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1990 xj dies imediately after key is released

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Old 12-08-2009, 08:58 AM
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Unhappy 1990 xj dies imediately after key is released

Thank you all in advance for any answers you can give that might help.
Ive got a 1990 cherokee 4.0L. Ive been intermittenly having problems with it starting and only running if the key is held in the start position and dieing as soon as key is released to the run position. It has new wires plugs cap rotor. fuel pressure is great i even bypassed the ignition switch and tried hotwiring it all with the same result. It will idle you can rev it up runs great as long as i hold the key in the start position but like i said as soon as i release the key it dies. Any Ideas?? i dont have alot of money to work with so i have to get it right the first time.
Old 12-08-2009, 09:22 AM
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Check the ballast resistor on the left fender well inside,little porcelin ballast resistor,has two wires,make sure they are hooked up,it is your ballast resistor for the fuel pump.
Old 12-08-2009, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Abovetimberline
Check the ballast resistor on the left fender well inside,little porcelin ballast resistor,has two wires,make sure they are hooked up,it is your ballast resistor for the fuel pump.
x3.597


Check it.

Just remove the wires from it and connect them together, if the jeep runs after this, you will know your problem...
They dont cost much, pry about 5-10 bucks..
Old 12-08-2009, 10:01 AM
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I twisted the wires together from the ballast resistor and it is still doing the same thing, the **** at autozone said it may be the starter is hanging and when i release the key the starter is making it die. I am about to rip the starter off and have it tested. Any other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks guys
Old 12-08-2009, 10:03 AM
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hmm... can you have someone stand by the gas tank and tell you if the fuel pump keeps running for a second after it dies? I know theres a fuel pump relay, but I think that would cause it to not run at all. Just trying to rule out a fuel issue, then we can move on to other things, like switches and wiring, etc

Abovetimberline:

Do The renix’s have an ASD relay? Would this cause it to not run after the key is released, if they DO have one?

Last edited by 89Laredo; 12-08-2009 at 10:07 AM.
Old 12-08-2009, 10:18 AM
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How does it die? immediately or clunks a bit?
Old 12-08-2009, 10:22 AM
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It dies immediately no stumbling sputtering nothing just dies. i would think lack of fuel or spark but why would it stay running and i can rev it up as long as the key is held to start.
Old 12-08-2009, 10:31 AM
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Because when you start the electricity is bypassed like for the ballast resistor (like abovetimberline said). Do you have a tester? Check the B+ latch relay, it's one of those four relays in the engine bay.
I'll have a look at the wiring diagrams in the meanwhile.
Old 12-08-2009, 10:33 AM
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No. Wait a minute. Let me think.... Jumper the FP relay between connector 30 and 87.
Old 12-08-2009, 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by fantic238
No. Wait a minute. Let me think.... Jumper the FP relay between connector 30 and 87.
What relay is it? I checked the 88 fsm wiring diagram, but its not helping too much. Im sure he'll pry need to know.
Old 12-08-2009, 10:55 AM
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Can anyone give me a good wiring diagram i have a haynes manual and we all know they arent worth the paper they are printed on i have no clue where the fp connectors are that your talking about.
Old 12-08-2009, 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by jeepalo
Can anyone give me a good wiring diagram i have a haynes manual and we all know they arent worth the paper they are printed on i have no clue where the fp connectors are that your talking about.

Ill send you a PM...

Hes talking about the Fuel Pump relay...

edit: you have a PM

Last edited by 89Laredo; 12-08-2009 at 11:00 AM.
Old 12-08-2009, 11:00 AM
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turn the key to the on position and check for power at the icm under the coil,make sure you have voltage,it is possible you have created another problem when you bypassed the ign,it will do the samething if you do not have power to the icm.
Old 12-08-2009, 11:06 AM
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looks liek the fuel pump relay is second from the front... Maybe you could try switching it with teh A/C clutch relay and seeing if the jeep will stay running? Mark the Fuel pump relay first, so you know what one it is. If it stays running after switching them, buy a new relay (about 10 bucks) and replace your fuel pump relay, it should solve your problem..

Last edited by 89Laredo; 12-08-2009 at 11:10 AM.
Old 12-08-2009, 12:01 PM
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i pulled all 4 relays out cleaned the terminals again and put them back now it is starting normal and actually running better for now..... 1 thing does kinda bother me all 4 relays have 5 terminals and only 2 of the relays need 5 terminals will that 5th terminal cause any problems in the future i feel really dumb asking this being a t.v repair tech and knowing about electricity in televisions but im kinda clueless when it comes to vehicle wiring... should i put new 4 terminal relays where the harness needs 4 terminal ones or will i be fine with the 5 terminal ones???


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