'03 Rubicon won't start

[ChrisH]

Realizing this problem could have a lost of possible sources, was looking for some advice on where to start diagnosis...

My '03 Rubicon has been garaged this winter, tried the turn it over last week and I get nada save for a loud click. Engine doesn't turn.

Background:
Starter was replaced two years ago and has less than 5k on it
Battery is less than a year old and appears to be fully charged...I've hit it with a charger to make sure
I attempted tapping on the starter to see if that might do the trick (it helped with the old starter prior to replacement)
Vehicle has 25k miles...it's not my DD, so it spends a good deal of time garaged, especially in the cold weather.

I've done a bit of reading on Jeepforum and it seems like there's a lot of places to start poking around...just wondering what the smart folks here think I should do next. I don't really want to be replacing stuff unless I know that's bad.

Appreciate your input.

Chris

[mark2215]

make sure the battery terminals aren't corroded and are tight on the battery. Try jumping the starter by connecting the two large posts to see if it spins.

[mrfreakinwhite]

Sticky bendix spring in the starter from sitting. ^What Mark said.^

[Kurt]

Do you hear the starter spin or just a click?
Do the headlights dim a lot when you try to start it or do they stay bright?

Do you have a 12 volts test light or a better yet a voltmeter handy?
If so check for voltage at the big stud on the starter that the positive battery cable is attached to.
If voltage is there then check the see if there is voltage to the second big stud when the key is turned to the START position.
If you get 12 volts to the 2nd big stud then it points to a bad starter (starter motor problem).
If you don't get voltage to the second stud then check for voltage at the little stud when you turn the key to START.
If you get power on the little stud then it points to a bad starter solenoid - also part of the starter. If you don't get voltage to the little stud then there is some other non-starter electrical problem.

[ChrisH]

I owe a couple of folks some beers. Thank you.

In the process of poking around with the voltmeter, I found that the connection to the starter (that I replaced) was loose. I think I need to fire my mechanic.

Best part, as I crawled under the jeep, I managed to put my head into a pool of something that's weeping from the undercarriage. Is motor oil good for your hair?

[Frank]

Only if your going light on top ! Glad you got her fixed. FjR68