I have a 89 cherokee that won't start or turn over. I went into the store and when I got out the jeep decided not to start. I have tried jump starting it with no luck. I had the starter tested and it seemed to work.
When I turn the key the lights and cd player come on but the engine doesn't even try to start. I have noticed two odd things since my problem began, when I turn the key to start the "check antilock breaks" light comes on untill I let the key free. Also when the key is "on" and I touch the break it makes a ticking sound for a few seconds...

It is the 4.0 auto

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

have you checked your battery cables? Mine did that the other day and it was due to the positive cable was loose. Good luck hope it helps

 

yeah same thing happened with my xj and i need all the battery cables replaced

 

yeah, check your cables. Mine looked OK but when I pulled it off the terminal there was a coating of corrosion on the terminal. Also check your neutral switch, as that can cause a no-start condition too.

 

yeah mine failed the test at the work shop and found out all te cables were garbage so check those out for sure

 

I cleaned the battery terminals and cable ends. I noticed the negative clamp is tightened all the way but still feels slightly loose. The cd player and lights work like normal. I searched under the jeep well for lose connections and found nothing. I'm gonna test the battery tomorrow...

 

yea mine wasnt corroded just coated with mud lol

 

yeah definatly get the battery check i did and got a new one and have been good since.

 

neutral safety switch i would think

 

My 87 does that too. What I found out is that the neutral safety switch is dirty. To get it started, I hold the key in the "start" position, that's with my left hand, key turned all the way to start and then push in the button release on the shift handle & gently rock the shifter back & forward, till the starter engages. Be sure to push the shift handle to "Park" when it starts, so you're not in gear.

 

again with battery and cables, i had same issue on my 89, replaced batt and cable, no problem starting since, well, not that problem anyway...

 

Today I had the battery charged/tested, no problem there. I replaced the ground cable that had bare spots. still no luck turning over/starting. The starter passed the test at shucks. Cps seems to be connected.
When the key is "on" I can hear the fuel pump in the rear and a slight hissing near the power steering pump. When I turn the key to start nothing happens except for the "check antilock breaks" light flashes.
Any more suggestions?

 

I charged the battery and replaced a damaged ground cable. Still no luck. The "check antilock breaks" light flashes when I turn the key to start, not sure if that means anything.
Any more suggestions?

 

Could we have the same problem here??? https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/92-...nothing-32781/

 

Did you try the key on & jiggle the shifter?