XJ won't start

[tjl1388]

Turn the key and hear a fast pace clicking---does that sound mean I need a new starter?

 

[delta]

Dirty battery posts, poor ground on engine, low or faulty battery, poor connection on solenoid or possibly a bad starter Are just a couple of things to look for.

 

[RookieJeeper]

check your plug wires. They could be arching to the head. I had a bad wire and I would hear a tick sound and the engine would lope. I looked at the wire and could see the spark jumping to the head.

 

[RichP]

check your plug wires. They could be arching to the head. I had a bad wire and I would hear a tick sound and the engine would lope. I looked at the wire and could see the spark jumping to the head.

Best way to check for that is in the dark, suprising some of the things that can go on in an electrical system at nite

First I would clean the battery terminals, use baking soday and water, make up a mix and glump it on, wait a few minutes while it's fizzing and wash it off with clean water, repeat as necessary. Then put some clean grease on there or the spray on terminal protector.
Check the connections also on the starter solenoid. Mine get a liberal dousing of mobil-1 every time I change the oil/filter but I spray them with contact cleaner every so often and put a dab of dielectric grease on them.

 

[BUCKYXJ]

try hitting the starter a few times with a wrench on the side of the starter. and then try to start it.

 

[Eagle]

Turn the key and hear a fast pace clicking---does that sound mean I need a new starter?

It means your battery is low, or the battery connections are corroded.

 

[tjl1388]

It was the battery....Thanks guys-right on as usuall.

I only hope I retain enough knowledge to pass it all on one day myself.....