my 98 jimmy seems to keep changing its mind. at first, she would crank endlessly without starting-unless i boosted it for some reason. once boosted she would start on and off all day without any issue. the next morning would crank some more. changed the tps(computer said this was an issue) spark plugs, hot/cold sensor and finally when i put another battery she started up. again the next day though, no go. few days later...it will crank a few times and eventually all the lights go dim and she wont crank anymore shel just tick. leave it overnight some more and the battery completely dead. boost it and she starts, but once i turn it off have to boost it again even if i shut her off hours later for even 2 minutes. i know a few "car people" who all say its something different but my funds a re limited and im afraid to bring it to a mechanic to spend tons when nobody can tell me what it is :S any help would be great!! ever time i think i find the answer, it acts different!!
98 jimmy wont start-need help!!
- Thread starter amanda13
- Start date
If I'm interpreting correctly then it sounds like you have one ( or more ) of the following :
An old battery that wont hold a charge ( parts store can /will check it )
An alternator that isn't charging the battery ( volt meter will answer that ) ( some parts stores will check it in their lot )
A " drain " ( short ) on the electrical system
Even if the the replacement battery was new , still get it checked out as if the alternator is bad or if its another problem its had a strain put on it.
You can check the alternator at the battery with a meter , the battery should read 12.5 volts not running , after its started it should read at least 14 volts.
If your model has a gauge on the dash you can look at it to see if its charging also.
If the battery and alternator are good , then you might have a short , which cause a slow drain on the battery .
A " test light " will tell you that . There are threads posted about how to use one .
If you can't find one then you can post a thread asking how and someone will tell you.
If you know someone " mechanically inclined " , or even if you don't you can buy a multi - meter and test light for under 20 dollars each and ask for help with them .
to sum up-
test battery if good then
test alternator , if good then
look for " draw " ( drain ) .
Whole process should take about 20 minutes
Hope this helps.
PS - also check the " leads " ( wires going to the battery ) if they're loose / corroded the battery won't be getting the charge it needs
An old battery that wont hold a charge ( parts store can /will check it )
An alternator that isn't charging the battery ( volt meter will answer that ) ( some parts stores will check it in their lot )
A " drain " ( short ) on the electrical system
Even if the the replacement battery was new , still get it checked out as if the alternator is bad or if its another problem its had a strain put on it.
You can check the alternator at the battery with a meter , the battery should read 12.5 volts not running , after its started it should read at least 14 volts.
If your model has a gauge on the dash you can look at it to see if its charging also.
If the battery and alternator are good , then you might have a short , which cause a slow drain on the battery .
A " test light " will tell you that . There are threads posted about how to use one .
If you can't find one then you can post a thread asking how and someone will tell you.
If you know someone " mechanically inclined " , or even if you don't you can buy a multi - meter and test light for under 20 dollars each and ask for help with them .
to sum up-
test battery if good then
test alternator , if good then
look for " draw " ( drain ) .
Whole process should take about 20 minutes
Hope this helps.
PS - also check the " leads " ( wires going to the battery ) if they're loose / corroded the battery won't be getting the charge it needs
thank you very much! i finally was able to bring it my a friend and it turns out it was an electrical problem, except there was too many volts and it was frying the computer. we were sure it was the battery/alternator but no just the computer. finally fixed 
except..now its starting to sputter and backfire a little. new issue to learn from
except..now its starting to sputter and backfire a little. new issue to learn from