tj won't start

[konastinky1234]

my dad told me yesterday that the jeep won't start here are the details:

1. all electrical stuff and gauges work fine still and new battery to try to fix the problem was installed and electrical works but still no start

2. does not turn over or click or anything when turning the key

3. tried pop starting but my dad said it didn't work which is what is getting me worried. he said he had everything right(ignition on, in gear, etc) but he could have messed something up.

i would think starter/electrical until detail 3. does anyone have any idea as to what could be going on here? i don't know much at all about this since i just have not been exposed to it. any info is appreciated.

thanks guys

[LittleD]

Pop starting it will work as long as all the pieces are free to move, smack the starter a bit because it may have froze up with the cold.

[HitItWithSomeSpeed]

open up the distributor and check the rotor/contacts. also check to make sure that the connection between there and the coil is still good.

also, stupid question, but what key is he using? the original one for 2000+ models have a chipped key. that could explain why nothing is working.

good luck.

[1cleantj]

my guess would be bad connection at starter or clutch safety switch. older TJ's you could bypass the safety switch by putting a fuse in the "auto transmission fuse spot behind glove box, newer ones you can also but it might just be labeled clutch override or something i forget. the whole pop starting thing could of just not done it fast enough/right.

[konastinky1234]

he is using the original key, but i use a copied one and it doesn't matter anyways. do you guys think it's more likely that the starter is just frozen up a bit than gone bad?

I will also have him try throwing a fuse in the override slot just to eliminate that possibility.

thanks

[konastinky1234]

my dad ended up taking it to a local shop where we know the owner well and it ended up being a shot starter. he also told us it was a starter from the 2000 era and my jeep is an 01, pretty weird.