MY 89 XJ has a hard to start problem. i need to cranck the engine for about 10 seconds about 2 to 3 times before it starts. does the fuel pump turn on for a few seconds when you turn on the key to the run posistion or not. i dont hear it turn on when i turn my key to run like i do on my dodge durango maybe this my problem? if so can someone varify it for me on their 89, turn on their key and listen for the pump. thanks.

 

the pump does come on for about 4 seconds after key is turned on to charged fuel rail. I here mine easily.

 

Yeah smae here.

 

ok thanks mine is not comming on when the key is turned to the on posistion to pressurise the system i guess thats my problem. now i have to start there any ideas anyone?

 

Remove the gas cap and listen while someone turns the ignition to on. You should hear it come on for a few seconds and then turn off. If it does not come on, swap out the fuel pump relay with one of the others...I belive the starter relay is the same one as the fuel pump. If it does come on, then you have a problem with the fuel pump's check valve. I have to turn my ignition on and off twice before there is enough pressure to start mine. My fuel pump is fine, but the check valve is weak and lets the fuel drop back into the tank. I'm working on installing an external check valve to see if I can solve the problem.

 

Check your ballast resistor for continuity, jumper if broken or wire a ground to FP relay connector 85 (orange black wire) to run the pump continuously in ignition on position.

 

With the retaining valve not working properly the FP should turn the same.

 

It depends on the timing of the switch on/off sequence. Four seconds is the maximum time, it can be also 3, 2, 1,and even less than one depending on how much time you wait in ignition OFF position before re-switching to ignition ON. To have the pump to turn for 4s always you have to wait at least 6-8 seconds in ignition off.

 

Ok i think i found it when i turn on the key i cant hear the fuel pump but my friend was behind the car and heard the fuel pump making a very low variable (high-low) noise when i swapped out the fuel pump relay with the one next to it the fuel pump was loud and steady so i just replaced all four relays in that bank for the heck of it and it works great now. The XJ fires up on the first try now. Thanks everyone for your help

 

It's good to hear a happy ending