Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Needs Help with 89 Jeep

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-26-2016, 03:36 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
ToganyT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default Needs Help with 89 Jeep

I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee. It has started showing two predominant symptoms: !. it takes a long time for the ignition to start and 2. it is missing badly. I've changed the spark plugs. That didn't help so I took it to 3 dealers and called many more all of whom say they can't analyze the problems because tier computer won't work on such an old jeep. I need some help. I'm in N.W.Ohio.

Thanks ToganyT
Old 04-26-2016, 03:51 PM
  #2  
Seasoned Member
 
4BangerDanger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Posts: 467
Received 6 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l
Default

Could be a number of things... You mentioned you changed the spark plugs, but when was the last time the distributor cap, wires, and rotor were changed? Could be a bad wire or the rotor could need adjusting.

If it's been a long time, I'd consider swapping them all out and seeing what happens. Normally it is best to diagnose the problem before throwing parts at it, but changing the cap and wires would be good for the Jeep anyway.

If that does nothing, I'd test the starter.
Old 04-26-2016, 03:56 PM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
ToganyT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Thanks, Mechanic relatives of mine said it's not the distributor, wires, rotor, etc. They insist I need to have it computer analyzed.
Old 04-26-2016, 04:07 PM
  #4  
Seasoned Member
 
4BangerDanger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Posts: 467
Received 6 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l
Default

I'd test the starter. That Jeep is pre-ODBI if I'm not mistaken, so having it computer analyzed will be difficult and probably not worth your time IMO.

EDIT: A few months ago my '93 2.5L showed similar symptoms and it ended up being a couple broken valve springs. Valve springs rarely break, but my XJ is proof that it happens!

Last edited by 4BangerDanger; 04-26-2016 at 04:10 PM.
Old 04-27-2016, 04:22 AM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
andrewmp6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Louisville,KY
Posts: 8,014
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

A ton of info https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/cru...x-tips-153663/
Old 04-28-2016, 08:21 AM
  #6  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,875
Received 1,526 Likes on 1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by ToganyT
Thanks, Mechanic relatives of mine said it's not the distributor, wires, rotor, etc. They insist I need to have it computer analyzed.
Young mechanics? If the ignition parts described above are not changed every 30,000 miles, you can have issues. Have you looked inside the cap?

The computer on an 89 does not read all the stuff your "mechanics" are hoping to see. the renix fuel injection is simple and basic. do the basics.

Go to cruiser54.com and do Tips 1,3,4, and 5 before wasting any more time.
Old 04-28-2016, 02:14 PM
  #7  
Junior Member
 
Rising Fawn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: North Georgia
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0L w/Renix
Default

Fuel Pressure?
Old 04-29-2016, 10:00 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
ElMartillo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Nationwide, USA
Posts: 879
Received 31 Likes on 26 Posts
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Renix 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by ToganyT
Thanks, Mechanic relatives of mine said it's not the distributor, wires, rotor, etc. They insist I need to have it computer analyzed.
Right, and this recommendation is getting you absolutely nowhere. Listen to Cruiser54. He cares, and he knows.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lmao_37
Cherokee Chat
6
04-06-2016 06:22 PM
Alec Vyverberg
Cherokee Chat
7
04-06-2016 05:20 PM
MyNamesKal
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
03-31-2016 06:59 AM
ZFinger
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
03-30-2016 07:09 PM
Tracy Gillum
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
0
03-30-2016 05:17 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Needs Help with 89 Jeep



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:56 AM.