Hi the all in Magna land,

We have just bought a 2002 TJ 3.5 auto and have had some starting problems.

Sometimes when we start it there is a clicking sound under the center of the dash and the motor stops. I have found if I give it a small rev it won't stop. I must say it is ONLY on start up, when it's going there is no problems at all. It gets good fuel economy and goes like the wind.

Any thoughts on what this would be would be great as we bought this so our doughter can learn to drive on her 'L's and keep when she gets her 'P's.

Cheers. Brett.

Ok, noones said anything yet so this might be worth more as a free bump than contribution, but can you give us any more info? Have you poked your head under the bonnet and heard or saw anything else? It could be a whole host of things ranging from easy fixes to serious. The click might have little or nothing to do with the problem, it might just be a consequence. Does it struggle to start on second startup? Does it happen when warm or just cold start?

Search is your friend. This problem has been covered so many times over the years!!

Problem is most likely the battery. How old is it??, over 3 years and you are due a new one.

If the battery voltage is low, i.e. one or more cells down then the problem you describe will occur.
If you try starting, WITHOUT a foot on the brake, it is likely that you will get a first time start. Also turn the Climate control off, or the heater fan.
Get the battery checked by NRMA or Marshalls etc.
New battery, problem gone.
Have had this actual problem twice, now on my second replacement battery so speak from a little bit of experience.
Gerry

I agree. And get the biggest battery possible, 500 CCA or better seems to be good. I have a 430 CCA in mine but I don't expect it to last long. Unlike the 2nd gen V6 that gets by on a cheap 300 CCA battery for 3 years or more, the 3rd gens seem to be very sensitive to startup voltage.