Why is My Jeep Cherokee Just Clicking and Not Starting?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

Jeep Cherokee Not Starting Just Clicking is a common issue experienced by Jeep Cherokee owners. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors such as a faulty starter, electrical connection problems, or even a bad battery. When this occurs, the engine will make a clicking sound when the key is turned in the ignition but won’t start up. To resolve this issue, it’s important to first diagnose what exactly is causing it. First, inspect the battery terminals and connections to make sure they are clean and tight. If all looks good, then check the starter to make sure it’s working properly. If the starter is faulty, then it must be replaced. Lastly, if all else fails, an auto electrician should be consulted to properly diagnose and repair any underlying electrical issues.

Automobile: Jeep Cherokee Not Starting Just Clicking

When your Jeep Cherokee isn’t starting, it can be a frustrating and potentially costly experience. One of the most common issues is the engine clicking but not starting. It’s likely related to one of the following issues: battery, starter, ignition switch, or poor connections. To help you troubleshoot this problem and get your Jeep back on the road, here are some tips to diagnose and fix a Jeep Cherokee not starting just clicking.

Check the Battery

The first step is to check the battery for any problems. Start by testing the voltage level with a multimeter or voltmeter. If the voltage level is low, it could be an indication that there is an issue with the battery or its connections. Check for any corrosion or rust on the terminals and clean off any deposits that may be preventing a proper connection.

If all looks okay but still no power, then you may need to replace the battery altogether. This will require professional help as you will need special tools to disconnect and reconnect the cables safely without damaging them in any way.

Check Starter Issues

If everything looks good with the battery then it’s time to move onto checking for starter issues. The starter is responsible for turning over the engine when you turn on your key, so if it doesn’t work then your Jeep won’t start no matter how much power you have in your battery.

To test this out, try gently tapping on the starter motor with a hammer or other tool while someone else turns on your key in an attempt to start up your engine. If this works then there may be something wrong with either your starter motor itself or its connections which will require further investigation by a professional mechanic.

Inspect Ignition Switch Issues

Another potential cause of your Jeep not starting is an issue with its ignition switch. This part controls when power flows from your battery into other electrical components like lights and accessories as well as engaging spark plugs so fuel can ignite inside cylinders of your engine to make it run. If there are any problems here then all these things won’t work correctly leading to no start situation in your vehicle.

Inspecting this part requires removing it from its housing and looking at contacts as well as wiring harnesses that connect it up to other components such as relays and fuses within car’s electrical system – something that should only be done by experienced mechanics due to complexity of job involved here and possibility of damaging something while inspecting ignition switch itself otherwise!

Check Poor Connections

Finally, one more thing you can inspect yourself before calling in an expert mechanic for help is checking for poor connections between various parts in car’s electrical system – especially those related directly or indirectly with starting process itself (such as ignition switch). Look at all wires leading into/out from each component involved here (including relays if present) making sure none are loose/damaged/corroded etc… which could prevent power from flowing properly into various parts needed during starting process thus causing clicking sound but no actual movement from engine itself!

Diagnosing the Problem with a Jeep Cherokee That Simply Clicks When Trying to Start

If your Jeep Cherokee is simply clicking when you try to start it, then it’s time to diagnose the problem. The first step is to determine if the problem is with the battery, ignition switch, starter motor and solenoid, or other components of the starting system. To do this you will need to check each component of the system one at a time.

Checking the Battery

The first component you should check is the battery. The battery can be checked by using a simple multimeter or a voltmeter. If the voltage reading is below 12.6 volts then you should replace it as it has insufficient power to turn over the engine. If you find that there are no issues with the battery then you can move on to checking other components of the system.

Checking the Starter Motor and Solenoid

The next component to check if your Jeep Cherokee simply clicks when trying to start is the starter motor and solenoid. The starter motor can be tested by removing it from its mounting bracket and connecting it directly to a power source such as a car battery or jumper cables. If the starter motor spins when connected directly then you know that there is sufficient power available and that there may be an issue with either the solenoid or another component in between them such as wiring or connections.

Checking the Ignition Switch and Connections

Once you have determined that there are no issues with either the battery or starter motor then you should inspect all of your wiring connections and make sure they are secure and free of corrosion. You should also check your ignition switch for any signs of damage or wear as this could be causing your Jeep Cherokee not to start just clicking. Finally, if all else fails then you may need to test for voltage drops in your starting system using an ammeter in order to pinpoint any issues that might be occurring between components within your starting system.

Replacing Components of a Jeep Cherokee That May Be Causing It Not To Start Just Clicking

Once you have identified what component may be causing your Jeep Cherokee not to start just clicking then it’s time to replace it. The most common parts that need replacing are either batteries, starter motors, and solenoids but depending on what tests were conducted other components such as ignition switches or wiring connections may also need replacing in order for your vehicle’s starting system to function properly once again.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the common issues that can cause a Jeep Cherokee not to start just clicking?
A: Common issues that can cause a Jeep Cherokee not to start just clicking include battery issues, starter issues, ignition switch issues, and poor connections.

Q: How can I troubleshoot the issue of my Jeep Cherokee not starting just clicking?
A: To troubleshoot the issue of a Jeep Cherokee not starting just clicking, you should check the battery, check the starter motor and solenoid, check the ignition switch and connections, and test for voltage drops in the starting system.

Q: What components may need to be replaced if my Jeep Cherokee is not starting just clicking?
A: If your Jeep Cherokee is not starting just clicking, components that may need to be replaced include the battery and the starter motor and solenoid.

Q: What should I do if I am unable to replace these components myself?
A: If you are unable to replace these components yourself, you should seek professional assistance from an auto mechanic or dealership.

Q: What other steps can I take if my Jeep Cherokee is still not starting after following these tips?
A: If your Jeep Cherokee is still not starting after following these tips, you may need to further investigate potential electrical issues or consult a qualified mechanic for assistance.

In conclusion, it is important to properly diagnose the cause of a Jeep Cherokee not starting just clicking before attempting any repairs. It could be something as simple as a faulty connection or as complex as a faulty starter motor. In either case, it is important to use the correct diagnostic tools and procedures to ensure that the correct repairs are made. If done correctly, this should ensure that the vehicle will start and run reliably for many miles and years to come.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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