Starting System: Notes

2008 Jeep Commander Overland, RWDSECTION Notes

The battery, starting, and charging systems operate in conjunction with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. For correct starting/charging system operation, all of the components involved in these three systems must perform within specifications.

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO OPERATE. 1. Battery discharged or faulty. 1. Refer to BATTERY . Charge or replace battery, if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring faulty. 2. Refer to the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article. Test and repair starter feed and/or control circuits, if required.
3. Starter relay faulty. 3. The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to "*NO CRANK CONDITION .
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to SWITCH-IGNITION and CYLINDER - IGNITION KEY AND LOCK . Replace ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position switch faulty. 5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch (If equipped).
6. Park/Neutral position switch (Transmission Range Sensor) faulty or misadjusted. 6. Replace Park/Neutral position switch (Transmission Range Sensor) if required. Refer to appropriate Transmission SERVICE INFORMATION article.
7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to STARTER MOTOR . Replace starter motor assembly if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor.
STARTER ENGAGES, FAILS TO TURN ENGINE. 1. Battery discharged or faulty. 1. Refer to BATTERY . Charge or replace battery if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring faulty. 2. Refer to the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article. Test and repair starter feed and/or control circuits if required.
3. Starter motor faulty. 3. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor assembly.
4. Engine seized. 4. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing in the appropriate Engine ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC article.
STARTER ENGAGES, SPINS OUT BEFORE ENGINE STARTS. 1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor REMOVAL  and INSTALLATION . Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear. Replace starter ring gear if required.
2. Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT DISENGAGE. 1. Starter motor improperly installed. 1. Refer to Starter Motor REMOVAL  and INSTALLATION . Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque specifications (See SPECIFICATIONS ).
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to "*NO CRANK CONDITION . .
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to SWITCH-IGNITION and CYLINDER - IGNITION KEY AND LOCK . Replace ignition switch if required. .
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.