89 Cherokee S Please help me troubleshoot the starter

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Nov 8, 2023 | 12:29 PM

expp

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Jul 2019

Posts: 28

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Year: 98

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

89 Cherokee S Please help me troubleshoot the starter

Son's 89 Cherokee. When we turn the key, it does not start. It is not the battery or the wires. I can use a screwdriver across the starter solenoid to start it. When i feel the starter relay in the fuse box under the hood I feel it click but don't know how to check it with a multi meter. We bought a new starter thinking it was the solenoid, hooked it up electrically but it did not do anything. I am hoping I don't have to have it installed for it to work because we put the old one back in. I think i bypassed the NSS by bridging the bottom two connectors in the grey electrical plug under the hood like I saw in a video.
How would I turn on the key and bypass the tumbler to see if i can just install a switch?
What is my next step?

Last edited by expp; Nov 8, 2023 at 12:39 PM.

Nov 8, 2023 | 12:48 PM

expp

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Jul 2019

Posts: 28

Likes: 3

Year: 98

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

When i test at the starter relay in the fuse box under the hood, I get 14 volts when the key is twisted to engage the starter. So it seems the problem is not the tumbler. I feel the starter relay click. So maybe I needed to have the new starter installed to get a proper ground? is that possible?

Nov 8, 2023 | 01:45 PM

expp

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Newbie

Joined: Jul 2019

Posts: 28

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Year: 98

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

My bad. I tried the starter without it installed. No ground. Installed the new one. All good.

Nov 11, 2023 | 08:08 PM

5pntslw

Builder

Joined: Dec 2022

Posts: 29

Likes: 35

From: King william virginia

Year: 1989

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.7

Quote:

Originally Posted by expp

My bad. I tried the starter without it installed. No ground. Installed the new one. All good.

yup gotta have it bolted up

Nov 16, 2023 | 11:59 PM

NorwoodRice

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Joined: Nov 2023

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I am glad to hear that you solved it.

Spoiler

Last edited by NorwoodRice; Nov 22, 2023 at 12:06 AM.

Nov 17, 2023 | 05:55 AM

cruiser54

::CF Moderator::

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 43,971

Likes: 1,578

From: Prescott, Az

Year: 1990

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Something you and your son should do as a one hour project is go to my website and complete Tips 1,3,4, and 5 as preventative measures.

Nov 17, 2023 | 10:52 AM

lawsoncl

CF Veteran

Joined: Dec 2017

Posts: 4,365

Likes: 1,215

Year: 1989

Model: Comanche (MJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5pntslw

yup gotta have it bolted up

Or at least a jumper cable from the case back to the battery ground. Just beware you'll get a small lesson in physics when it tries to get away if you power it while sitting loose on the ground.