Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 6/27/2006

Question
My 1986 Jeep CJ-7 will not start. I drove it to the beach, with no problems and then an hour later it would not start.  When I turn the ignition key, and I get nothing, except a click (the starter solenoid).  The power meter inside the jeep registers 12V ignition on, then 0 volts when ignition is further pressed to start.  Then, when I turn the ignition switch off then on again, I get nothing, no power at all.  To restore power, I have to remove positive lead from battery and then re-install it.  I tried jumping the Jeep, but the addition power just made the solenoid (click, click, click away).  The Jeeps battery was load tested and it's good.  I replaced the solenoid and starter, but not the ignition switch.  I've owned this Jeep for 11 years and have never replaced the ignition switch.  I have a 4.2L, 258, manual trans, with an Omni pack ignition coil (had this installed a few years ago). Please advise, thanks.

Answer
A simple test is to turn on your headlights; then crank the engine. The lights should dim VERY slightly, not go out. If they go out, your battery is too weak, your terminals are corroded, or your starter is drawing too much current. If they do not dim slightly and stay bright, you
have an open or excessive resistance in the starter control circuit.
If your solenoid clicks, you have excessive Voltage drop in the circuit.
The first thing I would suggest is remove both battery cable terminals from the battery and clean both the terminals and the battery posts. They make a special tool for this.
Second, I would inspect the battery cables at the ends that bolt to the chassis and to the solenoid & starter. They should be clean (no corrosion)and tight.
Do you have a Voltmeter? Do you know how to perform a Voltage drop test? Let me know and I'll give you some Voltage drop tests to perform.
Kevin