96 Cherokee won't start, brake light comes on

[mfrance3]

When I turn the key to start the engine the brake light comes on and the engine does not start.

 

[superj]

no clicking or anything?

 

[mfrance3]

Nothing. All the electronics come on, radio, power windows, etc work.

Battery is fairly new and tests at 12.5V with volt meter.
All electrical connections are clean and making good contact.
If I had to guess, it's the starter.

 

[superj]

pull it and have it tested

 

[mfrance3]

Will do. Thanks for your help.

 

[MudderChuck]

If it won't crank the first thing I do is jiggle the shifter a little in park, then try it in neutral. If the neutral safety witch is acting up, this may help.
Pretty common for the brushes inside the starter to wear down. You can often get a start or two by hitting the side of the starter with a hammer (moderately), it seats the brushes down a little deeper.
Also not uncommon for the oil filter adapter "O" rings to seep and cover the starter in oil, someway the oil finds it's way inside the starter and coats the brushes, which can also cause iffy starter function.

 

[bboy131]

When I turn the key to start the engine the brake light comes on and the engine does not start.

try putting it into neutral and then starting it

 

[mfrance3]

Had the starter tested and it's good. There was some oil build-up on the starter. Will get it all cleaned up, especially the brushes, and also look at the neutral switch.

 

[mfrance3]

Well, I took the starter apart and cleaned it the best I could. Had it tested again to make sure I put it back together properly.
That seams to have made a big difference. Starts just fine right now.