Re: 02 Won't Start
 

Thanks Mike. I just got back in from the "thump" test. No Joy.
Measuring across the battery terminals, I got 12.54vdc. I turned the key to
start with the meter connected, and it dropped to 11.45vdc, slowly returning
to about 12.15vdc. I don't know if that's severe, but I have the charger on
the disconnected battery now to see what happens. Will check the solenoid
connections while it's charging and let you know what happens in about an
hour.
Oh, I find no hot spots in the circuit.
Thanks
D

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:46a21dd5$0$32395$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosti ng.com...
> I would give the starter a good thump with a rubber mallet or a chunk of
> 2x4 or a tire iron or a brick or whatever I had and then try it.
>
> If it then starts, the starter is in need of new brushes.
>
> If there is a bad connection, the bad place 'usually' will get hot after
> a few tries at starting from the arcing. You can 'carefully' feel the
> cable ends for heat to check this.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile...
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> D wrote:
> > I need to mention too that the lights do not dim in the least when I
turn
> > the key to start. That would indicate an open to me, but then again,
here I
> > am asking.
> > Thanks.
> > D
> >
> > "L.W. (Bill) ------ III" <LWBill------@------.net> wrote in message
> > news:46a17425$0$16397$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
> >> My Wife's was put together without a lock washer on the positive
> > battery
> >> cable to the solenoid sitting on the starter. Back it off first to
> > dislodge
> >> whatever that stuff is that is made when electricity arcs, that doesn't
> >> allow conductivity, then retighten.
> >> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> >> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> >>
> >> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
> >> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> >>> Hi All,
> >>> I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a
small
> >>> click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
> >>> First thing to check before I look for my manual?
> >>> Thanks
> >>> D
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
> >>
> >
> >

Re: 02 Won't Start
 

Thanks Mike. I just got back in from the "thump" test. No Joy.
Measuring across the battery terminals, I got 12.54vdc. I turned the key to
start with the meter connected, and it dropped to 11.45vdc, slowly returning
to about 12.15vdc. I don't know if that's severe, but I have the charger on
the disconnected battery now to see what happens. Will check the solenoid
connections while it's charging and let you know what happens in about an
hour.
Oh, I find no hot spots in the circuit.
Thanks
D

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:46a21dd5$0$32395$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosti ng.com...
> I would give the starter a good thump with a rubber mallet or a chunk of
> 2x4 or a tire iron or a brick or whatever I had and then try it.
>
> If it then starts, the starter is in need of new brushes.
>
> If there is a bad connection, the bad place 'usually' will get hot after
> a few tries at starting from the arcing. You can 'carefully' feel the
> cable ends for heat to check this.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile...
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> D wrote:
> > I need to mention too that the lights do not dim in the least when I
turn
> > the key to start. That would indicate an open to me, but then again,
here I
> > am asking.
> > Thanks.
> > D
> >
> > "L.W. (Bill) ------ III" <LWBill------@------.net> wrote in message
> > news:46a17425$0$16397$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
> >> My Wife's was put together without a lock washer on the positive
> > battery
> >> cable to the solenoid sitting on the starter. Back it off first to
> > dislodge
> >> whatever that stuff is that is made when electricity arcs, that doesn't
> >> allow conductivity, then retighten.
> >> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> >> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> >>
> >> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
> >> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> >>> Hi All,
> >>> I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a
small
> >>> click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
> >>> First thing to check before I look for my manual?
> >>> Thanks
> >>> D
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
> >>
> >
> >

Re: 02 Won't Start
 

Thanks Mike. I just got back in from the "thump" test. No Joy.
Measuring across the battery terminals, I got 12.54vdc. I turned the key to
start with the meter connected, and it dropped to 11.45vdc, slowly returning
to about 12.15vdc. I don't know if that's severe, but I have the charger on
the disconnected battery now to see what happens. Will check the solenoid
connections while it's charging and let you know what happens in about an
hour.
Oh, I find no hot spots in the circuit.
Thanks
D

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:46a21dd5$0$32395$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosti ng.com...
> I would give the starter a good thump with a rubber mallet or a chunk of
> 2x4 or a tire iron or a brick or whatever I had and then try it.
>
> If it then starts, the starter is in need of new brushes.
>
> If there is a bad connection, the bad place 'usually' will get hot after
> a few tries at starting from the arcing. You can 'carefully' feel the
> cable ends for heat to check this.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile...
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> D wrote:
> > I need to mention too that the lights do not dim in the least when I
turn
> > the key to start. That would indicate an open to me, but then again,
here I
> > am asking.
> > Thanks.
> > D
> >
> > "L.W. (Bill) ------ III" <LWBill------@------.net> wrote in message
> > news:46a17425$0$16397$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
> >> My Wife's was put together without a lock washer on the positive
> > battery
> >> cable to the solenoid sitting on the starter. Back it off first to
> > dislodge
> >> whatever that stuff is that is made when electricity arcs, that doesn't
> >> allow conductivity, then retighten.
> >> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> >> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> >>
> >> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
> >> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> >>> Hi All,
> >>> I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a
small
> >>> click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
> >>> First thing to check before I look for my manual?
> >>> Thanks
> >>> D
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
> >>
> >
> >

Re: 02 Won't Start
 

That 'should' be an OK battery with a starter issue from those readings.

Mike

D wrote:
> Thanks Mike. I just got back in from the "thump" test. No Joy.
> Measuring across the battery terminals, I got 12.54vdc. I turned the key to
> start with the meter connected, and it dropped to 11.45vdc, slowly returning
> to about 12.15vdc. I don't know if that's severe, but I have the charger on
> the disconnected battery now to see what happens. Will check the solenoid
> connections while it's charging and let you know what happens in about an
> hour.
> Oh, I find no hot spots in the circuit.
> Thanks
> D
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:46a21dd5$0$32395$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosti ng.com...
>> I would give the starter a good thump with a rubber mallet or a chunk of
>> 2x4 or a tire iron or a brick or whatever I had and then try it.
>>
>> If it then starts, the starter is in need of new brushes.
>>
>> If there is a bad connection, the bad place 'usually' will get hot after
>> a few tries at starting from the arcing. You can 'carefully' feel the
>> cable ends for heat to check this.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile...
>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>>
>> D wrote:
>>> I need to mention too that the lights do not dim in the least when I
> turn
>>> the key to start. That would indicate an open to me, but then again,
> here I
>>> am asking.
>>> Thanks.
>>> D
>>>
>>> "L.W. (Bill) ------ III" <LWBill------@------.net> wrote in message
>>> news:46a17425$0$16397$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
>>>> My Wife's was put together without a lock washer on the positive
>>> battery
>>>> cable to the solenoid sitting on the starter. Back it off first to
>>> dislodge
>>>> whatever that stuff is that is made when electricity arcs, that doesn't
>>>> allow conductivity, then retighten.
>>>> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
>>>> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>>>>
>>>> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>> I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a
> small
>>>>> click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
>>>>> First thing to check before I look for my manual?
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>> D
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
>>>>
>>>
>
>

Re: 02 Won't Start
 

That 'should' be an OK battery with a starter issue from those readings.

Mike

D wrote:
> Thanks Mike. I just got back in from the "thump" test. No Joy.
> Measuring across the battery terminals, I got 12.54vdc. I turned the key to
> start with the meter connected, and it dropped to 11.45vdc, slowly returning
> to about 12.15vdc. I don't know if that's severe, but I have the charger on
> the disconnected battery now to see what happens. Will check the solenoid
> connections while it's charging and let you know what happens in about an
> hour.
> Oh, I find no hot spots in the circuit.
> Thanks
> D
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:46a21dd5$0$32395$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosti ng.com...
>> I would give the starter a good thump with a rubber mallet or a chunk of
>> 2x4 or a tire iron or a brick or whatever I had and then try it.
>>
>> If it then starts, the starter is in need of new brushes.
>>
>> If there is a bad connection, the bad place 'usually' will get hot after
>> a few tries at starting from the arcing. You can 'carefully' feel the
>> cable ends for heat to check this.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile...
>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>>
>> D wrote:
>>> I need to mention too that the lights do not dim in the least when I
> turn
>>> the key to start. That would indicate an open to me, but then again,
> here I
>>> am asking.
>>> Thanks.
>>> D
>>>
>>> "L.W. (Bill) ------ III" <LWBill------@------.net> wrote in message
>>> news:46a17425$0$16397$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
>>>> My Wife's was put together without a lock washer on the positive
>>> battery
>>>> cable to the solenoid sitting on the starter. Back it off first to
>>> dislodge
>>>> whatever that stuff is that is made when electricity arcs, that doesn't
>>>> allow conductivity, then retighten.
>>>> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
>>>> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>>>>
>>>> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>> I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a
> small
>>>>> click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
>>>>> First thing to check before I look for my manual?
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>> D
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
>>>>
>>>
>
>

Re: 02 Won't Start
 

That 'should' be an OK battery with a starter issue from those readings.

Mike

D wrote:
> Thanks Mike. I just got back in from the "thump" test. No Joy.
> Measuring across the battery terminals, I got 12.54vdc. I turned the key to
> start with the meter connected, and it dropped to 11.45vdc, slowly returning
> to about 12.15vdc. I don't know if that's severe, but I have the charger on
> the disconnected battery now to see what happens. Will check the solenoid
> connections while it's charging and let you know what happens in about an
> hour.
> Oh, I find no hot spots in the circuit.
> Thanks
> D
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:46a21dd5$0$32395$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosti ng.com...
>> I would give the starter a good thump with a rubber mallet or a chunk of
>> 2x4 or a tire iron or a brick or whatever I had and then try it.
>>
>> If it then starts, the starter is in need of new brushes.
>>
>> If there is a bad connection, the bad place 'usually' will get hot after
>> a few tries at starting from the arcing. You can 'carefully' feel the
>> cable ends for heat to check this.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile...
>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>>
>> D wrote:
>>> I need to mention too that the lights do not dim in the least when I
> turn
>>> the key to start. That would indicate an open to me, but then again,
> here I
>>> am asking.
>>> Thanks.
>>> D
>>>
>>> "L.W. (Bill) ------ III" <LWBill------@------.net> wrote in message
>>> news:46a17425$0$16397$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
>>>> My Wife's was put together without a lock washer on the positive
>>> battery
>>>> cable to the solenoid sitting on the starter. Back it off first to
>>> dislodge
>>>> whatever that stuff is that is made when electricity arcs, that doesn't
>>>> allow conductivity, then retighten.
>>>> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
>>>> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>>>>
>>>> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>> I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a
> small
>>>>> click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
>>>>> First thing to check before I look for my manual?
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>> D
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
>>>>
>>>
>
>

Re: 02 Won't Start
 

That 'should' be an OK battery with a starter issue from those readings.

Mike

D wrote:
> Thanks Mike. I just got back in from the "thump" test. No Joy.
> Measuring across the battery terminals, I got 12.54vdc. I turned the key to
> start with the meter connected, and it dropped to 11.45vdc, slowly returning
> to about 12.15vdc. I don't know if that's severe, but I have the charger on
> the disconnected battery now to see what happens. Will check the solenoid
> connections while it's charging and let you know what happens in about an
> hour.
> Oh, I find no hot spots in the circuit.
> Thanks
> D
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:46a21dd5$0$32395$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosti ng.com...
>> I would give the starter a good thump with a rubber mallet or a chunk of
>> 2x4 or a tire iron or a brick or whatever I had and then try it.
>>
>> If it then starts, the starter is in need of new brushes.
>>
>> If there is a bad connection, the bad place 'usually' will get hot after
>> a few tries at starting from the arcing. You can 'carefully' feel the
>> cable ends for heat to check this.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile...
>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>>
>> D wrote:
>>> I need to mention too that the lights do not dim in the least when I
> turn
>>> the key to start. That would indicate an open to me, but then again,
> here I
>>> am asking.
>>> Thanks.
>>> D
>>>
>>> "L.W. (Bill) ------ III" <LWBill------@------.net> wrote in message
>>> news:46a17425$0$16397$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
>>>> My Wife's was put together without a lock washer on the positive
>>> battery
>>>> cable to the solenoid sitting on the starter. Back it off first to
>>> dislodge
>>>> whatever that stuff is that is made when electricity arcs, that doesn't
>>>> allow conductivity, then retighten.
>>>> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
>>>> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>>>>
>>>> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>> I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a
> small
>>>>> click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
>>>>> First thing to check before I look for my manual?
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>> D
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
>>>>
>>>
>
>

Re: 02 Won't Start- Addendum
 

There should be a +12 feed right from the battery to the solenoid
whether or not the key is on.

This is the huge wire that carries way too much current to be switched
by the key, the starter relay etc. The solenoid is what switches this
high current 12 volts to the starter when you turn the key to start...it
is just a very large high current relay.

Your ignition switch has two circuits that control the starter.

The ground side of the ignition switch signal is routed through the
park/neutral switch on an automatic transmission. If that circuit is
open your starter relay will not close.

The hot side of the ignition switch signal heads for the small starter
relay. The starter relay will send +12 to the starter solenoid when you
turn the switch to start...if none of the interlocks prevent this.

Your solenoid always has +12 on it while the battery is connected. The
small +12 wire from the starter relay is used to switch the solenoid so
the high current 12 v goes to the starter. If you have a big sears or
similar screwdriver, you can turn on your solenoid by jumpering the big
red wire to the output to the starter. If that turns over the engine,
then one of the interlocks, the ignition switch, the start relay etc. is
the culprit. If you cannot turn the engine over with a direct jump
across the solenoid, you have a bad cable, which includes the ground
side of your battery.

Common mistake in diagnosing is to check voltages from the connector at
the battery... need to use the posts themselves.

Your problem sounds somewhat like an interlock, which can be a real bear
to isolate unless you have friends and a long diagnostic jumper wire or
take a spare starter relay apart and jump across it.

However, check the big cabling first.

With someone helping by turning the starter on, measure the voltages to
ground and to the starter solenoid large wire.

From the ground post on the battery to the engine and then again to the
body, you should see well under 0.2 volts with the switch to start.

Then check from the positive post to the solenoid, again with switch to
start, you should see well under 0.2 volts.

Any point where you see more than 0.1 volt is a big red flag of a bad
cable or connection.


D proclaimed:

> All,
> I did a voltage check across the two connections on the strarter solenoid
> and have 12.5vdc with the key off. By looking in the manual, that should not
> have voltage until the key is turned to the start position. Is that right? I
> thought the negative side got it's ground through the engine starter relay
> in the power distribution center.
> I failed to clarify in my earlier post that I get no action from the starter
> motor.
> Thanks
> D
>
> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
>>Hi All,
>>I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a small
>>click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
>>First thing to check before I look for my manual?
>>Thanks
>>D
>
>
>

Re: 02 Won't Start- Addendum
 

There should be a +12 feed right from the battery to the solenoid
whether or not the key is on.

This is the huge wire that carries way too much current to be switched
by the key, the starter relay etc. The solenoid is what switches this
high current 12 volts to the starter when you turn the key to start...it
is just a very large high current relay.

Your ignition switch has two circuits that control the starter.

The ground side of the ignition switch signal is routed through the
park/neutral switch on an automatic transmission. If that circuit is
open your starter relay will not close.

The hot side of the ignition switch signal heads for the small starter
relay. The starter relay will send +12 to the starter solenoid when you
turn the switch to start...if none of the interlocks prevent this.

Your solenoid always has +12 on it while the battery is connected. The
small +12 wire from the starter relay is used to switch the solenoid so
the high current 12 v goes to the starter. If you have a big sears or
similar screwdriver, you can turn on your solenoid by jumpering the big
red wire to the output to the starter. If that turns over the engine,
then one of the interlocks, the ignition switch, the start relay etc. is
the culprit. If you cannot turn the engine over with a direct jump
across the solenoid, you have a bad cable, which includes the ground
side of your battery.

Common mistake in diagnosing is to check voltages from the connector at
the battery... need to use the posts themselves.

Your problem sounds somewhat like an interlock, which can be a real bear
to isolate unless you have friends and a long diagnostic jumper wire or
take a spare starter relay apart and jump across it.

However, check the big cabling first.

With someone helping by turning the starter on, measure the voltages to
ground and to the starter solenoid large wire.

From the ground post on the battery to the engine and then again to the
body, you should see well under 0.2 volts with the switch to start.

Then check from the positive post to the solenoid, again with switch to
start, you should see well under 0.2 volts.

Any point where you see more than 0.1 volt is a big red flag of a bad
cable or connection.


D proclaimed:

> All,
> I did a voltage check across the two connections on the strarter solenoid
> and have 12.5vdc with the key off. By looking in the manual, that should not
> have voltage until the key is turned to the start position. Is that right? I
> thought the negative side got it's ground through the engine starter relay
> in the power distribution center.
> I failed to clarify in my earlier post that I get no action from the starter
> motor.
> Thanks
> D
>
> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
>>Hi All,
>>I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a small
>>click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
>>First thing to check before I look for my manual?
>>Thanks
>>D
>
>
>

Re: 02 Won't Start- Addendum
 

There should be a +12 feed right from the battery to the solenoid
whether or not the key is on.

This is the huge wire that carries way too much current to be switched
by the key, the starter relay etc. The solenoid is what switches this
high current 12 volts to the starter when you turn the key to start...it
is just a very large high current relay.

Your ignition switch has two circuits that control the starter.

The ground side of the ignition switch signal is routed through the
park/neutral switch on an automatic transmission. If that circuit is
open your starter relay will not close.

The hot side of the ignition switch signal heads for the small starter
relay. The starter relay will send +12 to the starter solenoid when you
turn the switch to start...if none of the interlocks prevent this.

Your solenoid always has +12 on it while the battery is connected. The
small +12 wire from the starter relay is used to switch the solenoid so
the high current 12 v goes to the starter. If you have a big sears or
similar screwdriver, you can turn on your solenoid by jumpering the big
red wire to the output to the starter. If that turns over the engine,
then one of the interlocks, the ignition switch, the start relay etc. is
the culprit. If you cannot turn the engine over with a direct jump
across the solenoid, you have a bad cable, which includes the ground
side of your battery.

Common mistake in diagnosing is to check voltages from the connector at
the battery... need to use the posts themselves.

Your problem sounds somewhat like an interlock, which can be a real bear
to isolate unless you have friends and a long diagnostic jumper wire or
take a spare starter relay apart and jump across it.

However, check the big cabling first.

With someone helping by turning the starter on, measure the voltages to
ground and to the starter solenoid large wire.

From the ground post on the battery to the engine and then again to the
body, you should see well under 0.2 volts with the switch to start.

Then check from the positive post to the solenoid, again with switch to
start, you should see well under 0.2 volts.

Any point where you see more than 0.1 volt is a big red flag of a bad
cable or connection.


D proclaimed:

> All,
> I did a voltage check across the two connections on the strarter solenoid
> and have 12.5vdc with the key off. By looking in the manual, that should not
> have voltage until the key is turned to the start position. Is that right? I
> thought the negative side got it's ground through the engine starter relay
> in the power distribution center.
> I failed to clarify in my earlier post that I get no action from the starter
> motor.
> Thanks
> D
>
> "D" <none@none.com> wrote in message
> news:46a14eb6$0$30603$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
>>Hi All,
>>I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee, 4.7 V-8. Went to start it and only a small
>>click from under the hood. Jumping the battery was no joy.
>>First thing to check before I look for my manual?
>>Thanks
>>D
>
>
>