My 2001 DII SE 4.0 v8-- was running fine. Drove to work ( aprox. 2 miles) no problem; 4 hrs later drove home for lunch 20 min later it would not start. Lights and radio work but no cranking at all not even a click on the first attempt. Subsequent attempts have resulted in a single click and sometimes no click.

I have tried all of the following suggestions and none of which altered the symptoms in any way:
1) locking unlocking innumerable times with every variation of key and fob combinations
2) 1515 reset sequence although the horn never beeped so not sure that actually triggered anything. No Car specific EKA code available. SIDE NOTE: the buttons on my key fob broke off a few months ago but the fob seems to be working fine. I just use my thumb nail to reach the tiny buttons on the circuit board inside.
3) Jumping the battery with another suv
4) Tapping the starter
5) Starting the car in neutral as well as changing the gears several times
6) Replaced the starter

Recent (in the last year) work history includes:
1) Replaced Engine + heater core (resulted in 3 Amigos)
2) Replaced Battery
3) Replaced negative terminal (positive was replaced years ago)
4) Replaced Alternator & Serpentine Belt

Any thoughts on my next step?

 

Check the connections at the battery and all the large cable connections.

I once changed a starter only to find it was a semi loose connection on the battery terminal.

Then, had a starter go out on my P38, tried to jump it and still nothing. Had the new starter and tools ready, and thought what the hell. Changed out the battery and it fired right up.

 

run a jumper cable right to the starter stud and see if it spins

 

Often the 12V exciter cable makes a bad connection at the starter or the relay/solenoid has flunked out. Both would make it imposible to start on a key. Try the drowssap method to see whether the starter motor spins over but ensure it's in park or neutral first.

 

Thanks for the input. So I rechecked all of the connections they are all clean and tight. I tested the battery and solenoid and I am getting 12v at both. Bought a new relay for the starter so I'll swap that out and report back.

 

touch the starter body with the ground and the positive stud and see if the starter spins, it would not be the first bad starter out of a box. I use my battery charger to check them all before installing them. jmho

 

Also check and clean all your main grounding points.

 

Updates, think mine caught same sickness.

 

Another place to check, would be the switch on the shifter. The starter inhibitor switch, Is right under the gear selector lever. When in park or neutral, the green wire with the brown stripe should be hot. The other thing is the inertia switch, although i think it only controls the fuel.

 

I am having the same problem now
I drove it to the grocery store, shopped, came back, and dadaaa. It doesnt work. headlights-domelights-stereo vs everything works but engine doesnt even turn. there is a weird clicking noise once i turn the key, coming from passenger side floor.
starter was good, it was working fine every time i start the car, i dont know if it fails all of a sudden like this.
can any one help my to locate the problem? thanks.