car:
89 cherrokee
auto
i6 4L
200,000+miles

Im trying to confirm that my starter is dead. When the key is turned nothing happens, just a slight humming sound. Noticed that when driving there was a higher than norman power drain on the battery. Maybe my alternator is crapping out too? It wasnt staying at 14v's. it would drop down to 10-12v w/ lights and wipers on. The battery terminal clamps are tight and the wiring to the starter appeared to be good. I also checked for disconnected or loose wiring harnesses. I tried jumping the battery too and nothing happened. This was after driving 200+miles non stop. Then i got gas and it wouldnt start back up.

In the past i have replaced the CPS, i think the ECM (its the chip inside the distributor), and the starter solenoid. I did try arcing the starter solenoid and dont remember hearing it engage. Is it possible to arc the starter itself to test it? Ihave a feeling its the soleniod but im skeptical since I replaced it already.

For a few days, with the key in the on position arcing the starter soleniod was working, . It was not turning over normally. The first couple of times turning over would be sluggish and then it would speed up until the engine fired up. I did not have to do this every time I started the car up though.

Sounds like your on the right track. Your putting out way to little voltage and even with a jump a really bad battery can't hold a charge long enough to light a cigarette with. The starter is what is gonna pull all the amps it can to turn your vehicle over thats why many times lights and everything else seem to work just fine but they only need a small amount of amperage to run. Many places will check out the charging system for free. A new battery will get you turned over if your starter is still good. A bad starter will actually bind up because its trying to draw more amps than it really needs and still won't turn. Its the chicken and the eggs here. If your battery is more than 5 years old. Chuck it. Then see if you can turn it over and work from there. Keep a trickle charge on the new battery no more than 10 amps to keep it from dying since you may or do have other problems.--Chris