Hi all,

Never had a problem with my TJ Magna, was regularly serviced every 6 months from new until 2008 when i went overseas for two years. Upon returning I had to have my dad charge the battery, then it was serviced again and everything seemed fine for a few months.

I know usually when I start the car it jumps to about 1500 revs then settles back down just under 1000.

The last month or so, when I go to start it in the morning sometimes it will rev up to about 1500, then 1-2 seconds just stop. If I give it just a tiny bit of gas while turning the key (just resting my foot on the accelerator really) so it goes up to about 2000 revs while starting, and take my foot off after a few seconds, it's fine.

This morning after not using it for the weekend at all, it turned over VERY slowly, started reluctantly then stopped after a second or so...seems like it's getting worse.

After a run of even 5 minutes just down to the shops it seems to start fine after that, until the next time when it hasn't been used for half a day or more.

I'm happy to get someone to look at it, just want to know what you guys think.

Cheers!
Sam

I would suggest trying a new battery.

By the way you can drive down to the shop and it will be fine but leave it overnight and the problem comes back suggests that the battery can hold a surface charge but overnight it dies. Sitting flat for 2 years won't do much for the longevity of a battery, so I would say it's just buggered.

All the symptoms of a dying battery.

Put the battery on a charger overnight, then see if it improves. If the symptoms go away for a day or two but come back, you need a new battery. Might be a good idea to check charging voltage as well.

I'm surprised the battery still worked after sitting around for 2 years. lol Should have been on a trickle charger during that time, they self discharge and sulphate up, irreversible damage.

Well my parents drove it now and then but maybe no more than once a month, probably less. Oh well, could do with a new battery by the sounds of it, I don't think it has been replaced since 2003 at least when I bought it, and probably not since new.

Thanks!

might also be a long shot but just make sure your battery terminals are on nice and tight but i would most likly say u need a new battery i heard of a optima yellowtop bulk buy somewhere.........

It was the battery...was gonna ring round and get some prices but I left it just a little too late and it wouldn't start yesterday morning at all. So $135 later and I have a new battery and it starts fine. I know I could have gotten that cheaper but the guy came up within 5 mins and put it in for me so...no complaints. Afterwards I noticed the fluid level in the battery was low but too late now! I think after 8 years it could have done with a replacement anyway.

Thanks!

lol, good to see you got asorted though and thats the main thing