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88 cherokee wont start....Little HELP!

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Old 09-14-2009 | 10:32 PM
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Joshman503's Avatar
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From: Salem, Oregon
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default 88 cherokee wont start....Little HELP!

Hey guys, first off been having trouble with the battery lately low power come to find the water level inside was low. filled it up works fine then just an hour ago i went out to leave and nothing the battery gauge reads normal when i go to crank its really slooow then nothing not clicking no nothing. this has happened before if i turn it off then try again sometimes it fires right up like it was a brand new car....Amy input would help thanks!!!

Few ideas -

bad battery?
bad battery cables?
possible starter problems?
Old 09-14-2009 | 10:37 PM
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1987XJ's Avatar
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From: Oak Harbor, Wa
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Renix
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check the cables and maybe get the starter tested
Old 09-15-2009 | 12:37 AM
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Your battery probably has a dead or weak cell in it.

Or the voltage regulator is overcharging the battery.

Having to add water indicates there is a problem.

Have your system load tested. NAPA can do it. Isolate the problem and repair it.
Old 09-18-2009 | 06:47 PM
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Alright i have replaced the battery ans the cables. Still have nothing i am suspecting maybe NSS switch? I have read up on it and im thinking about pulling it out and cleaning it.
Does this sound like im going in the right position? When i put it in neutral i get a click from what sounds like the starter then nothing.
Old 09-18-2009 | 08:56 PM
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Year: 1987
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Engine: 4cyl
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Neutral safety switch is an all or nothing when it goes bad you get nothing I've never heard of one causing slow turnover
Old 09-19-2009 | 02:01 PM
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Awe okay well thats what it was doing before i got nothing. It turn super slow. Did that for a week. And now its dead.
Old 09-23-2009 | 12:02 AM
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Year: 1988
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Default Still Need HELP!

so i tooka apart the NSS and cleaned her up real good greased it put it back in and still wont start...My reverse lights work now...but still no turn over. i get a click when i turn the key thats it.

What else could it be???
Old 09-25-2009 | 08:53 PM
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Year: 1989 2 door
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Engine: 4.0
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It sounds to me like it could be your starter solanoid or your voltage regulator. Are your wires going to your starter clean and free of any worn spots? My Chevy truck had a worn spot on it's positive lead that made it not start. The reason why I say voltage regulator is maybe it didn't flip back to run off the battery. Usually that would result in a constant clicking as it arc's though. You could but a meter at the starter connections to see if you get power there when trying to start?
Old 09-25-2009 | 09:35 PM
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Your main positive and/or negative battery wires could be corroded inside. The insulation hides this problem. Try replacing them with good quality new ones. Jeep dealer, or NAPA.

I have had it happen to me.
Old 09-26-2009 | 07:41 PM
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I hav replaced the positive wire. Ground looked okay so i left it. And still getting just a click when i turn the key.
Old 09-26-2009 | 08:20 PM
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From: Owensboro, Ky.
Year: 1998
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Get a new battery and maybe a new starter....
Old 09-26-2009 | 08:25 PM
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Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Get under the jeep and tap on the starter and see if it improves at all,either turn over or it may just click a little louder,the brushes get worn out and dust builds up on them,by tapping on it you remove the dust and provide a better connection,worth a try.
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