I have a 1996 Cherokee and I’ve been having this issue with it for over 2 years. It has ran fine since I’ve had it. In 2021 my family and I drove it from Washington State to Arizona when we relocated. In June of that year when I was driving it, it would be running fine and then would die for no reason. Since then I’ve done everything I can come up with or Google and nothing seems to help. I’ve replaced so many things but still can’t figure out what it is. It will start and run but after a minute or two it dies again. Also, when it does run for the minute or two, it smells a lot like gasoline, like it’s running really rich. Anyone experience the same thing and have any idea what the problem may be or if there is something that needs to be checked or changed? Thanks in advance for any help.

Here is what I’ve changed:
Coolant temperature sensor, Crankshaft position sensor, Throttle position sensor, Idle air control valve, Ignition Coil, Radiator, Fuel pump, Throttle body clean, Air intake sensor, Neutral safety switch, Distributor sensor (camshaft position sensor), Cap, rotor & grease, Spark plug wires, PCV Valve, PCV Elbow, PCV Grommet, Fuel regulator, MAP sensor, Trans cooler line, Computer, Battery& another Crankshaft position sensor from Jeep dealer (3/24)

 

1) So when it runs, for those 2 minutes, does it run rough or smooth?

2) when it dies, does it stumble and die or sudden death?

 

You should check the fuel pressure in the rail, I have a 96 and had faulty fuel pump go out on me in about a year. Bought the Crown Automotive one and it's been running strong.

 

@Roler
[size=33px]1. at first it runs smooth but when it’s about to die it sputters a little and then turns off.
2. it stumbles a little and then dies[/size]

 

And have you checked for any codes yet?

 

In addition to above, test and clean the fuel injectors.

 

Does the 96, being a bastard year, have a fuel pump ballast resistor mounted on the driver side inner fender?

 

No ballast resistor in a '96

I had a similar (unresolved) issue on my previous XJ

One night I stopped for an urgent need to irrigate the local vegetation, and noticed my vehicle hiccup...and my lights went out.

So, as you have tried so many things, double check the main battery cables.

This is a known point of failure on XJ.

Could also be some other dodgy wire or ignition switch

Hopefully you retained all original parts, Crank sensor and its wiring is vital, check LV wires into dizzy

 

Did you irrigate more than the vegetation?
😆

 

Perhaps I should clarify. I stopped for a **** at night, left the vehicle idling, it stumbled, as it had been doing, but the vehicles lights went out, so all electrical power was being lost somewhere

Shortly after, the vehicle got written off in a smash, so I did not solve the problem, but I still have it, on my rural property, it goes, and hopefully I will be using it soon to help us drag felled trees to where we will mill them, so like a tractor

The OP has not said how long his vehicle loses power for, whether he has tested for spark etc etc

Hey OP, my stupid answers are longer than your description of your problem

 

Roler is just messing with you.

Your answers aren't stupid and are generally humorous.

Are we sure ALL 96s didn't have a ballast resistor? I thought maybe early ones still had it.
It would be nice if the OP chimed back in and verified this for sure. didn't I provide a photo?

 

Hey Cruiser, I thought I had written this down a long time ago and just found it on my very warn Chiltons manual! Not sure where I found it but I have ballast resistors being in the XJ from 1984 to 1993.

 

Tell the truth, not exactly clear what Roler is implying here from his below quote?

However, think he may be from Tasmania, which could explain things

You from Tasmania bro ?

I know a wicked joke that I enjoy to tell to selected Tasmanians. It involves family matters though. Dunno if you know it

 

Gentlemen, settle down a bit please before we get waaay too excited about Roler's replies or read all kinds of things between the lines that are not there.

awg- I got what you said, no need to clarify lol. And no I'm not from Tassie, so you can tell all the inbred jokes you want 😆.

 

@Roler
When the check engine light is on, it’s throwing a code for the crankshaft position sensor.

@cruiser54
Mine does not have a fuel pump ballast resistor

@awg
I’ve checked the cables and they seem to be fine. I’ll probably buy some new ones just to be certain. When the Jeep dies, it usually won’t start up again until I’ve pressed the valve on the fuel rail. At first, nothing comes out but after doing this a few times gas will start to come out and then the Jeep will start again. I tested the fuel pressure last week and the gauge fluctuated between 19 and 21.

By the way, this is the OP’s wife. Trying to help my hubby with replies since he’s always at work. If I’m not explaining things correctly, I apologize.