I just replaced my starter, checked all the connectors, battery, did the shifter to neutral thing and still my Cherokee has Intermittent start failures. I can turn to "on" and bridge the starter connections with a screwdriver to start it every time. I'll start it 5 times in a row back-to-back, move it down the road and then it won't start. Drive it a minute and then it starts again with the key.

Could it be my key tumbler is worn out? How hard is that thing to gut and replace?

 

next time it wont start check for current at the small wire on starter when key is turned to start

 

Guess I need a voltage meter, but I'll give that a shot.

I just looked in my Hayes manual and it says if you can bypass the ignition to start (like I did with the screwdriver), then it is the shifter check mechanism, wiring or ignition switch. It could be wiring under the dash since I think the wiring under the hood looks good.

 

How did you "check" the connections? Gander at them or remove and refresh them?

 

I have the same problem with my 89 Cherokee. After the 3rd time it left me with no way to work, I added a pushbutton start to it. Before you say it, yes this is a redneck fix. I ran a wire from the small post on the starter into the cab to a pushbutton. Then I ran a wire from the hot post of the battery to the pushbutton. Be sure to put a fuse holder no this wire. Now when the key wont start my jeep, I just hit the button and it fires right up.

 

Yes, I did just that. even scraped some fresh metal when putting them back.

 

You know that crossed my mind more than once with winter coming.

 

What will this show? I assume no current means the ignition switch is bad, current means the starter is bad?

 

not sure on his year but theres also a starter relay next to battery on mine that would be the next thing to check

 

a 12 volt test light is all you need if theres no

 

So today it happened, just when I got some spare parts on hand with me at the time. I replaced the inition in the steeting column with a doner model (no change, still no start)
Like this video I then replaced the relay next to the battery and then replaced the little 15amp fuse by the relay too even though it still was looking fine in the display window. Same problem. Had to bridge the starter again to get it started. That push button is starting to look pretty good right now!

Didn't have a voltage meter on me though.

 

Not my jeep, but I have the exact same issue:

 

ever test the wiring???????? heres a link on the starter relayhttp://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-se....swf#toolbar=0

 

Man I got tired of it. Redneck push button starting is working fantastic!

It's a beater anyway.

 

And a BIG THANK YOU to all that helped and gave suggestions.