blackout514

my buddies girlfriend has a 1998 jeep grand cherokee, AT, 4.0. its not starting. there saying it doesnt even click. im going to try and swap relays, and see if that works. is the solenoid on the starter? if so, how do i jump it to try and get it to work? i just want to try everything before i def have to replace it for them.

tiwvr1

Bad battery, or bad terminals would be the first thing to check. You dont relize how many no starts get towed into my work and it is just a dirty, or loose battery terminal.

ol"blue

Also check the starter relay in the power Distribution Center under the hood.

ET JEEP

As was pointed out clean all the battery terminals and cables; positive and grounds. Check that battery is fully charged. Start with a fully charged battery and clean and tight battery cables.

First, if the vehicle is automatic, try moving the transmission selector thru all the gears then try starting in park and neutral. If it starts, the problem is the NSS which tends to be problematic at times.

Next test I would do is disconnect the solenoid trigger wire and connect a test light or voltmeter to it. This would be the thin wire going to the solenoid. The solenoid is with the starter. Have a helper turn the key to start. You should see the test light turn on or read battery voltage each time the key is turned to start. The engine will not turn over since the trigger wire is disconnected but stay clear of any moving parts anyway. Also have helper have foot on brakes.

If you do get a test light or read battery voltage, then the starting circuit is good. The problem would be in the solenoid/starter.

If you get no test light or reading of battery voltage the problem is in the starting circuit. This would be the ignition switch, relay, wiring and NSS.
You would then have to check all these items to find the problem.