hello, i am new here, so bear with this noob.

i have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Every time i turn the ignition on, it would only click once and would try to turn over (barely turns over). I tried jumpstarting it and even bought new batteries last night but i guess its not the batteries. I also checked and the engine is not frozen (i turned the crankshaft). prior to this, i washed the engine bay down with water (see below)

I just serviced it (oil change, air filter change, coolant flush, headlights lens restoration and 1 bulb change). after i did those services, i turned it on and it was doing pretty well... while it was still running, i washed the engine bay down thoroughly with water for spilled coolant, etc. i then washed the whole car. after the wash/wax, etc, it wouldn't start. any ideas?

 

also i sprayed the engine bay with the garden hose before i serviced it and it still ran so i know water doesn't get into the engine very easily.

do you think there is a short circuit or waterlogged wirings somewhere? faulty starter?

any ideas or experience would be appreciated

 

Try giving the starter a good whack and then try to start it.

And try to shift it into neutral to start it.

 

no go.... i am bringing the starter in to Autozone to check it. hopefully it is it.