Help! My son has bought this Jeep and we can't get it running. We replaced the starter that was bad. Apparently, the CPS has been replaced as well. It does start and then dies within 5 secs. The fuel pump is working as well. The only thing that maybe we can figure is the ignition? The key is stuck in the ignition. Please any ideas? My son only works after school, so not a lot of money to pump into this thing.

 

You sure the fuel pump is good? You may hear it kick on but flow and pressure are two different things! Might want to run to auto zone and rent a fuel pressure test kit for free just to be 100% its not a fuel problem. Also, have y'all done any maintenance on the jeep? Is the key stuck and steering wheel lockes)d?

 

If the key is stuck AND if it's an automatic trans, try wiggling the shifter while it's in Park. Push it forward a little more. There's a release in there that only lets the key come out when it's in park.

As for the starting and dying I'd suggest what GarrettJ said, go rent a fuel pressure test gauge and see what you are actually getting. You may here the pump come on but if the pressure is no good then that will cause an issue as well.

 

If it starts then dies after 5 seconds, I would be suspicious of the fuel pump ballast resistor on the driver's side inner fender. The fuel pump gets full battery voltage on Start, then reduced voltage through the ballast resister to keep the pump noise down. Here's a photo.

Also, since you guys have more time than money right now, I would highly suggest clicking on the link in my signature and doing Tips 1,3,4, and 5.