Is it my starter or starter relay???

[stonewallguy]

My 88 GW will not start, when I switch the key, it will do nothing. If I jumper the relay from the positive battery terminal it will crank, if the key is switched on....Is it my relay, starter, or the selonoid on the starter?? Thanks for any help someone may have...

[BK]

I'm no expert but I would say if the engine cranks over it's not the starter.

[coolram]

I went thru this with my '88.It would start first thing in the morning then problems thru the day except starter would turn over fine after clicking a couple times.First thing I thought was starter relay.This wasn't the problem,but I left the new one on.I bought a new ignition switch and installed(also because I couldn't switch to accsy,but that was a rod adjustment)but again left the new one on.Now I'm feeling dumb just throwing parts at her.Ended up being the starter itself,solenoid was weak and the brushes were worn.Also check your battery connections,especially grounding(have a good block to frame ground).

[will e]

It should crank if you jump from the large post connected to the battery to the small post next to the large battery post. This can be done by laying a screwdriver from the large post to the small post. If it cranks then your solinoid is probaby good. If it doesn't then it is either your solinoid or starter. I would replace the solinoid first, it is cheap and easy to replace. If it doesn't fix your problem then you have a spare good one.

If the engine did crank from the above test take a volt meter to the small post next to the large battery post. When the ignition switch is in the START position this should have 12V going to it. If it doesn't then you need to check the ignition switch and wires. (check the wires first before you buy a switch),

[ May 06, 2003, 09:09 AM: Message edited by: will e ]

[stonewallguy]

Thanks for all your help. I replaced the starter relay again and it has started perfectly now at least 30 times and counting.

This site is really amazing, if there is a problem with your FSJ someone here has already solved it. They also are very willing to help anyone out.

Thanks

[will e]

One other thing I should note for the next person to try.

I got in my jeep the other day and it would not crank. Nothing. NADA. I 'shook' the transmission lever to make sure I was in PARK. Nothing. NADA.

While thinking about how I was going to jump the solinoid and what to do next I thought. 'Try it in Neutral'. Put it on the big N and the bad boy fired right up.

From then on it worked fine in PARK too.

If your truck won't start. Try putting it in Neutral. Only takes a second!!!!