starter?

[island guy]

I have a 98 jeep grand Cherokee. Recently it started to not turn over at times. No noise at all when I turn the key. Everything else lights up the motor just doesn't turn over. I'll wait a few minutes and it'll then fire up. Happens maybe 20% of the time. Is my starter going out? How do I diagnose that? Thanks!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Usually in that situation you will hear a single click. This is the solenoid on the started engaging and not making the contact necessary to operate the starter.

The way you can confirm is locate the small wire on the starter. Use a test light to see if there is power on that wire with the key in the crank position. If there is the starter solenoid is failing and a new starter should fix the problem.