My '86 Cherokee does not start. Well that's not quite true. it will start once with a fully charged battery and then nothing. it is as though there is no battery at all. no lights, sounds etc. does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be. is there a cot off switch or relay?

First thing is, if you haven't already, remove the battery cable ends from the battery and clean the contact surfaces so they are shiney. there are special tools for this but coarse sand paper works well or a knife will scrape the HARD stuff off of the surface.

What is the battery age, state of charge-check voltage, and general cleanliness??

Are the cables covered with green/white powdera?? - clean them with baking soda and water........

Once the battery is KNOWN to be charged suffeciently and the cable connections are clean Then you can start to think about the starter, key switch, neutral safety switch and starter relay.

JD

Hi Olebrit. This happened with my 88 Wagoneer. Turns out, theres a dead spot on my key switch. Sometimes when I turn the key, nothing happens, then if I turn it again, it starts. Something to check out. Good luck.