Help: '99 TJ won't start -- rapid popping sound

jlomme did pass the time by typing:

Dead battery or corroded battery cables.

The snapping/popping noise is probably your starter solenoid. You've got what sounds like a dead or nearly dead battery. They do wear out over time. But before you replace it check that there's no corrosion inside the clamps that connect to the battery. And if they're not corroded then make sure there's also none where those same cables meet the engine and starter. Cables can also corrode over time, and if they're corroded it's often worthwhile to replace then when having a new battery installed.

-Bill Kearney

Thank you Doug and Bill. I had thought briefly about the battery, but I just put a brand new battery in it about a month ago. I guess I can take it back in and have them check it. I don't recall seeing any corrosion on the cables where they touch the battery, but I didn't check the other ends of the cables. I'll take a look there, too. Thanks, Jon

If your battery is new, get your alternator tested. Most parts stores will do it for free.

Why? Was the one in there the factory unit? Or is this thing going through batteries?

If it's not the battery or the alternator then make sure something else isn't draining it. Like a mis-wired accessory item like a new radio or amp. Or even an accessory light like the doors or under the hood. But acc. lights usually take at least a day or two to kill an otherwise properly charged battery.

I bought a new battery a few years back that wouldn't hold a charge. They recharged it at the local mechanic's shop and checked by charging system and the battery both of which tested good.

After the 2nd or 3rd visit he replaced the battery with another new one at no charge (this is before such guarantees were commonplace) and the problem disappeared.

I don't know if he every figured what the problem was (or tried for that matter) but it reinforced to me that is quite possible to by new parts from good suppliers (Interstate Batteries in this case) and have those parts appear good but, in fact, be defective.

Any parts which are mass produced will inevitably distribute some that are defective.

Some manufacturers have very low quality standards and therefore release a large number of defective parts and some have higher standards.

FWIW: Consumer Reports just tested auto batteries this month. I have the test results in a PDF file if anyone is interested in a copy

I may have to try that, thank you.

The battery I took out a month or two ago was one that I had put in about two years ago, it was not the original battery. I took the

Replaced the battery, works fine now. Thanks guys. Jon

Batteries can be contrary things.