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.

1990 4.0L 5 spd Won't Start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-28-2010, 09:30 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
ckohlmeier's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Portland
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default 1990 4.0L 5 spd Won't Start

Problem started awhile ago, wouldn't start, battery is good (optima red). Rolled it down a hill and compression started, and ran fine.

I took out the starter and cleaned up all the connections, and that seemed to fix the problem. Now it won't start again.

Replaced the solenoid, nothing. Ran a wire from the +terminal to the ignition switch connection on the solenoid and it turned over. Decided it had to be something in the wiring, so i went to napa and bought a push button switch to bypass whatever was wrong, got the jumper switch all wired up and now nothing!

I don't know what is wrong, maybe the solenoid i bought got messed up in the process? Is there a way that what I did could've busted the starter. Its a manual so there is no NSS to mess with and the fan turns off when I go from acc to start, so I don't think its the ignition switch. I must have a ghost wire short? This problem is really getting to be a bare, any input would be much appreciated! Its a 1990 laredo 4.0L with a 5 spd (not sure which model tranny) and a mitsubishi starter.
Old 03-01-2010, 11:15 AM
  #2  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
ckohlmeier's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Portland
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

does anyone have any input?
Old 03-01-2010, 11:19 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
93XJRay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H/O I6
Default

will it crank and crank and crank but not start or will it just not do anything?
Old 03-01-2010, 11:29 AM
  #4  
Seasoned Member
 
My375hp302's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Originally Posted by ckohlmeier
Ran a wire from the +terminal to the ignition switch connection on the solenoid and it turned over. Decided it had to be something in the wiring, so i went to napa and bought a push button switch to bypass whatever was wrong, got the jumper switch all wired up and now nothing!
Then you must have wired it wrong. It should be no different then running a wire from pos to the solinoid. Try it with the wire again to make sure. If that works have a friend try to start it with the key and measure voltage at the soliniod. If you don't get anything the ignition switch is probably bad. Find the switch and measure for voltage in and then voltage out with the key turned to the start position.
Old 03-01-2010, 11:38 AM
  #5  
Member
 
McRay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Conroe, Tx
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Year: 1996 & 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Could be clutch switch - I don't were its located - all I deal with is AT - Had one on my Bronco push down clutch to get it to work about 2 times. Being it would start by rolling down hill or pushing - that were I would start checking, post what you fine.
Old 03-01-2010, 11:46 AM
  #6  
Seasoned Member
 
My375hp302's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Do Cherokee's have them? I learned the hard way on my 89 5spd that you don't have to have the clutch in to start it!
Old 03-01-2010, 12:43 PM
  #7  
Seasoned Member
 
joe bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: sarasota Fl
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 91
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 5.9
Default

Im not sure if yours has a clutch switch or not but wiring in a start button should bypass that anyway just like with the wire to the batterey did. I would try the wire to the batterey again and make sure your wired up right.
Old 03-01-2010, 07:49 PM
  #8  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
ckohlmeier's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Portland
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Took the starter to get checked this morning, lady said she couldn't get it to crank, so i bought a new one. I put that in with the button switch in line and it started right up. Don't know if it was the motor or the solenoid, but whatever it was it works now and i got this neat little push button start. Thanks for the suggestions good jeepin to ya.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tj Cope
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
21
11-16-2022 08:32 PM
seansr
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
12
11-15-2022 06:08 AM
Gtrsrlly
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
08-25-2015 11:50 AM
smithj
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
08-24-2015 10:24 PM
Brynjaminjones
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
08-22-2015 05:01 AM

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


Quick Reply: 1990 4.0L 5 spd Won't Start



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:09 AM.