[jeffddouglas]

OK, the jeep was running fine and I parked it and came back and no effort from the starter. I have checked the battery and have 12.2-12.4 volts. I have checked the hot wire at the battery and have the same voltage. When I try and start the jeep the voltage drops down to around 11.7 volts. I have checked the ignition wire at the starter and it also has 11.7 volts. Everything I am seeing is pointing towards the starter, but I have never had one just quit instantly and not show any signs of going bad until then. I also checked from the positive battery terminal to the outside of the starter and it show 12.4 so I know the ground is good.......


any ideas? Have you guys seen a starter do this?

 

[Stubbs60]

Try tapping the starter solenoid with a hammer or even touching the in and out poles of the solenoid together with a screwdriver. This will rule out that it is just the starter solenoid. They can go bad with no warning.

Make sure the key is in the on position when you touch the poles together.

 

[jeffddouglas]

I've jumped the terminals with a screw driver and still nothing.

 

[Water Dog]

Try jumping from another battery. It may be a battery problem. Terminals clean? Might want to have the battery load tested.

 

[mrk130]

If you have 12v to both wires at the starter, and it's grounded, you most likely have a bad starter.

 

[Stubbs60]

If you have 12v to both wires at the starter, and it's grounded, you most likely have a bad starter.

X2

That's the next step in the chain of events to start your engine.

 

[Digger84]

Volts is not enough a bad battery can have normal voltage and fail load testing
Before buying a starter I would swap in a know good battery from another vehicle or try that battery in another vehicle
Both terminals and their wiring connections must be clean and tight

 

[jeffddouglas]

well it was the starter. I bought a new (re-manufactured) from the parts store for $70. When I pulled the old one off, about a half a cup of clear water ran out of it. We have been having a lot of rain here lately and I have driven thru some water no more than a few inches deep. I am not sure if it splashed into it or what the deal was because I have never had a starter quit due to a little water. Either way, installed the new starter and it works like a champ...........now I just wish I hadn't taken the dash half apart looking for a loose connection!!! geez!

Thanks for all the helps guys!