Cherokee starting problem

My wife's '92 Cherokee is having a starting problem. It has been starting fine, but yesterday, she drove it to church and it barely started for her when she was to come home. After she got home, vehicle still hot, it wouldn't start at all. The amp gauge was going all the way over to high, but the lights and windows still worked.

I suspected starter of course, but I left it all night, it started perfectly. I left it running for at least one half hour, so it was good and warm, shut it off, and it started perfectly time and time again.

Sounds like starter to me, but before I start the replace and try theory, I thought I might get a little input, I know batteries can do strange things and what about the voltage regulator (has it got an external??)

Any input will be appreciated.

-slacker

Any local auto parts store can test a starter for you if you bring it in. Most will do a basic electrical system check (battery / alt) also.

do the panel lights dim when you try to start ,or do they go out?try putting headlamps on and see if they go out or stay bright.