My doggone 2001 XJ will not start and I'm not receiving power.

[LGPP]

Alright so here's the skinny. Been having a weak start with the XJ lately but got it started with ease this morning. Nothing to be too alarmed about.

Then I'm going to go to the car wash and I insert the key turn it over and woosh all my lights are out and I don't get a crank or anything.

So I figure it could be the battery...right? Wrong.

Tried to jumpstart it and it wouldn't go. So I ripped that yellowtop optima out and toted it up to autozone to have it tested and what do ya know the battery tested good. It's perfect. It should be...I bought it monday.

I don't think it would be the starter because I'm not getting power. It would be the starter if I was getting power and it wouldn't start.

Then I'm wondering how it could be the alternator since well my battery is fully charged and that must mean it's recharging.

I'm at a total loss and to be honest I'm a little pissed since I just got it two weeks ago. Now I have 2 vehicles that won't start instead of 1.

Thanks for the help.

Oh I also checked to see if there was short in the electrical system and nothing.

[theyeti1775]

Had something like that once, battery good, alternator good, starter good.
Ended up being a bad postive battery cable.

[Ghost00TJ]

Similar problems ended up being bad cable and ground connections.

[medicbear]

same thing here just wiped out the terminal connections and wiggled best bet put key in ignition turn forward and turn your lights on move positive cabel around to see if it lights up... be safe doing it

[LGPP]

Well I'll go try it and see. I hope it's not a battery cable. What a hassle to replace that thing.

[LGPP]

Okay so here's a little update...

If I leave it be for a little bit all the lights will work. I can turn the key forward and the dash lights will work as well. Headlights work. But as soon as I turn the key forward to crank it just powers down and there is no power. It restores pretty quick after a few minutes.

Would this still mean it's the battery cables?

It just all seems odd because it started earlier today although it was a hard start e.g. I started it then it stalled immediately then I cranked again and she revved up like she should.

[medicbear]

mine did that it was the connection wasnt strong enough....

[LGPP]

mine did that it was the connection wasnt strong enough....

Awesome. I hope all I need do is replace the battery cable. Then I won't have to spend a fortune. Attitudes change as the day wears on.

[LGPP]

FIXED IT! Woke up this morning and there was no power. I was like what gives. I rechecked all the connections and realized I missed tightening down the bolts on one of the cables. Ripped out my socket wrench and went to town.

Next thing you know VROOM VROOM.

[airforce26yrs]

Good on you. A good connection helps all the time.