brakk026

Hey guys! I have a 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo that has been having intermittent starting issues for a while now. When I go to start it, all accessories (lights, gauges, fuel pump, etc) come on, but when I turn the key to crank, nothing really happens. There is one click that comes from the engine compartment when I turn it to crank but nothing else. I did a whole bunch of tests and this is what I came up with:

*It will not start with a jump
*It's not the neutral safety switch - I bypassed that and no change
*It's not the battery or battery connections - normal voltages and power all around
*The solenoid IS getting power
*When I try to jump the starter at the solenoid, I get sparks but the starter does not crank
*When I test the voltage coming out of the solenoid terminal with the key turned all the way, I get no voltage coming out of the solenoid

That makes me think I have a bad starter and a bad solenoid, but could it be something else? Is there anything that would cause the starter to not crank with a jump AND no voltage to come out of the solenoid?

huntingman2706217

wait? is your solenoid on the fender or on the starter?

huntingman2706217

if you cant jump the solenoid on or off the starter... as in that does not work and it wont turn over AND you do this while trying to jumpstart... id say bad starter and/or solenoid

brakk026

This solenoid - about a foot away from the starter.

brakk026

Ok thanks. It just seems really unlikely that they both would go bad at the same time but I suppose it's definitely possible.

huntingman2706217

no... that solenoid is not a foot away from the starter? its ON the starter... and in order to replace the solenoid you have to replace the starter... pull it off... the whole starter... take it to autozone and have them bench test it...

huntingman2706217

cause your starter looks brand new... and it would be best for them to test it...

brakk026

Ohh sorry, what I said was confusing. I meant a foot away from the starter motor. Yeah that's probably what I'll do is just take it in and get it tested.

huntingman2706217

huh no? in that picture you have posted... that is the starter and the starter solenoid is attached to the starter... there an inch away... not a foot?

brakk026

Ahh yes you're right. Sorry I've been staring under the hood of this thing for the last 6 hours and I'm confusing myself now haha. So yes, the solenoid is attached to the starter and I'm just going to rip the whole thing out and get it tested. The picture isn't my starter/solenoid either - mine is stock 1992 and looks way worse.

studmuffin

I had the same problem, Did you try to arch start it?
If i were you i would just replace the whole thing, take your core and pay the 65 to get a new one.

Reason is because mine was bench tested at 4 different autozones and checkers and all passed. Changed batttery cables, even ignition switch.

Ended up just being the starter. The load on the bench tester is not the same load as your jeep. So it might say it works, but not good enough on the jeep. It was a headache.

It was actually huntingman who told me to stop being a wuss and get a new one, lol.
Then call it a day and have a beer.

huntingman2706217

LOL... I remember that... but with this guys starter he tried to jump it and got nothing... so his should bench test bad... if it doesn't then it still kinda sounds like maybe a electrical problem... but I'm thinking starter...

studmuffin

Check your cables again, replace the ignition switch as well.

Isnt there a way to bypass the starter fuse to see if its fried? could try that.
Dont quote me but I remember someone told me that.

Yeah but before anything check the starter. That might be the only problem.