1990 Jeep Cherokee, 4.0 I6, AW4

This past week I noticed my startups (cranks) were beginning to slow down. The jeep runs just fine once it's started, aside from the Renix high idle plague I'm still trying to fix. But today, it almost didn't startup while I was running errands, so I decided to go straight home because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get it started again. Good thing I did, cause sure enough, now it won't start. My battery test good 11.8V while cranking, but it SOUNDS like my battery is dying. My brother says it sounds like the motor is starting to cease... Can anyone help me? I know these year Jeeps are quite finicky, so I'm hoping it a quick fix... Although with my luck so far with this Jeep I'm expecting the worst.

Chris

 

Off the cuff sounds like either your starter is on it's way out or your high tension power cable going to the starter is on it's way out. Go to an auto parts store and have them measure the amp draw on your starter when you are cranking it and checking the resistance on the wire is simple with a digital voltmeter.

 

X2 with Drew...

 

your starter motor may be bad. when they start to go they act like a dead battery. it should be worse when the engine is hot.

oops.....you beat me to it

 

X3 bad ground or hot wire.

 

I checked and cleaned the connections to the starter motor, solenoid and relay, whacked it with a hammer 3 times and it started right up. Safe to say I need a starter. Thanks for all your comments. You guys sure are helpful