Hey my brother just picked up an 85 Cherokee for 800 bucks, ran great until tonight he went out to start it and the starter isn't engaging, all the electricals work but when you go to turn the key nothing happens at all. Any ideas on what the problem could be?

 

Does it click, or is there no sound?

 

No click that i could hear.

 

Have the starter tested if you can.Parts stores usually do it for free.

 

Here's a good troubleshooting guide. It walks you through a logical process of figuring out what's wrong.

http://www.type2.com/bartnik/starter.htm

 

ok is there any fuses or anything i should check first?

 

Check for voltage at the small terminal on the starter while the key is in the start position, if you have voltage but nothing happens, you got a bad solenoid. If you have no voltage there while cranking, start looking at the neutral safety switch or ignition switch. But first, how old is the battery?

 

thanks that walk through is great

 

Click would be solenoid firing, that drives the rotating starter gear into engagement with your engine. No click means solenoid not receiveing power, or stuck, it happens. Does the starter sound like it is rotating? If starter not rotating it is dead (internal contactor brushes wear out), stuck, full of mud? (seen it) or not receiving power, or sufficient power. Is your battery strong? Do this first. Check the negative lead of battery to engine, bad grounds are a common electrical problem, clean both ends. Next I would tap the starter (not too hard) with a hammer, if the brushes are on their way out you can often encourage a few final actuations. Next get an electrical test light probe and insure you are getting power down to the starter. You have to eliminate what works to find what's broke. Anything else you see or hear?

 

ok just threw the battery on the charger, once im sure its not a dead or weak battery, Ill check the solenoid