i am having an issue with my 2000 classic. it has the 4.0. the issue i am having is sometimes it does not want to start. ill go out and get in it turn the key and nothing not even a click. other times ill go out and it'll fire right up. i have checked the wires to the starter both power and ignition. also i have low voltage like at night under load like 13v i was wondering if this could be part of the problem. also this is my second starter off of an old motor i have and this is my second solenoid on it as well. if it doesn't start i can usually just pop the hood and jump the starter then it will start with the key. not sure what my issue is. any advice would be greatly appreciated. just looking for a solid idea of whats wrong instead of throwing money at it. also i have had the battery and starter and whole charging system checked. they said everything was fine.

 

What transmission do you have?

 

an automatic. I thought maybe NSS but my reverse lights work and I've tried to wiggle it in park and neutral and it still won't start

 

I'd still at least try adjusting the NSS. Like take off the top of the two nuts and try wiggling it around. Or even take it off while you're at it and see how dirty it is

 

also I was thinking it wouldn't be that because when it doesn't start I just go tap the starter. then it will fire right up. but it wouldn't hurt to check.

 

Get a new starter

 

Clean the battery connections before spending any cash.

 

Both terminals are brand new. I was thinking maybe a bad wire.

 

Refresh all grounds while you're at it

 

If hitting the starter makes it work then I also suggest replacing it.

 

I just had a similar issue...I would constantly get a click but no start...a couple of bangs and it would start and once in a while it would start no problem I replaced my starter and have not had an issue since...this was just a couple days ago

 

So you say that this is your 2nd starter off an OLD engine? Sounds like you need to pick up a NEW starter. I wasn't fully reading your original post apparently. So yeah, never mind on the NSS like I said earlier. You need a NEW starter. I'd also freshen up all your grounds when you put in a new starter.

 

picked up a new starter on my way to work. gunna put it on in about a hour when I get off. thinking off ordering new wires from Kelly's works.

 

Howd it go?

 

Just for a goof, and because you can get it done for free anyplace that sells batteries.
Get your battery load tested. The gizmo looks kind of like a toaster with a dial and jumper cables coming off it . It will tell you a lot more about the battery condition then just a voltage meter or one of those eye-droppers with the little ***** in it.

A weak battery can cook off a used starter quick.