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Weird startup problem

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Old Aug 26, 2013 | 07:50 PM
  #1  
Hamster's Avatar
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From: Rome, GA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default Weird startup problem

Ok folks, I did a search and couldn't find what I was looking for so here goes.

Not too long ago, I had a "no start" issue that turned out to be a broken NSS so, I replaced it. The starter was weak on the bench test and I had the funds so, I replaced that too.
Everything worked fine.............for a while. Now, I'm getting an intermittent issue that's driving me nuts. I go to start the thing and I'll hear an audible click that sounds like the starter is trying to engage but, doesn't have enough juice. If I hold the key in start for a couple of seconds or let off and hit it again, it starts like normal.
I need to know if there is a way to temporarily bypass my starter relay to either confirm or eliminate it as the cause.
(keep in mind that mine is the old school style with multiple wires attached to it)

Last edited by Hamster; Aug 26, 2013 at 07:53 PM.
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Old Aug 26, 2013 | 08:09 PM
  #2  
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From: Wisconsin
Model: Cherokee
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You could short the battery terminal to the starter solenoid terminal with a jumper or screwdriver blade. If that doesn't help try the same with the two large terminals on the starter solenoid, mounted on the starter itself.
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Old Aug 26, 2013 | 08:12 PM
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From: California
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
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Sounds like a bad connection on the starter. Check the connections and clean them up. Wouldn't hurt to check all your ground cables as well...
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 04:59 AM
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From: Rome, GA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by sthon
Sounds like a bad connection on the starter. Check the connections and clean them up. Wouldn't hurt to check all your ground cables as well...
Thanks...........I don't know why I didn't think of that already.
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 10:45 PM
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From: Rome, GA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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All the wire connections are good-n-tight and the relay passed all the tests I tried on it.

I'm starting to lean toward the ignition switch itself. It's an inexpensive enough part and mine probably still has the original one on it.

I don't know if it's related or not but, I did notice that NOTHING works with the key in the ACC position. It seems odd to me that they would even bother with an ACC position if it doesn't allow anything to work. The switch may just be worn out?
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