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!

 

check cps

 

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"?

 

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?

 

Mine did the same thing and it was the key switch, not where your key goes but the internal part.

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

 

When you release the key does the accesories also turn off or just the motor?

Sounds like bad ignition switch......

 

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.

 

i got a reading of .03V DC from the wires off the ballast while the key was in the on position.

 

the accesories stay on, just the motor turns off.

Is there any way to test the ignition starter switch before i put 40 bucks into it?

 

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.

 

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

 

bump

 

ignition switch or fuel pump resistor main suspects here...

 

i replaced the ignition switch. fuel pump resister? what is that, ive never heard of it.

 

Fuel pump relay ! Very common to fail,it one of the 4 out by the battery