Hello there. I awoke to the non start on my '89 Cherokee this morn, and need a bit of advice. I'll mention a few points;

1) Months ago, some delinquent attempted to steal my Jeep by jamming a screwdriver into the ignition. He failed fortunately, but did manage to break off the (part you hold on to to turn the key), and gouged it up a bit - mostly external damage I believe. It still functioned fine.

2) Around a month or better ago, I heard the dreaded sound that means your starter is about to go (so I thought?) - that quick succession of clicks.
I was checking prices to replace it, but it did it only that couple of times for a half second or so, then did not repeat. It hasn't since. I thought perhaps just a loose connection, corrosion,..? Wasn't sure, and frankly, I forgot about it as it continued to perform normally.

Now this morning I get in to go, and the turn of the key gets nothing at all. Silence, no clicks, no dash lights, no nothing. Turning it to the 'back' position does light up a dash light - that's it. It started fine last night, and nothing seemed to lead up to it other than what I have mentioned. I've not tested anything yet.

If there's a possibility of bypassing the starter solenoid so I can work tomorrow (assuming this is what's wrong of course), that'd be great, as I'm not sure what's open here today. Thought that might be worth a shot?

I'm not sure if I have a starter issue, ignition issue...? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thanks,
Brad

 

id check all the grounds & battery terminals, sounds like a short
to me? just my .o2

 

start by load banking your battery. take it down to your local parts house and have it tested. also look for corrosion on terminal ends