My Jeep Cherokee Wont Start Push Button

This article from the Automotivean website discusses about My Jeep Cherokee Wont Start Push Button. Your Jeep Cherokee won’t start with the push button, likely due to issues with the brake pedal sensor or key fob battery. Ensure the vehicle is in park and the brake pedal is fully depressed.

Experiencing a push-button start issue in your Jeep Cherokee can be frustrating. Common causes include a faulty brake pedal sensor, which prevents the system from recognizing that the brake is engaged. Another frequent issue is a dead or weak essential fob battery, which disrupts communication with the vehicle’s ignition system.

Ensuring the vehicle is in the park and the brake pedal is fully pressed can sometimes resolve the problem. Checking and replacing the key fob battery is also a straightforward troubleshooting step. If these solutions don’t work, it may be best to consult a professional mechanic.

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Common Issues

Experiencing problems with the push button start on your Jeep Cherokee can be frustrating. Several common issues might prevent your vehicle from starting. Understanding these can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem efficiently.

Brake Not Detected

The push button start system relies heavily on detecting the brake pedal. If the brake pedal is not pressed firmly, the system might not recognize it. Ensure you press the brake pedal hard enough before pressing the start button.

Another issue might be a faulty brake switch. The brake switch ensures the vehicle recognizes when the brake pedal is pressed. If this switch is defective, the car won’t start. You might need to get the brake switch checked and replaced if necessary.

Vehicle Not In Park

The vehicle must be in park mode before the push button works. If your Jeep Cherokee is not in Park, the system will prevent the engine from starting. Double-check the gear lever position and ensure it is properly set to Park.

The gear lever might sometimes appear in Park but isn’t fully engaged. Move the lever slightly back and forth to ensure it clicks into place. This can often resolve the issue.

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Brake Not Detected	The brake pedal not pressed firmly	Press the brake pedal harder
Brake Not Detected	Faulty brake switch	Check and replace brake switch
Vehicle Not in Park	The gear lever not fully engaged	Ensure lever clicks into place

By addressing these common issues, you can often solve the problem of your Jeep Cherokee not starting with the push button. Always ensure your vehicle is in Park and the brake pedal is detected correctly before attempting to start.

Electrical Problems- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

Electrical problems can prevent your Jeep Cherokee from starting with the push button. Identifying and fixing these issues can help get your vehicle running again.

Blown a fuse- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

A blown fuse is a common electrical issue. It can disrupt the flow of electricity needed to start your Jeep Cherokee. Here’s how to identify and fix a blown fuse:

• Locate the fuse box. It is usually under the dashboard or hood.
• Check the fuse diagram to find the starter fuse.
• Inspect the fuse. If the metal strip inside is broken, the fuse is blown.
• Replace the blown fuse with one of the same amperage.

Fuse Type	Amperage	Location
Starter Fuse	20A	Under Hood
Ignition Fuse	15A	Dashboard

Faulty Relay- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

A faulty relay can also prevent your Jeep from starting. The relay controls the electrical current to the starter. Follow these steps to check and replace a defective relay:

1. Find the relay box, usually under the hood.
2. Refer to the relay diagram to locate the starter relay.
3. Listen for a clicking sound when attempting to start. No click may indicate a faulty relay.
4. Swap the relay with a similar one from the box to test.
5. If the Jeep starts, replace the faulty relay with a new one.

Always ensure to use relays of the correct type and rating for your vehicle.

 

Starter Problems- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

Is your Jeep Cherokee not starting with the push button? It might be due to starter problems. Understanding the common issues can help you diagnose and solve the problem faster. Let’s dive into some key areas to check.

Bad Crank Sensor- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

The crank sensor plays a crucial role in starting your Jeep. It sends a signal to the computer during engine cranking. If the sensor is bad, your Jeep won’t start. Here are some symptoms of a bad crank sensor:

• Engine stalls or misfires
• Check that the engine light is on
• No start condition

Replacing the crank sensor can resolve these issues and get your Jeep running again.

Failing Starter- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

A failing starter can also prevent your Jeep from starting. The starter is responsible for turning the engine over. If it fails, the engine won’t crank. Common signs of a failing starter include:

• Clicking noise when pressing the start button
• The engine doesn’t turn over
• Intermittent starting issues

You can perform a quick test to check if the starter is the issue. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the starter. If the voltage is low, the starter might need replacement.

Issue	Symptoms	Solution
Bad Crank Sensor	Engine stalls, Check engine light, No start	Replace crank sensor
Failing Starter	Clicking noise, Engine won’t turn over	Check voltage, Replace starter

By identifying the specific starter problem, you can take the proper steps to get your Jeep Cherokee back on the road.

 

Key Fob Issues

If your Jeep Cherokee won’t start with the push button, the key fob might be the culprit. Key fob issues are common and can easily disrupt your vehicle’s start process. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Dead Key Fob Battery- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

A dead key fob battery is a frequent issue. The key fob uses a small battery to send signals to your Jeep. When the battery dies, the fob can’t communicate with the vehicle.

Here’s how to identify a dead key fob battery:

• Fob buttons don’t work
• No response from the vehicle
• Dashboard alert for a low-fob battery

To resolve this:

1. Open the key fob
2. Remove the old battery
3. Insert a new battery
4. Close the key fob

Defective Key Fob- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the battery but the fob itself. A defective key fob can cause starting problems.

Signs of a defective key fob include:

• New batteries don’t solve the issue
• Fob buttons are unresponsive
• Physical damage to the fob

If you suspect your key fob is defective, use a spare one. If the spare works, the original fob is likely defective.

Issue	Solution
Dead Battery	Replace the battery
Defective Fob	Use a spare fob

 

Troubleshooting Tips- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

Experiencing issues with your Jeep Cherokee’s push-button start can be frustrating. Follow these troubleshooting tips to get back on the road quickly.

Check the Key Fob Battery- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

The key fob battery could be the culprit. A weak or dead battery will prevent the vehicle from recognizing the key fob. Here’s how to check it:

• Press any button on the key fob. The battery might be dead if the LED light doesn’t turn on.
• Open the key fob and inspect the battery.
• Replace the old battery with a new one. Ensure it is seated properly.

Use a spare key fob if available. This helps confirm if the issue is with the original key fob.

Ensure the Vehicle Is In the Park

The Jeep Cherokee’s push button start won’t work if the vehicle is not in park. Follow these steps to ensure the vehicle is correctly positioned:

1. Check the gear shift lever and make sure it is in the ‘P’ position.
2. If the car is in neutral, move it to park and try starting again.
3. Ensure the brake pedal is fully depressed while attempting to start.

This simple check can often resolve the issue, allowing the push button to start to function correctly.

Additional Tips

Issue	Possible Solution
Brake Pedal Not Depressed	Press the brake pedal firmly while pressing the start button.
Electrical System Problems	Check for blown fuses or faulty relays.
Dead Battery	Ensure the vehicle’s main battery is charged.

 

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Additional Checks

Experiencing issues with your Jeep Cherokee’s push-button start can be frustrating. If you’ve already performed basic troubleshooting steps and your vehicle still won’t start, consider these additional checks to identify and resolve the problem.

Too Many Start Attempts- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

Repeatedly trying to start your Jeep can lead to a temporary system lockout. If you’ve made too many start attempts, the system might need a brief rest before starting properly. Wait for about 10 minutes before trying again. This allows the system to reset itself.

Make sure the vehicle is in Park or Neutral. Check the brake pedal for proper operation. Ensure you are pressing it firmly when attempting to start the car.

Check Hood And Hazard Lights

If the hood is not closed properly, the push button start might be disabled. Ensure the hood is securely latched. To be certain, open and close it again.

Similarly, if your hazard lights are on, the vehicle may not start. Turn off the hazard lights and then attempt to start your Jeep Cherokee. This is a simple but often overlooked check.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Ensure the hood is closed securely.
• Turn off hazard lights.
• Verify the vehicle is in Park or Neutral.
• Press the brake pedal firmly.
• Wait 10 minutes between start attempts.

These steps help you identify less obvious issues that might prevent your Jeep Cherokee from starting. Follow them to ensure your vehicle is in the proper condition to start.

Temporary Fixes

If your Jeep Cherokee won’t start with the push button, don’t worry. You can try a few temporary fixes to get back on the road. These solutions might help you identify the problem or at least get your vehicle started until you can seek professional help.

Reset Brake System- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

Sometimes, the push button start system doesn’t recognize that the brake is being pressed. This can prevent your Jeep from starting. To address this, try resetting the brake system.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Ensure your vehicle is in park.
• Press the brake pedal firmly.
• Roll the Jeep back and forth a bit while in neutral.
• Place it back in the park and press the brake pedal again.

This action can help reset the brake system, allowing the push button to start to recognize the brake pedal is being pressed.

Switch To Neutral And Back

Another quick fix is to switch your gear from park to neutral and then back to park. This can sometimes help reset the system.

Follow these steps:

1. Ensure your vehicle is in the park.
2. Press the brake pedal firmly.
3. Shift the gear to neutral.
4. Wait a few seconds.
5. Shift back to park.

After doing this, try pressing the push button to start again. This simple action might resolve the issue temporarily.

 

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Preventive Measures

Ensuring your Jeep Cherokee starts smoothly with the push button is essential. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent unexpected issues. Here are some critical preventive measures to keep your vehicle in top shape.

Regular Battery Check- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

One of the most important preventive measures is regular battery checks. A healthy battery ensures your Jeep starts without any hiccups.

Check	Frequency
Voltage Levels	Every 3 months
Corrosion	Every 6 months
Connections	Every oil change

Make sure the battery voltage is between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. Clean any corrosion on the terminals to ensure a good connection.

Proper Key Fob Maintenance- Jeep Cherokee Wont Start

The key fob is another critical component of the push button start system. Regular maintenance ensures it functions correctly.

• Replace the key fob battery every year.
• Keep the key fob clean and dry.
• Avoid exposing the key fob to extreme temperatures.

Use a small screwdriver to open the key fob and replace the battery. Ensure the new battery is seated correctly.

Store the key fob in a safe place to avoid physical damage. A damaged key fob might not send the correct signals to your Jeep.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Jeep Push Start Not Working?

Your Jeep push start may not work due to a dead key fob battery, faulty brake switch, or a blown fuse. Ensure the vehicle is in the park, check the key fob battery, and inspect fuses. If the problem persists, consult a professional for a thorough diagnosis.

What Would Cause A Push Button Start Not To Work?

A dead key fob battery, faulty brake switch, or a malfunctioning starter can cause push button start failure.

Why Won’t My Jeep Cherokee Start But Has Power?

Your Jeep Cherokee may not start due to issues with the starter, crank sensor, or key fob. Check these components.

What To Do If Keyless Start Doesn’t Work?

Check the key fob battery. Ensure the vehicle is in the park. Press the brake firmly while starting.

Conclusion

Experiencing push-button start issues with your Jeep Cherokee can be frustrating. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can identify and fix common problems. Always check your key fob battery, ensure the vehicle is in the park, and confirm the brake is fully depressed.

For persistent issues, consulting a professional may be necessary. Happy driving!