I have a 1996 Cherokee Laredo. For the last month or so I have had a periodic problem. Periodically when I go to start the Jeep, when the key is turned, there is a click and the Jeep goes dead. I have found that when I tap the positive post on the battery with a hammer, the Jeep will get juice and will start. About 80 per cent of the time it starts without an issue.

If it were the battery, in my thoughts, it would occur more frequently, and the vehicle wouldn't start by tapping the positive post. I have cleaned the terminals, checked the wire for corrosion, and everything appears fine. Before I buy a new battery, I would like some other thoughts.

Thanks.

 

Batteries can be flaky like that. Replacing the battery cable is not a bad idea. There are a few folks on here that sell upgrade kits, typically 4 gauge (a step up from the factory 6 gauge) and 0 gauge. 4 gauge is a nice bit of overkill. The bigger stuff is just a ridiculous waste of money. It doesn't get you anything.

Or you can do like I did, and get some cables from www.bestboatwire.com and some military style terminals from Amazon.

Took me about a half hour to install them. Very nice.

 

Batteries don't last forever. They quit making them in 'Merica during the first Bush administration. I'd replace that first. Might solve it all.

 

you need to inspect your cables closer. i've never known a battery to behave like that.

i'd remove, disassemble and thoroughly inspect all battery cables. im confident you will find your issue.