97 4.0 SE Jeep Cherokee - will not start - battery checks good @ 14v - will start if jump starter. What is likely problem - solenoid, or crankshaft sensor?

Bad ignition switch,
Bad neutral safety switch
Bad starter relay.
Bad starter.

If you understand how relays work, you can remove the relay in the car and jump the switch pins together. If the starter motor turns the engine, you problem is the first 3. If not, its the starter itself.

Did you test the battery?
How old is it?

Try jumping the starter at the solenoid

May just be the solenoid

it's an old model
Try www.reliable-store.com , it's very helpful in repairing your vehicle

If the starter seems good and the battery all that is important is to check if there is power to the starter when the solenoid clicks. you need to check this before anything can be confirmed.
Check the leads, the ground of the engine and the starter solenoid.

Hi!!
Make sure the battery is fully loaded, check voltage when the key is turned to START. If voltage drops below 10vdc, jump start vehicle and have starting/charging system at AutoZone or similar auto parts store. If voltage at the battery is good, check wiring from battery to starter solenoid, make sure terminals are free of rust and corrosion and tight, wiggle the wires to make sure no loose connections exist. You should get the same voltage at the starter solenoid as you did at the battery terminal, if not replace cable. If you get same voltage at the starter solenoid, the solenoid itself or the starter may be worn/defective. There is a starter rebuild kit available at auto parts stores for a fraction of the price of a new starter.
Good Luck!! A HELPFUL - 4 THUMBS - rating for this solution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for using FixYa.

will it start with a jump? check battery for full charge, maybe alternator is not charging, check battery connections all the way down to starter, check selonoid by cross jumping terminals to engage starter.

This sounds like it could be the solinoid on the fuel pump i would try changing this first
Hope this helps
Steve

Bad solenoid i would guess. Not making a connection there. Any basic wiring and ignition switch problems should be alleviated by jumping the starter with a screwdriver. I would check the solenoid and starter brushes

The starter is bad. Solenoid is good, the starter itself is bad. You can remove it and take it to Schuck's/Chief's/Kragen/NAPA, they will test it for FREE. You can't beat free!!!

First, do not assume anything. Check the battery with a volt meter and make sure there is 12.v or better there. Clean cable terminals where they contact the battery, check both ends of cables for good clean solid connection. Since you hear a click, that is good ...ignition switch etc is likely good. Check the voltage at the starter : large cable should have 12v, small wire should have 12v when key is turned to "start" position. If you have both, starter has failed. Some Jeeps have an additional starter relay inside the power distribution center near the battery. if you have voltage at the starter, the relay is good. If when you test battery, voltage is low, have it charged and load tested. If battery fails test, no other tests are valid.
Once started, check for running voltage of at least 12.9v with all accessories and lights on. At no time should voltage drop below 12.5, or should it continue to creep down. If it does, the alternator may be faulty.(providing belt is good and tight)