2004 TJ not starting

[okcjeep]

Got into my 2004 TJ today and it won't start. Had been working completely fine as of last time I was in it two days ago and have never had any problems with it starting (though have only had it for a couple months).

When I turn the key, it sounds like the starter motor tries to turn, but the engine doesn't crank at all and tach stays flat at 0 (I did once get the engine to crank for about half a second and then no luck at all since). Lights and stereo work and also tried a booster kit with no success so doesn't seem like battery is the problem. Weather has been totally fine the last few days. I've attached a recording of trying to get it started (the noise you hear isn't the engine).

Any ideas?

 

[AlanLGuy]

your video won’t play for me, but if the engine isn’t turning over, but the starter solenoid is firing, then it’s probably a bad starter. Might try giving it a whack with a hammer while someone else is turning the key.

 

[AlanLGuy]

your video won’t play for me, but if the engine isn’t turning over, but the starter solenoid is firing, then it’s probably a bad starter. Might try giving it a whack with a hammer while someone else is turning the key.

Starter replacement is pretty easy. Plenty of room in there, just disconnect the battery(negative terminal at the battery before the starter motor), remove two bolts and take the old one out. Reverse and your done.

 

[CharlesHS]

IF smacking the starter with a rubber mallet works; then either the inside of the starter is dirty and should be blown out with pressurized air or the slip rings are dirty/the brushes are worn.

 

[okcjeep]

So I replaced the starter, reconnected the battery - and now am just getting clicks when I try to start it. Battery still working (lights and stereo) but doesn't seem like anything happening whatsoever with the starter and certainly not with the engine.

Pretty sure I got it installed right - no issue reconnecting the the two wires to the new starter and battery was disconnected the entire time. Any ideas?

 

[1Salty Dawg]

How old is that battery?

 

[okcjeep]

So I did what I probably should have tried first and ran a voltmeter - 10.4 volts. I think I found my problem!