Help troubleshooting Jeep issue...

[Kaikias]

I have a 1996 Jeep cherokee that is currently not cooperating.

Issue started a few days ago when it wouldn't start...it had an older battery so I figured I'd get a jump and get a new battery...prpblem fixed, right? Nope.

Everything was a great for a day and then it wouldn't start agian- this led me to think maybe the altenator could be dead: however, now a jump wont even start it.
It doesnt turn over when I turn the key, no noise at all. (When trying to jump it as well)

Does anyone have any trouble shooting ideas on how I can fix this?

 

[Byte Stryke]

BFH to the starter

 

[SMLEshooter]

Starter solenoid maybe?

 

[GreenPanther]

I would troubleshoot the starter itself it sounds like.

 

[Reaper76USMC]

Sounds like your starter died. If so it could have been caused by the bad battery. The battery, starter, and alternator are linked in such a way that one of the three going bad has the possibility of causing one or both of the others to go bad if not corrected soon enough.

Look at it this way... A weak battery makes your alternator work harder and can strain your starter, a bad starter can put more strain on your battery, a bad alternator won't charge your battery, making it go bad.

If you're getting no sound at all when you try to start, even when jumped, I would say your starter is either toast, or there's possibly a bad connection from the battery to the starter. Also, look for wires that are damaged/chafed, possibly grounding out a "hot" wire. Double check your battery, alternator and starter connections to make sure they're undamaged, snug and fairly clean.

 

[galvatron]

Automatic or std trans? Could be starter relay, solenoid or starter. Do the lights dim when you hit the key? Its a really simple vehicle to work on if your mechanically inclined.

 

[righter13]

Get under there and it the started with a rubber mallet as you have some one try to start the Jeep. Hit it from the back of the starter.

 

[Kaikias]

Its automatic...the lights do dim when the key is turned. Would this still be the starter? If so would I be able to take it off and have it tested or would it need to be on the Jeep for that.

On the bright side once I figure out whats wrong it is an easy fix...hardest thing so far was the radiator before I figured out you need a disconnect tool for one of the lines lol.

 

[Snuffy]

Could also be interlocking switches such as neutral / park switch if it's an automatic or clutch switch if manual transmission. If it is an automatic, try starting it in neutral or while moving gear selector.




Edit:
I type so slow on this tablet, post is no longer relevant.

 

[righter13]

Its automatic...the lights do dim when the key is turned. Would this still be the starter? If so would I be able to take it off and have it tested or would it need to be on the Jeep for that.

On the bright side once I figure out whats wrong it is an easy fix...hardest thing so far was the radiator before I figured out you need a disconnect tool for one of the lines lol.

If lights dim when you turn the key then the car is sending power to the starter but the starter is not engaging ( just a shade tree mechanic so I could be wrong) but like I said try hitting the starter at the same time someone is trying to start the Jeep.