1988 Jeep Cherokee (Starts but dies)
I have a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4.0l. The problem I am having is my Jeep will not not stay running. When I have the key in the start position the jeep will run until about 3 seconds after I release the switch. At that point the jeep loses all ignition and fuel. I started with the ignition switch. Then the fuel pump. And then finally the crankshaft position sensor. After that I tried the ignition switch again just in case it was bad out of the box. I run a parts store it does happen. Anyone have any ideas? I am stumped. This has the reinex computer in it. I have not idea where to try next.
It loses fuel AND spark? Youve tested this?
Id say if it only loses fuel, look at the fuel pump resistor on the drivers inner fender.
But if its losing spark too, Im not sure where to look.
Id say if it only loses fuel, look at the fuel pump resistor on the drivers inner fender.
But if its losing spark too, Im not sure where to look.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Over on the passenger side inner fender are a bank of relays. Try putting one of the other relays in the fuel pump relay socket.
You really need to click on my PINK LINK below and do Tips 1 through 5 ASAP.
You really need to click on my PINK LINK below and do Tips 1 through 5 ASAP.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
So I have a 1988 jeep Cherokee with the 4.0 and I recently was running wires from my electric fan over to the battery and relay center for ignition power. I had the negative into a pigtail for the battery. I ran the positive to the large OBD1 clip and inserted it to middle front hole. Started the jeep and the fan turned on and worked great. While I was securing the wires under the hood I removed the wire from the middle port. Started the jeep and noticed the fan wasn't working so I went to insert the wire like a damn fool with the engine still running. Once I touch led the wire to the port it sparked and the jeep shut off. Now when I turn it over it starts and runs until I let go of the key and it immediately shut off.
need some help and advice with troubleshooting on this one.
need some help and advice with troubleshooting on this one.
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I'm pretty sure the wire burnt out of one side of the boot.
Another question I have is my 4 wheel drive doesn't seem to engage or work properly.
I engage the lever into 4h and the front driveshaft doesn't spin freely but when I drive it doesn't seem to work. how can I check it and what would I need to fix?
Thanks in advance for the help and knowledge
Another question I have is my 4 wheel drive doesn't seem to engage or work properly.
I engage the lever into 4h and the front driveshaft doesn't spin freely but when I drive it doesn't seem to work. how can I check it and what would I need to fix?
Thanks in advance for the help and knowledge
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0






