89 cherokee won't crank

[dive]

Having problems starting my cherokee. It will not crank. Had battery tested. Bench tested starter, it spins. I appear to be getting voltage to the selanoid when the key is turned. I used a wrenchand turned the crank to make sure it wasn't seized. It was tuff to turn. Prior to this, my right turn signal light came on, whenever I turned the lights on. Then two days ago, it seemed to crank pretty slow then started. Now it will not crank at all. Also, for years, it has had a sporadic problem......it will sometimes crank away, but not start, until you pop the hood, jiggle the wiring harness, then crank it again and it will fire? Could I have a short? I live in the irgin islands, it is often difficult to find a reputable mechanic.

[Dale Aeppli]

Originally Posted by dive

Having problems starting my cherokee. It will not crank. Had battery tested. Bench tested starter, it spins. I appear to be getting voltage to the selanoid when the key is turned. I used a wrenchand turned the crank to make sure it wasn't seized. It was tuff to turn. Prior to this, my right turn signal light came on, whenever I turned the lights on. Then two days ago, it seemed to crank pretty slow then started. Now it will not crank at all. Also, for years, it has had a sporadic problem......it will sometimes crank away, but not start, until you pop the hood, jiggle the wiring harness, then crank it again and it will fire? Could I have a short? I live in the irgin islands, it is often difficult to find a reputable mechanic.

I would check the wires that you wiggle and then it starts. Sounds like there maybe a short in those wires. Have you checked the battery terminals and the cables themselves. If they are orginal cables there maybe corrosion inside them causing a voltage drop. Also check the ground wires one at back of engine drivers side from motor to firewall,one small ground wire from battery ground cable to inside of passenger side fender. Does the engine turn over or not when you try to start it. Questions holler [email protected]

[mrbill3]

I agree with Dale, but I would also have the battery checked for cranking voltage.

[dive]

Originally Posted by mrbill3

I agree with Dale, but I would also have the battery checked for cranking voltage.

I took teh battery back to Western Auto/Advance Auto where I purchased it six months ago and they tested it. They placed it a machine for about 10-15 minutes and said it was fine??

[Dale Aeppli]

Originally Posted by dive

I took teh battery back to Western Auto/Advance Auto where I purchased it six months ago and they tested it. They placed it a machine for about 10-15 minutes and said it was fine??

Insure that the transmission is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual) and that the parking brake is applied.

Turn the ignition switch to the START position and listen for the starter relay to click. If a click is heard, the relay functioning correctly. If not, go to next step.

Connect a jumper wire from pin G on the relay to ground. Turn the ignition switch to START and listen for a click. If a click is heard, repair the short to ground. If not, go to next step.

With starter solenoid terminal (S) disconnected (prevent terminal from touching metal parts), test for battery voltage. If battery voltage is found, replace the relay. If battery voltage is not found, repair the short to the relay terminal (SOL). Give this a shot may help you out. questions holler [email protected]