Hey guys,
I did a few searches, but did not see anything exactly like my issue. If anyone knows of an FAQ or previous thread that applies to my issue, please direct me there.
I have a 96 Cherokee XJ 4.0 AT with a battery that is just a few months old.
Some genius left the lights on over the weekend. (that genius would be me )
The Jeep was of course dead this morning.
I borrowed a car, (A 2003 VW Pasaat/12v battery) and followed the instructions on both the jumper cable package and the Chilton manual for jump starting the Jeep. The other car idled for a bit, maybe 5 minutes. I tried to start the Jeep, it, it tried to turn for a second, then clicking then nothing at all.. After that first failed attempt, the Jeep did not respond at all when I turned the key. Put it in neutral, no change.
I took the jumpers off, waited a minute, then started the whole process over, this time the VW was revved above idle (as recommended in the Chilton manual) Still, no sign of life whatsoever.
The battery, after the jump attempt, read about 2v on the volt meter.
Is it possible I did some harm to the electrical system?
Is there anything else I can try before having this towed to the shop? Should I let it charge for a while longer before trying to jump start? If so, how long? Would a battery charger be worth trying? Could it be a fuse? The batter is new and under warranty, I could have it replaced I guess.
I am a computer tech who is new to cars, but I am game for doing things myself to a limit..
Thanks in advance for any suggestions,
I did a few searches, but did not see anything exactly like my issue. If anyone knows of an FAQ or previous thread that applies to my issue, please direct me there.
I have a 96 Cherokee XJ 4.0 AT with a battery that is just a few months old.
Some genius left the lights on over the weekend. (that genius would be me )
The Jeep was of course dead this morning.
I borrowed a car, (A 2003 VW Pasaat/12v battery) and followed the instructions on both the jumper cable package and the Chilton manual for jump starting the Jeep. The other car idled for a bit, maybe 5 minutes. I tried to start the Jeep, it, it tried to turn for a second, then clicking then nothing at all.. After that first failed attempt, the Jeep did not respond at all when I turned the key. Put it in neutral, no change.
I took the jumpers off, waited a minute, then started the whole process over, this time the VW was revved above idle (as recommended in the Chilton manual) Still, no sign of life whatsoever.
The battery, after the jump attempt, read about 2v on the volt meter.
Is it possible I did some harm to the electrical system?
Is there anything else I can try before having this towed to the shop? Should I let it charge for a while longer before trying to jump start? If so, how long? Would a battery charger be worth trying? Could it be a fuse? The batter is new and under warranty, I could have it replaced I guess.
I am a computer tech who is new to cars, but I am game for doing things myself to a limit..
Thanks in advance for any suggestions,