Hi, I have a stock 1990 cherokee.

I just replaced the rear main seal and oil pan gasket. I removed the starter for better access, and now after putting everything back together, I get nothing besides a single initial click when I turn the key to start her up. No repeated clicking, no turning over.

The battery is not dead, the lights and gauges work and the battery is reading 12.2 volts at the terminal with a voltmeter.

I checked and retightened the connections at the starter, and still nothing. I could really use some help as I'm supposed to have this girl up and running to take to the smog shop tomorrow.

Thanks guys!

 

Double check that you wired the starter properly. I would start by removing the starter and re-installing it.

 

Ok. I read through the Haynes manual to do it, and I took pictures of the wires. Positive (red) goes under top left 13mm nut, solenoid to starter wire goes to top right 13mm nut, and ground goes under lower 8mm nut.

I'll pull it and reinstall it right now just to be sure.

 

Could always hot wire from the + post of the battery to the big post of the starter just to see if it cranks, dont do it for more than a couple cranks, key off.
If it cranks fine then hotwire to the small post on the starter. That would be the solenoid relay. If it also cranks there that verifies the solenoid is good, and your problem is the battery cable.
If not, that could mean a couple things. Either the cable to the batt is bad or the solenoid is bad, or there is no +12 getting to the solenoid connection when the key is turned. Have someone turn the key while you probe the solenoid wire.
Watch yourself in case the engine cranks up or turns over unexpectedly. Don't wear your necktie while doing it.

 

Well jeez, thanks for the suggestion. Pulled the starter, cleaned the connection points, reinstalled, and it works. Thanks a lot dudes!

 

Glad to hear you got it sorted out.

 

Gotta love simple!!!

Now that you've been enlightened on the importance of connections, check out www.cruiser54.com

 

Dude!

 

Hey man, we gotta go with what works.
Good job sticking with it.