Got a used XJ recently and it has idled rough since the day I bought it. Once it's going it has full power...

So this morning I go out to work and the car "barely starts" and then immediately stalls. I finally get it going by keeping a little bit of gas going to it and after driving it 5 miles it didn't stall out any more.

I'm baffled, what could this be?

 

Maybe check into the ballast resister for the fuel pump. On the inner driver side fender.

 

Fuel, spark, air.

If it starts then stalls out after a bit, I'd check the air or fuel issues.

Try running without the air filter hooked up (in your driveway) to see if it;s an air issue.

That's the easiest fix.

Might want to check the plug wires to make sure they're all connected, then perhaps change/check the distributer cap/rotor.

Wasy to do, cheap, and easily corroded.

These are the easiest, most basic checks.

Keep us posted.
Good-luck.

 

This is a 2001.

It has neither a ballast resistor nor plug wires, cap, rotor as it is a distributorless ignition.

1. Stalling can be caused by a marginal battery. LOAD TEST your battery to be sure it is up to snuff. Any parts store will do this for free.

2. Fuel issue. Verify your fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge installed on the schrader valve on the fuel rail. For an 01, you should have 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi.

3. If above checks out, test your "throttle position sensor" located on the throttle body.

 

hey man.... ditto TJWalker .... don't know, but if 01 has IAC, check it out too.... good luck!