Luke83

Hi guys,

recenlty i've been driving through some mud and paddles with my '96 Cherokee 4.0L Auto. Its been working fine, but in the last paddle, i got bogged and while trying to get out from there, the engine suddenly stopped. I checked the air intake, at all times it was above the water level. Once i towed it back to the road, it didnt want to start. I tried to use jump leads, didnt work. A guy from roadside assistance got me going by hitting starter. It started later that day without a problem. On the way, i realised it doesnt have much power, switching gears up at about 2500rpms. Didnt want to downshift when full throttle. Once i got home, i noticed a black smoke coming out from exhauster. i took out spark plugs, there was one cracked one, so i replaced it. But cant get it started again. When i try to start it, it only clicks in the engine bay and thats it. I tried to adjust NSS, but after that i didnt even get that click, so i put it back. Any ideas what could cause it? I was guessing the starter solenoid/bad contacts on it.
thanks

Edit: I noticed that when not having handbrake engaged, (I)(P) light turns on as i try to start it

Edit:
After reading heaps of forums etc, came out with these ideas: ballista resistor, starter, starter solenoid, crankshaft sensor, fuel pump/filter, NSS