How can I start my '98 Jeep Cherokee?

[Ben G]

My 1998 Jeep Cherokee won't start. It's been a long time coming from my perspective, as for the past 6 months or so it's been a task to get it to start up. I would have to hold the ignition all the way down for up to 5 seconds in order to get it to work.

Today, I turned the key and nothing happened. Not a sound comes from my engine, however, the gauges, lights, and radio all seem to be in working order.

Our first assumption was the battery (which was old to begin with), so we replaced it and put in a new one thinking it might be the problem, and it was not.

Thinking at this point that it might be the starter, ignition switch, or perhaps fuses?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I need to get the vehicle fixed as soon as possible, as I have a family trip this weekend. Also I'm a little strapped for cash, so the "drop it off and pay whatever they say" method won't work too well at this point.

It's a 98 Cherokee, V6 4.0L. 175,000 miles.

Thanks in advance!
-Ben

 

[choochamus]

Fuel system. Try the fuel filter first, its cheap. If it's never been changed, I would try it anyways.

If not, try spark.

 

[BFH]

Seems to me if you don't know jack about cars, you need to drop it off and pay what they say. Your other options would be:

A) Buy a new one.
B) Rent one for your trip.
C) Take a bus.
D) Call a cab.
E) Throw parts at it aimlessly until you run out of money, or it starts.