Just bought a 1996 Cherokee 4.0l auto and it's having the following issues. It dies after running for a few minutes and doesn't start back up till following day.

-starts on a 3rd or 4th try when cold
-runs for 10 to 15 minutes then dies
-sputters trying to start back and sounds almost like a backfire through the throttle body
-will start the next day on 3rd or 4th crank
-idle changes once or twice before it dies
-when starts, drives fine for 10 to 20 min then dies

I've replaced the CPS still doing it. New to Cherokees and would like to know what all it could be. TIA!

some random facts:
186k miles, crack in exhaust manifold

I suspect a bad cat, possibly a bad pick up coil or cam sensor..

Any help would be greatly appreciated
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Check the fuel pressure, sounds like the pump may be done.

 

FYI ,your fuel pressure should be 46-50 psi.

 

Thanks guys, just went to Kragen and picked up starter fluid along with fuel pressure system tester kit. Going to take readings at first click, start up, then when it dies. Will report back shortly.

Can't wait to figure this out and go for a drive! My YJ is probably mad at me, but it's XJ's turn for a while

 

Heating up then dies is coil mounted on engine block on 96 ? Check for spark on next stall occurs. Also check codes even though no light is on key on key off method.

 

I think I'm onto something. Fuel line pressure is at 39-41psi and it's a 96. Chiltons says 47-51psi, would that really do it? I'm unable to start it what so ever today. Battery is at 12.2v at 50% charge, I'm going to jump start it and see what happens. Also I swapped relays around.

 

Check for spark ?

 

96 is the transition year early 96 would be 39 to 41 later would be 49 to 51 .....even with that fuel pressure would be enough to start.

 

If you determine there is no spark, check the wires leading to your ignition coil connector, I had a issue where everything was fine but the wires going to my coil was melted/aged to show bare wire and would short itself when the engine got hot.

 

look at this post

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/96-...-worse-160298/

this is what I'm gone to do because I'm in the same situation that you and this guy describe.

 

I got the battery to charge up to 12.6v, had another car in parallel with the XJ running.
Got it started once, ran for 2 min and died. Fuel pressure stayed between 47 and 51psi like needs be. Even after turn off.

I don't think 96 have a coil outside of distributor.

 

Follow center dist spark plug wire coils at other end.

 

I was thinking it's the pickup coil in the dizzy itself and almost bought another one at Kragen. May just go up the street and get it.

 

Will do, in a wheelchair so I gotta rig something up to climb onto lol will report in a bit.

Thank you guys for helping me through this!

 

Gonna be here....