jimu57

1999 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L. Replaced starter, battery, and cable terminals. When trying to start, all I hear is a click. Sounds like the pinion gear was extending against the flywheel. I remove the starter and lay it on top of engine with cables attached and attached a ground wire from the engine block to the starter housing. Turning the key, the starter pinion kicks out and the motor spins the pinion. The started appears to be working ok. Put it back in and try again but all I hear is clicking. I have checked continuity in cables and voltages at the starter.

Could the flywheel be cracked or damaged in some other way? Could it be either the positive or negative cables from the battery that need to be replaced?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

sfcherokeeguy

Sounds like a possible low voltage issue perhaps the battery don't have enough to spin the engine but can free spin the starter

Bustedback

Can you spin the engine over by hand? You could be hydro locked or seized up.

jimu57

2 days ago when it wouldnt start, I tapped on the starter and finally got it started and drove it home. At home it wouldnt start again. Replaced the started with rebuilt and also new battery and cable terminals. While driving I didnt hear any engine type noise so I dont think its the flex plate. The only thing I can think of is to replace both positive and negative cables. I call try to turn the crank manually also. We will see.