When I start my Cherokee from time to time the check gauges light will come on and the volts on the battery will be at 9. When I turn it off and turn it back on it goes back to the middle. This doesn't happen every time I start it. Any ideas what could be wrong?

 

Could be the gauge. Could be a connection. Could be a lot of things.

First thing I'd do is test the actual voltage at the battery with it running and make sure the alternator is charging.

 

Second on an actual reading.

Sounds though like your battery is on its way out.

When starting it should not drop below 10volts. If it does its got a bad cell.


Turn ignition on. Battery should read over 12. If not then it needs charged.

Starting motor it should not drop below 10(while cranking)

Running it should b at 13.5 to 15volts. Only if the battery is fully charged.

 

Well I just put new battery in it. So I couldn't imagine it would be going bad already. I'll look into the alternator.

 

Head to your nearest parts store that offers free diagnostics. They'll test your battery,starter,alternator,and charging system. They'll also check for codes.