Starter/electrical issue

[crwiley]

Went to start my 04 Wrangler and my son jumped in the car as I did. At that point it wouldn't start.

Checked the battery -- its okay -- checked the terminals and cleaned them. Now I get clicking from the starter. When the doors are open now the gages all swing back and forth.

Do I have a short? Is it a grounding problem? What's the deal with the gages? Is it merely a starter problem? Banged on the starter but to no avail.

 

[elevatorman]

Check your ground at the battery.
try reading from Battery positive to the engine block rather than across the battery terminals.
Commonly overlooked.