88 4.0 xj only stays started when holding key in start position
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88 4.0 xj only stays started when holding key in start position
Im having a probem starting my xj. It will start just fine but as soon as i let the key go after starting it, it shuts off. I can keep it runnning but i have to hold the key down. i read around on the forums and read that it might be the ballast resistor but i jumped it and it still wouldnt stay started. I really need to get this back on the road. thanks for any help!
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I wouldn't worry about the CPS just yet. A working CPS is necessary for the motor to fire up, which yours is. It just won't stay running with the key released back to the "on" position.
You already bypassed the ballast resistor- check to see if there's voltage at both ends with the key on too.
Is there power to the coil with the key "on"?
You already bypassed the ballast resistor- check to see if there's voltage at both ends with the key on too.
Is there power to the coil with the key "on"?
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thanks for the quick responses. i just got a new cps from the dealer because i had the issue the other week. The cps is working fine. im going to check for readings now. Which wire should i check going to the coil?
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Im having a probem starting my xj. It will start just fine but as soon as i let the key go after starting it, it shuts off. I can keep it runnning but i have to hold the key down. i read around on the forums and read that it might be the ballast resistor but i jumped it and it still wouldnt stay started. I really need to get this back on the road. thanks for any help!
Mine was sitting idling and the starter engaged all of the sudden, I shut it off and when I tried to restart it it would only stay running while holding the key switch in the start position.
The part was not too much, like $60 or something...
Here it is at Napa...Less than what I thought: http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...557_0180985027
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Well...you have an '88 which I'm not quite as familiar with. I think you have a control module wedded to the coil? There has to be a plug to the control module that powers the coil where you can test for voltage. Probably 3 wires- power, control signal and tach, IIRC. If there's no sign of +12V there, I'd work my way back to the ignition switch.
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I wouldn't worry about the CPS just yet. A working CPS is necessary for the motor to fire up, which yours is. It just won't stay running with the key released back to the "on" position.
You already bypassed the ballast resistor- check to see if there's voltage at both ends with the key on too.
Is there power to the coil with the key "on"?
You already bypassed the ballast resistor- check to see if there's voltage at both ends with the key on too.
Is there power to the coil with the key "on"?
i got a reading of .03V DC from the wires off the ballast while the key was in the on position.
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im getting 12 volts to the coil with the key in the on position.
also, when i go to start it the accesories turn off then as i release the key and the engine shuts off the accesories turn back on.
also, when i go to start it the accesories turn off then as i release the key and the engine shuts off the accesories turn back on.
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does anyone think it would have anything to do with fuel or the ground connections?
edit: i checked my fuel pressure and its from 35-39 psi
i bought and installed a new ignition starter switch (it wasnt bad only 13 bucks) and still does not start
i cleaned the ground connections by the oil dip stick
I am all out of ideas......its still doin the same thing. it starts up then immediatly shuts off unless i hold the key down. Im thinking vaccum leak but i dont know where to start
edit: i checked my fuel pressure and its from 35-39 psi
i bought and installed a new ignition starter switch (it wasnt bad only 13 bucks) and still does not start
i cleaned the ground connections by the oil dip stick
I am all out of ideas......its still doin the same thing. it starts up then immediatly shuts off unless i hold the key down. Im thinking vaccum leak but i dont know where to start
Last edited by bwis16; 06-07-2012 at 05:08 PM.