lsc91

Well my wifes 88 cherokee has a slight problem starting. When you turn the key to start it it does nothing on sometimes and other times it firs right up. I replaced the ignition switch today and was wondering what else to look for. Is there a starter relay by chance or could it be the starter itself?

PRSPARTAN

I had the same problem a few months ago. I replaced the worn starter brushes and it's been working nicely ever since. I got the brushes with the back plate for about $30. I hope this is it, so you can solve your problem. Make sure you mark the housing before you take it apart so you can put it back together the same way. I'm no expert and I did okay. I had a problem a few weeks ago with a fuse ago and solved my problem by asking for help, so I'm trying to pay it forward.

MrJCRod

could be the starter... but with a test light you can check for signal to make sure you don't replace a good part... Have your wife turn the key as you check the smaller terminal on the starter for signal... If you get it go ahead and replace it, if not work your way back... could be neutral safety switch or ignition switch if not the starter but do the checks first...

lsc91

I put a test light on the small terminal while she cranked it and the light came on for as long as she turn to the key to the start position and no cranking. I'm assuming it is the starter then? Thanks in advance.

MrJCRod

yes... that rules out the ignition switch and neutral safety... if you got signal at the starter than that's your problem... New starter and she'll be all fixed...

lsc91

Thanks for the replies

lsc91

Ok so i just put a known good starter in my wifes jeep and it still is working. So I jumped under the jeep with my trusty test light and had her turn the key again and the light comes on for the first second but then turns off, I hear something clicking up top but not sure what it is. I hope someone can give me a clue on what else to look for. Thanks for the input.

Mike1998XJ

How about starting with the Battery cables and terminals. You know... make sure the posts are clean, the clamps are clean and tight to the posts. Take em' off and wire brush them to get good contact.
If you have those clamps where the cable is held in a pinch-type clamp with a few bolts make sure those are tight. I've had those come loose on past trucks and gotten the clicking sound. Usually a spark too if you open the hood!
A good check of the opposite ends of the cables wouldn't hurt either.
Mike

MrJCRod

In an earlier post you said the light would come on for the full time she turned the key and now only for a short period of time...
Now it seems that when you reconnected the battery you may have left a terminal loose or you have a bad cable but either way it's a different symptom because you had good signal there before you did the starter... recheck your connections and check those terminals or cables...

lsc91

Thank you guys, I'll try this when I get home from work today.

lsc91

Well I checked the battery cables and they were fine but I replaced them anyway and still no cranking. So I started messing with the starter relay and jumped the solenoid wire and it started to crank. So I went to pick up a starter relay sure enough that was the problem, other than I had to put the old starter back in due to the one out of my 92 wouldn't working there for some reason. Thanks again for your replies.