Our 97 XJ was starting slower and slower (cranking speed) and finally the battery was too low to start it, so I replaced the battery which was about due anyways. It started up like new again and ran like this for two days.
Now when I go to crank it over, there is just a clack as the starter engages but it doesnt turn. I wondered if the battery was faulty, so I tried jumping it and it made no difference.
I almost replaced the starter, but instead I grabbed the starter off the other XJ I have and tried that one out. It made a clack as it engaged the flyweel, but it too does not turn. I returned the other starter back to the 96 and it still starts fine.
Can the starter relay only half work? Enough to kick the gear into the flyweel, but not enough to turn the starter?
Or did the engine somehow seize and its just not turning because the engine wont turn? Everything was fine when we shut it off, wasnt hot, didnt make any strange noise. The fluids are all normal looking.
At least I didnt waste $140 on a new starter, but now what?
Now when I go to crank it over, there is just a clack as the starter engages but it doesnt turn. I wondered if the battery was faulty, so I tried jumping it and it made no difference.
I almost replaced the starter, but instead I grabbed the starter off the other XJ I have and tried that one out. It made a clack as it engaged the flyweel, but it too does not turn. I returned the other starter back to the 96 and it still starts fine.
Can the starter relay only half work? Enough to kick the gear into the flyweel, but not enough to turn the starter?
Or did the engine somehow seize and its just not turning because the engine wont turn? Everything was fine when we shut it off, wasnt hot, didnt make any strange noise. The fluids are all normal looking.
At least I didnt waste $140 on a new starter, but now what?