My cherokee will sometimes start funny. When I turn the key and push in the clutch to start it it will click and then start but wont stay running unless i give it some gas. After driving for a few minutes it will be fine. After starting it the revs won't stay up so I have to rev it to keep it going. Also sometimes when I turn the key to start it, the door locks will click. Weird. And sometimes it won't start at all as if the battery is completly dead. Then I have to move the wires that go to the terminals of the battery to get it to start. any ideas?

 

Sounds alot like what im going through. hope someone responds so we can figure out whats wrong with our jeeps

 

If you can move the terminal ends you either need to tighten or replace them, a bad/weak ground can cause all sorts of issues. It sounds like your battery terminals are loose, causing the ignition/starter to not get power, and partial power at times, which could also be causing your ecu to not be getting the proper power it should. what year is this cherokee

 

Maybe I will try replacing the ground wire. They are not loose. In order to move them I have to untighten them. I don't find any differance moving the ground wire only the red. right now, it will start if I turn the key but only if I turn the key part of the way. Like 7/8 of a turn. I have to almost find a sweet spot with the key to get it to start. even then it won't stay running unless I keep the revs up.

 

Yesterday i took my battery and cleaned the posts with 80 grit sandpaper and i also cleaned the terminals. started right up. See if that helps.