i have a 97 cherokee with a 2.5, manual trans. had a starting problem that seemed like a bad fuel pump and replaced it. after a week, same problem. good spark, just turned over. after a few hours it started with a chugging like out of fuel but came out of it. changed the crank sensor. fine for 3 weeks. did it again. sets for 3-4 hours and will fire right up. read on here others having same issue. i put new cat, oxy, tps sensors in last year. so, any ideas anyone. thinking could be a computer short. it is strange.

 

Heat soak issue of some sort? Does it run fine once it starts?

 

yes. it runs fine after. just does it once in a while though. will not do it for weeks. then wont start once. then starts fine for a bit. then does it again. will fire on start fluid for a second. thinking maybe fuel pump or auto shut off relay getting bad. would if an bad injector, do it all the time? thanks for the reply.

 

Try priming the fuel rail before you start it:
Turn key to ON, wait about 5 seconds for the fuel pump to spin up.
Turn key OFF.
Repeat twice more, then start the engine.
Could be as simple as a failing anti-drainback valve, not enough fuel on some start attempts. If so, priming it like this will stop the problem.

Also wouldn't hurt to clean and inspect ground points, sensor and PCM connectors and check your fuel pressure with a gauge.

 

thanks radi. next time will try that. its pissin me off. haha