any other ideas??? still no luck

 

"update" if you want to call it that...i tried starting it when i got home from work and the first time it make a few sudden clicks, not the typical click youd get from a dead battery though. hope this will help trouble shoot it???

 

You never did say if you did what post #12 suggested.

 

Sorry yes I tried running a jump wire to it got some sparks but no luck

 

He's asking if there is +12V present on the smaller, third wire on the starter solenoid when you turn the key to 'start'. A long jumper wire makes measuring this easier.
If there IS power there, the problem is the starter, starter solenoid or perhaps the engine block ground.
If there is NOT power there, it's something before the starter. NSS, Start relay in the PDC, Ignition switch, etc.

 

Ok basic starter 101 have some one turn key to start while in park ,smack starter with hammer what happens .Good solid smack not Bob the builder style.

 

*update* problem solved! It ended up being the engine ground strap. I thought I could rule that out since its been that way since I bought the jeep. But I guess now. Lesson learned hope this will help someone else in the future. Thanks everyone for your input and knowledge its greatly appreciated. Cheers

 

Wow. Sometimes the simplest things can cause the biggest headaches. Thanks for the update.

 

 

Yea a ground strap on a jeep is a bad idea I'm my opinion. Gotta have the big 3 upgrade and waterproofed. Doesn't hurt to install an accessory ground to the starter bolt.

 

Thanks for this post. I am having the same issue with my 1994 Cherokee. Ignorant question, but Where are the engine ground straps.

 

Usually at the back of the engine around the firewall. Reason being that all grounds should be as short as possible and this is where it would be shortest.

 

On the firewall and it attaches to the rear of the valve cover. Definitely a PITA to get to.

 

Yea which is why its dumb. That means the ground from the starter has to go up the engine block, through the strap and then through body welds all the way back to the battery. That's why I suggest an accessory ground from a starter bolt to battery ground.

 

Thanks JJCIII. That is exactly what I was thinking of doing. If you look at another forum, I had the ^%$# bleeping computer commit suicide for a bad ground connection at the battery. Due to the Voltage regulator IN the computer, a bad ground caused the voltage regulator in the computer to try to regulate voltage to itself. Best way it was described. Basically, the Computer up/down severe voltage and fried itself. Why did Jeep in it's infinite wisdom put the voltage regulator outside the alternator?
Anyway, I suspect another ground issue with this problem. So can I attach a ground strap from the starter mount directly to the battery post? No issues? I am just asking in case I am missing something. I'm thinking of putting ground straps all over the important items like starter, alternators and whatever other things. I'll buy a cable tonight and see if adding the ground cable takes care of the issue. Let you know later.
Thanks