Occasionally my 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited fails to start. It "bumps" once (not clicks) but fails to turn over each time I try to start it. Sounds as if the starter solenoid is engaging but starter fails to turn over, much like a very weak battery. The battery is fairly new and is probably not the problem. After six or eight tries it turns over normally and starts. It may go several weeks with no problem, but the same thing eventually occurs again. The battery is fairly new. Should I try replacing the starter? Would an OBD2 scanner help find the problem?
Scanner won’t help you find starter problems. Sounds like the bendix is intermittently sticking. Next time it happens don’t continue to try and start it. Grab a small hammer and go underneath and tap on the starter several times, if it starts back up after tapping on it that’s usually a pretty good sign you need to replace it. If it’s having problems and you keep cranking in it there’s a possibility it could grind on the flywheel. And you don’t wanna damage the teeth on the flywheel.
