Ok, I have looked all over the forum, and haven't found anything that's quite similar to my problem. My jeep started fine this morning, ran a few errands, came back about 5 hours later, and it was having trouble starting. It was chugging along, but wouldn't turn over. After about 2-3 minutes of that, I gave it a break because the starter started sounding a bit sluggish. I tried again, and all it's doing is clicking! I did notice that the starter was burningly hot to the touch, as well as the 'hot' lead from the battery. The solenoid is clicking all right, but the starter won't engage now.

I checked the battery, charge is just fine. I've checked the relays, but nothing seems amiss (btw, how can you tell if you fried a relay? Can you tell with just a visual inspection?), and I've checked all the fuses in the cockpit area (1988 Cherokee 4.0L Laredo). What have I done to my car??? Any suggestions on what needs replacing, and I would REALLLLLY appreciate it as this is my DD. I'll post pics of the engine if needed.

 

sounds like your fuel pump fuse or pump went check for fuel at rail.... next time do not crank for longer the 15 -30 seconds at most u can fry your starter and/or create a wiring fire

 

had the same problem...it is your starter...I took mine off took it to advance had them test it it tested ok...I bought a new one anyhow because I tried everything else...sure enough it was the starter..now it starts way faster than before

 

how much corrosion is on your battery? and are the terminals tight?

my dads gf had a loose ground wire and it made her speedo not work but everything else worked fine

 

thanks very much all. my wife said she noticed a small puff of smoke when the car stopped turning over before it just started clicking. I was hoping it wasn't the starter, but is sounds like it probably is. I've never put in a new starter, is it very difficult or expensive?

 

It's pretty easy. A couple of wires to unhook and there are 2 bolts holding the starter to the vehicle.

 

oh good, i was hoping nothing too serious. now just gotta go JY diving!! yay =[

while I'm at it, is it possible to put in a bigger/higher charge battery without damaging anything? Or maybe a solar conditioner? Anyone have any experience with those?

 

bigger battery is okay, get you a red top optima, also wouldnt get a starter from junkyard, just get you one from oreily's wouldnt get one from autozone or advanced, every part like that ive gotten from AZ always craps out too soon, if you get an oriely's youll be happier

 

Your starter is toast. Replace it. Pretty easy.

 

Have you load tested the battery and checked the voltage while under a load? You need a DVOM or a VAT40 to check the starting and charging system correctly. It may just be a battery going bad, how old is it? If it is 3-4 years old and a lead/acid battery, plan on replacing it. Battery that is failing will mimic a bad starter.

 

Would not run out and buy a starter just yet. It sounds like worn contacts on the solenoid. $20 vs $68 at the cheapest. Some would just say what the hell and get the entire thing. Unless you go to eBay many parts stores won't carry it in stock separately. Up to you !

 

I had a similar problem a few weeks ago. The starter was turning but was sluggish it would turn and was getting really hot and the engine wouldn't start. I took the starter motor off and tested it and it span but when I had a look at it and the rear bushing was shot and the rotor was rubbing on the case and I got the starter off the wrecked jeep in my garage and problem solved.

 

Great catch. Given the difference in cost usinga rebuilt unit and duplication of labor it may just be better to replace the entire starter. That's what I'm doing today.

 

Make sure if your starter is coated in engine oil, fix the leak!!

 

Sorry wrong thread.