starter problems with Grand Cherokee

[desertvoice]

I have a 99 Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 6 cyl engine. I recently replaced a defective idler pulley, but before that my engine was sluggish starting. The gauge in the car didn't indicate any malfunction in the electrical....now when i turned the key in the ignition, all the gauges flipped to the left then to the right and now nothing happens except a continuous ticking sound. The ticking only stops if I disconnect the battery. Even turning the key to the off position...the ticking continues. I disconnected the battery, cleaned the terminals, and reconnected it...and the ticking continued. I am not real car savy, so I am at a loss as to what's going on. I'd appreciate any help on this.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Ticking is usually a poor battery terminal connection or drained battery. Have you tested or charged the battery?

 

[desertvoice]

thanks, bounty......it was a faulty positive cable! You're the best.