Starter Problems

[Googenheimer]

I have a 94 XJ 4.0 that won't start. Let me clarify that. It won't even crank over. I turn the key and nothing happens (as far as the starter is concerned). It won't start in park or neutral. The battery is fully charged and the positive lead that goes to the starter shows that 12.7 or so volts is reaching the starter. The solenoid seemed to be the problem because I used to get it to start by hitting it a few times. Now however, no amount of beating it will get it to work. Here's the interesting thing though. Whenever I take the starter to get it tested it works fine the first try and passes all the tests. I've had it tested twice now, same thing each time. I've cleaned the motor off, as well as the contacts, and taken the solenoid off and cleaned it. After I cleaned it and put it back together the solenoid would engage with a click, but the motor wouldn't turn.
I'm wondering if there is a wire or connection that could keep it from getting the right amount of juice. I've replaced one of the battery terminals so neither are corroded and both are tight. I replaced the starter relay with a new one and had no luck. Anybody had the same issue. I would replace the starter but I'm just afraid of spending the money for a new one and not having it be the problem. Especially when this one has tested ok twice. Any ideas?

 

[Avanteone]

IF you are getting 12+ volts to the starter and it does nothing, it's the starter. By the time you get it out of the rig, maybe drop it on the ground, roll around in the back of your car, drop it on the bench, etc. at the parts store to test it, it probably would test OK That and their machine may put out just enough extra voltage to where it works while you're there. If you've go the power to the starter and no worky, then it's your problem.

J

 

[wraithblade]

Check both ends of your negative battery cable and make sure they're tight.

 

[Lodi Jim]

When starters start after "whacking them", that is your cue to replace it, or rebuild it.