i recently went through some mud and it destroyed my alternator. It still started and ran, but no voltage,whining,and smell were good signs that it was bad. This morning I replaced the alternator on my 98 XJ and now it won't start. I had the battery charged at a parts store and the battery was out when I changed the alternator. It doesnt crank and all lights turn off. Including the dome light if the door is open. I washed my engine before I removed the old one and it started after I washed it. Any ideas? My cousin recommended the starter solinoide, but I'm wondering g if there is a relay or fuse that might play a part in this.

 

There are multiple relays that could be involved. Try swapping some of them around and see what happens. Anyway you turn the key and you hear nothing? Not even a click from the starter?

 

there is a click and then it all shuts down. All the dash lights and dome light.

 

Now there is absolutely no power and my battery is at 12.6 volts with a meter.