[panton65]

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee will not start. the starter is clicking. the lights will come on strong, horn, radio etc. Yesterday started with a 10 min jump from my other truck. today 20 mins and still clicking. I don't think its is the alternator because it run great once started and no killing battery when driving. any clues? oh!! original battery and starter. 65k mileage and she's dying overnight.

[WiKi]

Your battery would be a great place to start. I have an '05 and it did exactly the same thing,I was a little confused because the lights were still so bright. It took a while to charge too. Anyhow I bought a new battery from International and had no problems since....knock on wood....it has been about 3 months.

[panton65]

I had to get my wife to the airport this afternoon (about 50 miles round trip) jumped the truck to get her started this morning in the rain. On the way home I noticed a battery type smell. Got home and popped the hood and the battery was venting alot of gas. Over charged battery? Alternator Diodes? Starter shorted to ground? It's all bad because I'm laid off

[WiKi]

I feel your pain 'cause I am laid off as well. You might want to check with Interstate Battery near you and see if they have a re-manufactured battery(or they sometimes have a "blemished" battery for lots cheaper). I know it sounds kinda iffy but I bought one for 35 out the door with 1 year warranty vs. 175. It may not last as long as a new one, but hey its an Interstate!Hope this helps!

[LTrainGC]

My money is on the battery.... 5 years old and 65,000 miles - that's a good life for a batt.