacts are closed (meaning the switch is engaged) with the pedal all the way up. It is possible that the brake pedal has moved down a...
How to remove a front right CV Axle on a 2000 honda passport
Hi there. Removing the CV axle shaft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-axle-cv-shaft-assembly) on the Passport can be rather tricky if you've never done this before on a similar vehicle. There are over 30 individual steps listed in the Honda service manual, which I'd recommend...
Can a 02 Jaguar x-type transfer case fit on an 03 jaguar?
The Jaguar X-Type transfer case fits all models from 2002 through 2008. If you need further assistance with your transfer case swap, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Related articles

Are Switches Inside a Car Waterproof?
The The electrical switches inside your car control functions throughout your vehicle. You have switches that turn your headlights and radio on or off, adjust the volume of your sound system, open the power windows, and lock the power door...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Don’t Have Kids
Buying Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are plenty of choices out there, depending on your...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Belt
Common signs include a ticking noise coming from the engine, an engine that won't turn over, engine misfires, and oil leaking in front of the motor.