1999 Cherokee, 6 cyl, automatic, 2 wd.

Came out of the store one day and jeep wouldn't start. Had been having to bang on starter so I was sure that was the problem. Was able to use a screwdriver to jump it off at the solenoid and got her home.

Bought a new starter at Autozone and installed it. Turn the key and nothing happens. Tried using screwdriver to jump it, still nothing. Triple checked all wires and changed the one from the battery to the starter. Changed battery cables AND took battery to Autozone for a charge. Still nothing. All gauges light up, headlights work, all power fine, except to starter.

We took the starter out and took it back to Autozone to make sure it isn't the problem, they put it on their machine and said it is fine.

I cannot figure out why I was able to jump it off with the old starter but not with the new one. Nothing changed but the starter itself. Could Autozone be wrong and this be a faulty starter after all?

Have you verified that the nuetral safety switch is working 100% off the time? Put it in nuetral and try to start.

Yes. I'd be busy with my meter though. It won't work with out the ground cable from the block to the battery for starters.

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Battery gasses have a nasty habit of helping a thin, hard crust form on the bat post's and clamps. They can look pretty good, but that micro-thin layer is a surprisingly good insulator. SHINNY! Lead is what you want. I use a pocket knife, (gently), for the insides of the clamps. For the posts I might use one of those post cleaner wire brushes, but still scrape it with a blade. If you have a condition where you have power, (dash lights ect.), then when you hit it power goes out altogether, that's a common result of a layer of oxidization there. Btw, a half *** connection could be expected to get hot during cranking, or while it's trying. Cleaning those is something to do now and then anyway, so if you are having starting problems, you might want to make sure you have bare lead on lead. Might save you some grief!

This is a possibility. Don't want to get tunnel vision on one thing (starter, although you can get a DOA starter) when it is a problem with another thing (NSS) that is "inhibiting" juice TO the starter.

As Jeff suggested, try starting in neutral. Also try starting while wiggling the shift lever. If either of these techniques allow the engine to turn over, you have identified a problem with the neutral safety switch.

NSS issues are very common with the XJ. Here is a link to more on "refurbishing" the NSS.

http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/

Corrosion,connection,wires.

If your starter cable and battery ground cables aren't good as new, now is the time to replace them. They can get all kinds of corroded underneath the insulation and you may not even see it until you take them out of the Jeep.

Definitely check the Neutral Safety Switch too..or at least that you are in Park when trying to start it. It is a noob mistake to try to start while not in Park...but it happens. Ask me how I know this!

can you jump this one with screwdriver

Connections, cables, or a bad starter, besides the potential NSS issue. If the starter has a good battery, a good ground and pos. cable, (and connections), it should spin, jumped. Please do make sure the battery connections are defenanty not an issue.

I don't buy from Autozone. I have heard of too many parts being bad right out of the box. It's not worth my time and frustration of changing out several before finding a good part.

Suspect the starter, or its solenoid, first.

im a bit late but i work at autozone. i can confirm that autozone starters are garbage

If your not able to start the jeep by touching the B post and s post of the starter together, it's not your NSS as your bypassing it. Get your meter and check for 12V as the S post and B post of the starter. If there's no power to the s post check your starter relay, If the relay is good check your ignition switch. Good luck.

** Always suspect electrical connections.

This.

Have tried to start it in neutral and reverse. No luck.

did you read what he wrote? He said he couldn't.

Go get another starter.

Preferably from somewhere else.