No start but not a starter problem
Our 99 XJ Cherokee was stranded in the middle of the driveway when I can home yesterday. Turning the key made the solenoid click but did not engage the starter motor.
The battery voltage was fine so I assumed the starter had failed. I tried the normal hammer tapping method but still got no start.
I had to pull the starter in the driveway. With it off, I took it to the shop to test. It tested fine. I was puzzled so I reinstalled it on the Jeep.
Still the solenoid would click but not starter motor activity.
I then checked the voltage at the wires and they both had 12 V.
I then wiggled the cables at the battery and tried again. This time it started up fine. Somehow the crimp of the wire that leads from the battery to the starter had corroded and would show voltage but not transfer any current to run the motor.
I used vise grips to recrimp the connector and the Jeep started up just fine. Hopefully, it will continue to