# 1998 Jeep Cherokee - won't start when raining **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** cherokee, start, jeep\ **Created:** [July 16, 2007, 5:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800 "2007-07-16T17:52:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![218kane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/7c8e57/32.png) [@218kane](https://community.cartalk.com/u/218kane)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2007, 5:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800/1 "2007-07-16T17:52:18Z")
I have a 98 jeep cherokee I just bought from my brother with 175,000 miles on it when purchased. He is a car person and, as far as I know, maintained it well. Problem is that, despite installing a new battery a mmonth ago, whenever it rains the car won’t start, turn over, etc. How might I start figuring out what is wrong? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2007, 7:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800/2 "2007-07-16T19:06:01Z")
Wet weather starting problems are usually just ignition related. They usually mean a need for a good tuneup including spark plug wires. Occasionally they’ll mean a cracked coil housing ir whatever. I’m assuming the engine turns over by doesn’t fire, which is the usual wet weather malfunction. Start by doing a thorough tuneup. If that doesn’t fix it post back and we’ll suggest some further testing of the ignitoin system. - mountainbike ---
**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 1:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800/3 "2007-07-17T01:39:32Z")
Coil packs absorbing moisture? ---
**Author:** ![me\_art12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/839c29/32.png) [@me\_art12](https://community.cartalk.com/u/me_art12)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 2:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800/4 "2007-07-17T02:09:01Z")
When the weather is dry, spray the spark plug wires, ignition coils, ignition whatever, with silicone spray. It could seal out moisture. If it doesn’t work, go to plan B. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 3:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800/5 "2007-07-17T03:06:16Z")
[b]The next time this happens, try shifting the transmission into neutral, and then try starting the engine. If the engine starts, moisture is effecting the park/neutral safety switch. Tester[/b] ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/51bf81/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 4:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800/6 "2007-07-17T04:45:30Z")
Battery terminals need cleaning/replacing. The rain may be dripping onto the battery too. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 6:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-jeep-cherokee-wont-start-when-raining/1800/7 "2007-07-17T06:20:26Z")
Need a little bit of information. When you turn the key, do the lights on the dash light up, does the radio work, to the headlights come on? greg