1987 Cherokee inline 6 starter

well i have not replaced it yet, but the starter grinds when i try to start and can happen anytime of the day, hot or cold. BUT if i switch the transmission button from power to comfort or vice versa the starter goes (probaly have to do this 2-3 times to get it to run) what can this be?


P.S. bought the jeep that looked like it was never maintained correctly for 500 dollars.

Can't imagine why the switch would have any effect.

Have you tried the usual? Check the battery, the battery cables, and the battery cable connections? Tried jumping the battery? Tried jumping at the starter?