hondakid94

my 1988 cherokee wont start, the starter wont even turnover and none of the acessories will turn on, nothing at all happens when i turn the key. it started out of no where but as soon as i turned it off it wont start again. anything will help thanks.

GSXR_Mike

Have you checked the battery terminals? Possible a loose connection somewhere.

hondakid94

the head lights tail light and dom lights turn on so the jeep is getting power

GSXR_Mike

Wiring issue

hondakid94

none of the gauges work, no power getting to them

hondakid94

can anyone help???

Bustedknuckle

Its always difficult diagnosing over the internet.

So you can turn the headlights on and off, but no gauges work? When you turn the key does the starter motor even try to engage, or is it more of a thud?

If I were you I'd try to keep things as simple as possible, pull that battery and take it to an auto parts store or local shop, have them test the battery for you, most do it for free.

88chief

Did you check ignition switch down on the buttom of the steering column?

hondakid94

the battery is 100% good and i changed out the ignition switch. the starter doesnt do anything at all

Steelcityfan29

hit your shifter really hard toward park or turn the key to unlock the wheel and put it in neutral and try to start it. Mine does the same thing all the time.

Throttle Jockey

you will have to do some trouble shooting to diagnose the problem. could be starter or relay. keep it simple and methodical. make sure you have a good battery and the connections are tight and clean. dont just glance and say "yeah it's good" take the cables off and make sure. check the starter or have it tested. make sure you are getting power to it when you turn the key. you will have to spend some time and get those hands dirty. good luck.

hondakid94

iv tried everything im runnin out of ideas here

Bustedknuckle

Have you messed with the starter or any other major electrical component lately? If so, something could have been overlooked and forgot to have been tightened down, i.e a ground somewhere.

Outside of that, from what your saying, and provided you're getting power at the junction box, I'd say pull the starter and have it tested. Quite often, a new part doesnt mean its any good. I see it all the time at work (real PITA), and a Jeep related example, I went through 3 starters in 30 minutes on my YJ, all "Brand New". Same in regards to the battery.

Good luck!

muddpigg

something else to keep in mind - the last component that was worked on is often the culprit. you say you changed the ignition switch? i'd start by double checking that(?). i suck at electrical problems, though, so i'm probably not much help to you. good luck...