Starting System: Other Jeep Cherokee III

STARTER SHIMMING (2.5L)

Starter motor shims can be added or removed to correct starter noise. Shim thickness is .015" (.381 mm). Shims may be stacked if additional thickness is necessary. Identify symptom and repair as necessary.

High Frequency Whine Before Engine Starts; Engine Starts Okay

Probable cause is excessive distance between pinion gear and flywheel/drive plate gear. To repair, move starter motor toward flywheel/drive plate by removing starter shim(s), if possible.

High Frequency Whine After Engine Starts With Ignition Key Released; Engine Starts Okay

Probable cause is insufficient distance between pinion gear and flywheel/drive plate gear. Noise may be intermittent. To repair, move starter motor away from flywheel/drive plate by adding starter shim(s). Inspect for damage, excessive wear and excessive runout. Replace flywheel/drive plate as necessary.

Cherokee

1. If vehicle is equipped with M/T, go to next step. If vehicle is equipped with A/T, go to step 10.
2. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Ensure vehicle is in Neutral and parking brake is applied. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). PDC is located in engine compartment. Refer to PDC label for starter relay identification. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals C6 and C9. (Scheme 3) If engine cranks, go to next step. If engine does not crank, go to step 6.
3. Using DVOM, check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C6 (Yellow wire). (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring from starter relay connector to battery. Recheck system.
4. Depress clutch. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C8 (Yellow wire) with ignition switch in START position. (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open circuit between ignition switch and relay connector. Recheck system.
5. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay connector terminal C6 (Black/White wire) and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms and no problems are found, replace starter relay. Recheck system. (Scheme 3) If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open circuit.
6. Check battery cables for voltage drop. See «FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS»(ref-91677-S00306519872001032700000). If no problem is found, go to next step. If excessive resistance is found, repair as necessary. Recheck system.
7. Ensure starter relay is removed. Disconnect Brown wire from starter solenoid. Using DVOM, measure resistance of Brown wire between starter relay connector terminal C9 and starter solenoid. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open Brown wire. Recheck system.
8. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C6 (Yellow wire). (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring between starter relay connector and battery. Recheck system.
9. Depress clutch. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C8 (Yellow wire) with ignition switch in START position. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. (Scheme 3) If battery voltage does not exist, repair open circuit between ignition switch and starter relay connector. Recheck system.
10. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Ensure transmission is in Park. Using scan tool, select INPUTS/OUTPUTS. Check Park/Neutral Position (PNP). If PARK/NEUTRAL is displayed, go to next step. If PARK/NEUTRAL is not displayed, see DTC P1899: P/N SWITCH PERFORMANCE (A/T) under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - CHEROKEE article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
11. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals C6 (Yellow wire) and C9 (Brown wire). (Scheme 3) If engine cranks, go to next step. If engine does not crank, go to step 13.
12. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay connector terminal C6 (Black/White wire) and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace starter relay. (Scheme 3) If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open Black/White wire between starter relay connector and 14-pin splice C107, located at back of engine compartment.
13. Check battery cables for voltage drop. See «FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS»(ref-91677-S00306519872001032700000). If no problem is found, go to next step. If excessive resistance is found, repair as necessary. Recheck system.
14. Disconnect Brown wire from starter solenoid. Using DVOM, measure resistance of Brown wire between starter relay connector terminal C9 and starter solenoid. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. (Scheme 3) If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Brown wire. Recheck system.
15. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C6 (Yellow wire). (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring between starter relay connector and battery. Recheck system.
16. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C8 (Yellow wire) with ignition switch in START position. (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open circuit between ignition switch and starter relay connector. Recheck system.
17. If solenoid clicked when jumper wire was used in step 11, repair mechanical problem preventing starter from cranking engine. If solenoid did not click, replace starter.

Scheme 3

Grand Cherokee

1. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). PDC is located in engine compartment. Refer to PDC label for starter relay identification. Disconnect Light Green wire from starter solenoid. Using DVOM, measure resistance of Light Green wire between starter relay connector terminal No. 87 and starter solenoid. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open Light Green wire. Recheck system.
2. Check battery cables for voltage drop. See «FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS»(ref-91677-S00306519872001032700000). If no problem is found, go to next step. If excessive resistance is found, repair as necessary. Recheck system.
3. Using a test light, check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal No. 30 (Red wire). (Scheme 4) If test light illuminates brightly, go to next step. If test light is dim or does not illuminate, repair open or high resistance in circuit from starter relay connector to battery. Recheck system.
4. Using a test light, check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal No. 85 (Yellow/Red wire) with ignition switch in START position. (Scheme 4) If test light illuminates brightly, go to next step. If test light is dim or does not illuminate, repair open or high resistance in circuit between ignition switch and relay connector. Recheck system.
5. Ensure transmission is in Park. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay connector terminal No. 86 (Brown/Yellow wire) and ground. (Scheme 4) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open circuit. Recheck system.
6. Ensure vehicle is in Park or Neutral and parking brake is applied. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals No. 30 (Red wire) and No. 87 (Light Green wire). (Scheme 4) If engine does not crank, go to next step. If engine cranks, replace starter relay.
7. Check engine to ensure it turns over freely. If engine turns freely, and no problems are found, replace starter. Recheck system. If engine is seized, repair as necessary. Recheck system.

Scheme 4

Wrangler

1. If vehicle is equipped with M/T, go to next step. If vehicle is equipped with A/T, go to step 10.
2. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Ensure vehicle is in Neutral and parking brake is applied. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). PDC is located in engine compartment. Refer to PDC label for starter relay identification. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals B1 (Pink/Black wire) and B2 (Brown wire). (Scheme 5) If engine cranks, go to next step. If engine does not crank, go to step 6.
3. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B1 (Pink/Black wire). (Scheme 5) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring from starter relay connector to battery. Recheck system.
4. Depress clutch. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B5 (Yellow/Red wire) with ignition switch in START position. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open circuit between ignition switch and relay connector. Recheck system.
5. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay connector terminal B3 (Brown/Light Blue wire) and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, and no problems are found, replace starter relay. Recheck system. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open circuit.
6. Check battery cables for voltage drop. See «FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS»(ref-91677-S00306519872001032700000). If no problem is found, go to next step. If excessive resistance is found, repair as necessary. Recheck system.
7. Ensure starter relay is removed. Disconnect Brown wire from starter solenoid. Using DVOM, measure resistance of Brown wire between starter relay connector terminal B2 and starter solenoid. (Scheme 5) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Brown wire. Recheck system.
8. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B1 (Pink/Black wire). (Scheme 5) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring between starter relay connector and battery. Recheck system.
9. Depress clutch. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B5 (Yellow/Red wire) with ignition switch in START position. (Scheme 5) If voltage exists, go to next step. If voltage does not exist, repair open circuit between ignition switch and starter relay connector. Recheck system.
10. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Ensure transmission is in Park. Using scan tool, select INPUTS/OUTPUTS. Check Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch. If PARK/NEUTRAL is displayed, go to next step. If PARK/NEUTRAL is not displayed, see DTC P1899: P/N SWITCH PERFORMANCE (A/T) under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - WRANGLER article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
11. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals B1 (Pink/Black wire) and B2 (Brown wire). (Scheme 5) If engine cranks, go to next step. If engine does not crank, go to step 13.
12. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay connector terminal B3 (Brown/Light Blue wire) and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace starter relay. (Scheme 5) If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Brown/Light Blue wire.
13. Check battery cables for voltage drop. See «FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS»(ref-91677-S00306519872001032700000). If no problem is found, go to next step. If excessive resistance is found, repair as necessary. Recheck system.
14. Disconnect Brown wire from starter solenoid. Using DVOM, measure resistance of Brown wire between starter relay connector terminal B2 and starter solenoid. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. (Scheme 5) If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Brown wire. Recheck system.
15. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B1 (Pink/Black wire). (Scheme 5) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring between starter relay connector and battery. Recheck system.
16. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B5 (Yellow/Red wire) with ignition switch in START position. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. (Scheme 5) If battery voltage does not exist, repair open circuit between ignition switch and starter relay connector. Recheck system.
17. If solenoid clicked when jumper wire was used in step 11, repair mechanical problem preventing starter from cranking engine. If solenoid did not click, replace starter.

Scheme 5

FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS

Note. If excessive resistance is not found in circuits being tested, remove starter and proceed to BENCH TESTING .

Note. A voltmeter accurate to one tenth of a volt will be needed for the following tests.

Ensure battery is fully charged. Ensure A/T is in Park or M/T is in Neutral and parking brake is applied. Disconnect Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay so engine will not start. ASD relay is located in Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay location. Clutch pedal must be depressed on M/T models. Perform all listed tests in the order given.

CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTS

Control circuit components should be tested in the following order

1. Starter relay. See «STARTER RELAY TEST»(ref-91677-S21665739722001032700000) under BENCH TESTING.
2. Starter solenoid. See «SOLENOID TEST»(ref-91677-S14555411962001032700000) under BENCH TESTING.
3. Ignition switch. See «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-91677-S04864902472001032700000) .
4. On M/T equipped models, Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch. See «CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH»(ref-91677-S34077247672001032700000) .
5. On A/T equipped models, Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch or Transmission Range (TR) sensor. See «PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH»(ref-91677-S17497637022001032700000) or «TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR»(ref-91677-S32155745742001032700000) .

1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay location. PDC is located in engine compartment. Depress clutch pedal on M/T equipped models.
2. On all models, turn ignition switch to ON position. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C6 (Yellow wire). (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring from starter relay connector to battery.
3. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals C6 (Yellow wire) and C9 (Brown wire). (Scheme 3) If engine does not crank, go to next step. If engine cranks, check starter relay. See «STARTER RELAY TEST»(ref-91677-S21665739722001032700000) under BENCH TESTING.
4. Check continuity of Brown wire between starter relay connector terminal C9 and starter solenoid. If continuity exists, circuit is okay. Go to next step. (Scheme 3) If continuity does not exists, repair open in Brown wire as necessary and recheck system. NOTE: On M/T equipped vehicles, depress clutch during following step.
5. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal C8 (Yellow/Red wire on 4.0L A/T, Yellow wire on all others) with ignition switch in START position. (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, go to step 7. If battery voltage does not exist on M/T, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist on A/T, repair circuit between ignition switch and starter relay connector terminal C8. If battery voltage exists, check ignition switch. See «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-91677-S04864902472001032700000).
6. Disconnect Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch connector. Connect a jumper wire between CPP switch harness connector terminals. Recheck voltage at starter relay connector terminal C8 with ignition switch in START position. (Scheme 3) If battery voltage exists, replace CPP switch. If battery voltage does not exist, repair Yellow wire between ignition switch and starter relay connector terminal C8. If circuit to ignition switch is okay, check ignition switch. See «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-91677-S04864902472001032700000).
7. Check for continuity to ground at starter relay connector terminal C6 (Black/White wire). If continuity exists, circuit is okay. If continuity does not exist and vehicle is equipped with a M/T, repair open in Black/White wire, and if vehicle is equipped with an A/T, check for an open circuit or for faulty Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch. See «PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH»(ref-91677-S17497637022001032700000). Repair as necessary.

1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay location. PDC is located in engine compartment.
2. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal No. 30 (Red wire). (Scheme 4) If voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring between starter relay connector and battery.
3. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals No. 30 (Red wire) and No. 87 (Light Green wire). (Scheme 4) If engine does not crank, go to next step. If engine cranks, check starter relay. See «STARTER RELAY TEST»(ref-91677-S21665739722001032700000) under BENCH TESTING.
4. Check continuity of Light Green wire between starter relay connector terminal No. 87 and starter solenoid. (Scheme 4) If continuity exists, go to next step. If continuity does not exist, repair open in Light Green wire as necessary and recheck system.
5. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal No. 85 (Yellow/Red wire) with ignition switch in START position. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. (Scheme 4) If voltage does not exist, repair Yellow/Red wire between ignition switch and starter relay connector terminal No. 85. If circuit to ignition switch is okay, check ignition switch. See «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-91677-S04864902472001032700000).
6. Check for continuity between starter relay connector terminal No. 86 (Brown/Yellow wire) and ground. If continuity exists, circuit is okay. (Scheme 4) If continuity does not exist, check for an open or short to Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch. See «PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH»(ref-91677-S17497637022001032700000). If switch is okay, repair open in Brown/Yellow wire as necessary.

1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay location. PDC is located in engine compartment.
2. Turn ignition switch to ON position. On M/T equipped models, depress clutch pedal. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B1 (Pink/Black wire). (Scheme 5) If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in wiring between starter relay connector and battery.
3. Connect a jumper wire between starter relay connector terminals B1 (Pink/Black wire) and B2 (Brown wire). If engine does not crank, go to next step. (Scheme 5) If engine cranks, check starter relay. See «STARTER RELAY TEST»(ref-91677-S21665739722001032700000) under BENCH TESTING.
4. Check continuity of Brown wire between starter relay connector terminal B2 and starter solenoid. If continuity exists, go to next step. (Scheme 5) If continuity does not exist, repair Brown wire as necessary and recheck system.
5. Check for battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B5 (Yellow/Red wire) with ignition switch in START position. (Scheme 5) If battery voltage exists, go to step 7. If battery voltage does not exist go to next step on M/T models, or repair circuit between ignition switch and starter relay connector terminal B5 on A/T models. On all models, if battery voltage exists, check ignition switch. See «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-91677-S04864902472001032700000) under ON-VEHICLE TESTING.
6. Disconnect Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch connector. Connect a jumper wire between CPP switch harness connector terminals. Recheck battery voltage at starter relay connector terminal B5 (Yellow/Red wire) with ignition switch in START position. If battery voltage exists, replace switch. If battery voltage does not exist, check Yellow/Red wire between ignition switch and starter relay connector terminal B5. Repair circuit as necessary. If circuit to ignition switch is okay, check ignition switch. See «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-91677-S04864902472001032700000).
7. Check for continuity between starter relay connector terminal B3 (Brown/Light Blue wire) and ground. (Scheme 5) If continuity exists, circuit is okay. If continuity does not exist on models with A/T, check circuit for an open or short, or check for faulty PNP switch. See «PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH»(ref-91677-S17497637022001032700000). On vehicles equipped with M/T, repair open in Brown/Light Blue wire.

PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH

1. Place gear selector lever in Park. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch 3-pin connector. Using DVOM, check for continuity between switch center terminal and good ground. If continuity exists, go to next step. If continuity does not exist, replace faulty PNP switch.
2. Place gear selector lever in Reverse. Check for continuity between switch center terminal and good ground. If continuity does not exist, switch is okay. If continuity exists, replace faulty (PNP) switch.

Grand Cherokee (4.7L)

Information is not available from manufacturer.

CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch connector, located under instrument panel. CPP switch is located on clutch pedal push rod (Cherokee) or in clutch master cylinder (Wrangler). Using DVOM, check for continuity between CPP switch connector (component side) with clutch pedal released. If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace faulty CPP switch.
2. Depress clutch pedal. Check for continuity between CPP switch connector (component side). If continuity does not exist, replace faulty CPP switch. If continuity exists, CPP switch is okay. Check ignition switch. See «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-91677-S04864902472001032700000) .

Note. Perform SOLENOID CIRCUIT TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING before testing starter relay.

1. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). PDC is located in engine compartment. Refer to PDC label for starter relay identification. Using DVOM, check for continuity between starter relay terminals C9 and C10. (Scheme 3) If no continuity exists, replace starter relay. If no continuity exists, go to next step.
2. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay terminals C6 and C8. If resistance is not 70-80 ohms, replace starter relay. If resistance is 70-80 ohms, connect a 12-volt power source to starter relay terminals C6 and C8. Continuity should exist between starter relay terminals C9 and C10. Replace starter relay if it does not test as specified. If starter relay tests as specified, go to «STARTER RELAY CIRCUIT TEST»(ref-91677-S24316779872001032700000).

Note. Perform SOLENOID CIRCUIT TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING before testing starter relay.

1. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). PDC is located in engine compartment. Refer to PDC label for starter relay identification. Using DVOM, check for continuity between starter relay terminals No. 30 and 87. (Scheme 4) If no continuity exists, replace starter relay. If no continuity exists, go to next step.
2. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay terminals No. 85 and 86. If resistance is not 70-80 ohms, replace starter relay. If resistance is 70-80 ohms, connect a 12-volt power source to starter relay terminals No. 85 and 86. Continuity should exist between starter relay terminals No. 30 and 87. Replace starter relay if it does not test as specified. If starter relay tests as specified, go to «STARTER RELAY CIRCUIT TEST»(ref-91677-S24316779872001032700000).

Note. Perform SOLENOID CIRCUIT TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING before testing starter relay.

1. Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC). PDC is located in engine compartment. Refer to PDC label for starter relay identification. Using DVOM, check for continuity between starter relay terminals B1 and B2. (Scheme 5) If no continuity exists, replace starter relay. If no continuity exists, go to next step.
2. Using DVOM, measure resistance between starter relay terminals B3 and B5. If resistance is not 70-80 ohms, replace starter relay. If resistance is 70-80 ohms, connect a 12-volt power source to starter relay terminals B3 and B5. Continuity should exist between starter relay terminals B1 and B2. Replace starter relay if it does not test as specified. If starter relay tests as specified, go to «STARTER RELAY CIRCUIT TEST»(ref-91677-S24316779872001032700000).