I never thought I post one of these threads because I see them all the time but I need to get to work soon...and atleast back. I was driving just fine today, parked and left for an hour or so. I go back to leave and nothing. Battery isn't dead by a long shot. I can hear the solenoid clicking but nothing from the motor. The starter itself id brand new as of 3 months ago. I cleaned the terminals on the starter/solenoid and still nothing. One last try I put a wrench over the 2 terminals and the motor (starter) turned. Then she started up no problem. Shut it off and now nothing can get it to start. What is up here?

 

so the starter isn't turning the engine over but you can hear the solenoid clicking?

most common cause is corroded or loose power / ground wires that are unable to deliver enough current

i also have seen starters fail and plain just don't have the power to spin the motor anymore. when removed they may still test good on the bench, just don't have the torque.

lastly there is an ignition relay but i have never tested one or looked at a wiring diagram to see what it actually does on a cherokee

 

How bout that, another PA'er with starter issues... Don't feel so bad, I am sitting dead in the water right now until tomorrow

 

Do you have 12v @ the "S" terminal on the solinoid with the ignition key in the start position?

 

Try a voltage drop test across the positive battery terminal. If the voltage drop is high, clean the battery terminals.