I have a 88 Cherokee that I would like to keep running but I don't have the luxury of a local parts store, so I want to simplify everything.

I has been having starting problems on and off and we can't find the problem. I get it running and it seems fine and then it won't start again. Local mechanics just want to boost it, change the battery etc. But when I test it there is no spark and no power going to the coil. With the humidity here I know somewhere there is a bad connection, so I want to just take it back to basics. It has a new battery and ran fine last time it started.

Can I just jump power to the coil?? or is this going to blow the computer module or something?

Anyone else taken an older Cherokee back to basics...

I have read all of the threads about the amount of money that people have sunk into their rides and would like to start a thread for keeping an older vehicle running without replacing all of the original components. To top it off the taxes are about $3000 for an older Cherokee plus what ever you paid for it. I would love to go to a mid 90's model but that is $5-10,000 once again because of import tax

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There are a lot of reasons why I don't think anyone of the forum will agree that putting a straight connection to the coil is a good plan. Get a wiring diagram for it and trace down the problem. Could be an ignition switch just as easily as anything.

You might have done this already, but I have a starting problem, and what acts like the alternator giving out periodically on my '96 cherokee. The postive wire on the battery gets corroded. It gets hard to start. It has happened while driving - headlights dim, engine stutters.
You might check the ground wires coming off the battery as well.

I have a wiring diagram and think I will work my way through it. But there are so many things that connect and it is difficult to figure out where to test each. Like the transmission switch etc.

If there is anyone out there with a 87-89 Laredo, it would be great to have a mentor to help me through!