Ok I am having a problem with my 88 Jeep cherokee and its driving me crazy. Here is my story. Went wheeling and hit some silty mud. ( this was awhile ago) I got home and starter her up after a few months (my throttle position sensor has been bad for awhile so I have to unplug for high idle) She started and i drove her down to the house and started hosing off the radiator make sure there was no silt in it. She died. Finally got her started (played with throttle position sensor)and parked her in her normal spot. I shut her off and she hasnt started since, When I turn the key she clicks and the starter tries to turn over then click over and over again. If I leave the ignition on i can turn over the engine by jumping the starter with a screwdriver so i know its not the starter. I cranked it over a bunch and got it started but she misfires and dies.

I replace the starter solenoid, throttle position sensor and crank position sensor.

Printed schematics and chasing wires.

One strange thing my jeep does is I have to turn the key to run stop wait for the fuel pump to run then turn the key to start and it starts. If i turn the key to start really fast like normal cars she wont do anything. (FYI)

Thank You for your help.

 

That may be two problem. Leaving the key I the on position primes the fuel pump which likely means that the fuel pump needs to be replaced. It could just be a clogged fuel filter.
What are the Ohms across the wire for the starter and frm the positive terminal to the starter? I would guess that some of this silt is between the connections to the start or that the wire isn't good anymore. I'd could still be the starter no lt ejecting.

 

I forgot to mention I replace the battery terminal wire that goes from the battery to the starter. I have not tested the switch wire yet. I will try that.

The fuel pump being bad will cause the starter to click?

 

No. I would not worry about the fuel pump just yet. From your original description it sounds like your battery voltage is borderline (or the connections to it are causing voltage drop due to corrosion), and when the fuel pump and starter are engaged at the same time the voltage is dropping to a level that is not strong enough to engage the starter solenoid. So you get the dreaded starter solenoid click/clicking, which is basically the voltage engaging the solenoid, but as soon as the start starts to draw amperage, the voltage instantly drops and the solenoid clicks back open, then the voltage is back (because the starter is no longer drawing) and the the process repeats a few times until the voltage is too low to even engage the solenoid for more than one 1 click.

 

ok i went to the hardware store and got some much needed alligator clips!!
Ok first I have 12.8 volts battery

starter solenoid wires going down right side
Top fuel Pump
middle starter solenoid
bottom ignition signal

starer solenoid other side
ground wire

I tested the ground wire and its good. I unplugged the starter wire and ran a new wire with my alligator clips still the same and tested for continuity all good. I swapped the fuel pump top wire with the bottom. as soon as i turn the key to ignition on the jeep cranks over like crazy!!!! Swapped the fuel pump wire back and left the signal wire un done. I ran a jumper wire from the bottom ignition signal to my hand. Turned the ignition on then touch the alligator clip to battery. I hear the buzzing sound and i hear one of the relays click.

Any ideas?

 

 

The relay is brand new!!!
ok i pulled the fuel pump relay (so NO fuel pump relay in the slot) and the engine cranks perfect (no fuel pump sound). I swapped the relays around and it makes that buzzing noise with any one of the for relays in slot 2 from the battery.

 

I watched that video already!!!

 

So how many volts are you getting form the neutral safety switch?

 

How do I test the voltage from the neutral safety switch?

 

If ur saying the starter solenoid is clicking in and out, but the starter motor wont fully engage, that means insufficient Amps are being be supplied..maybe +100 Amps to turn the engine

If that only occurs only when ANOTHER circuit is engaged, it is logically most likely it is THAT circuit that is parasiting the current

..or you could have multiple faults.

It is possible your starter is filled with silt and is resisting enough to cause excessive current draw

You do need to perform "Voltage Drop" tests, and it would probably be worth dismantling and cleaning starter motor, if u havent already

 

So there's a short in the circuit to the fuel pump. Climb under there and check it out.

Is this what your fuel pump looks like?

 

Not so strange. Start spraying the tank hangers with PB and empty out the gas tank.

 

I thought you could change the fuel pump on an XJ without dropping the tank ???

 

Some (like mine) you have to drop the tank, but after reviewing old posts I believe OP has a 1988 and uses the above pump, so yeah, piece o'cake.