When attempting to start my vehicle it does nothing?

1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
131,968 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
GROSS, DANNY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The vehicle listed above is a Cherokee. The battery is fully charged, I've had the starter tested and it is good. My problem is it won't do anything when I try to start it. The dash lights come on when I turn the key on, and it makes a dinging sound. Also, my windows have stopped working.
Aug 21, 2022 at 10:01 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
The first thing we need to do is check the fuse #10 in the under-hood fuse panel and fuse #19 in the interior fuse panel. This guide will help and if they check out there is a starter relay, I would swap out in the under-hood fuse panel as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Here are the wiring diagrams for the starter system so you can see how it works. Let me know what you find please.
Aug 22, 2022 at 8:20 AM
Avatar
GROSS, DANNY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My inside fuse panel is behind the kick panel on the passenger side. There is also relays located above it.
Aug 25, 2022 at 7:36 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
Yep, sorry I must have the wrong year. here is the fuse panel and location.
Aug 26, 2022 at 5:06 AM
Avatar
GROSS, DANNY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks, the only fuse I have for the starter checks fine when I tested the ohms. I also swapped out the relay and still won't crank. I checked to see if there was voltage getting the start wire at the starter and there is. When my wife turned the key to start, I heard the starter drive kick out engaging the flywheel but nothing else happened and it only does that once but will do that again after a few seconds.
Aug 29, 2022 at 4:21 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
Okay, this means the starter motor is no good or the engine is locked up, I would use a breaker bar on the front of the engine to see if it turns by hand and if so change out the starter motor. Here are the directions in the images below.
Aug 30, 2022 at 5:03 AM
Avatar
GROSS, DANNY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have an 87 Jeep Cherokee that uses the same starter, so I swapped them out and does the same thing, I also turned the crank to make sure it wasn't locked up.
Aug 30, 2022 at 10:40 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
Okay, this just leaves the battery cables. I would do the positive one first.
Aug 31, 2022 at 5:01 AM
Avatar
GROSS, DANNY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you very much. It was a battery cable.
Aug 31, 2022 at 9:08 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Sep 2, 2022 at 2:17 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.