My 96 jeep cheeokee dies after starting. It will start and sounds fine but dies as soon as it reaches idle speed. If I press the gas it dies immediately, seems like it floods.
I cleaned the idle air controller, which was sooty. When i put the IAC back in it started crisp bit still died immediately.
Any Ideas? Would love some advice, especially since I canʻt use a voltage tester on an engine that wond stay running, or can I?
Many Mahalos for any input!

 

There are a few possibilities

I would proceed in the following manner. Run an OBD2 test, any codes?.

If you dont own one, by a 96 compliant model such as BAFX ~$30, pay for itself 10x over first use

next, fuel system, how old is the fuel filter?...dont know?..change it

prior to doing that, you should do a simple fuel pressure test, which is depressing the schrader valve with a screwdriver when it is fully primed...fuel should squirt out under pressure, not just dribble

If any suspicions exist over fuel pressure, rent a gauge and test for 49psi

The fuel pump unit on a 96 is unique to that year, and the tank is prone to devolop a build up of crud, which clogs the fuel pump inlet sock

this can be partially verified by removing the fuel pump assembly and examining it, if its all skungy, that means you need to drop the tank and clean it out

You should also remove and check a few spark plugs, my XJ is very hard on plugs

 

Ok. I replaced the fuel filter and air filter. Still won't stay running. I also tested the throttle position sensor, and the idle air controller. When I cleaned the idle air controller it did start more easily (seemingly) but died as before. I haven't been able to check the map sensor yet because I wasn't sure which wires to lead and which to check (ABC prongs, not sure which is which). I checked each of the injectors and the voltage reads the same across all 6 (about 12v). Should I just replace the IAC and/or Map. I plan the check all the remaining sensors but have to get organized and locate each one. also setting up a home made vacuum pump to do pressure tests with certain sensors. Also thinking it could be the engine control module. another note: I have an issue with the key tumbler, have replaced it three times now and it still isn't working right. Thinking it needs an ignition module (behind the tumbler for the ignition key) . not sure if this could be related....
mahalo in advance for any tips, advice, or ideas

 

I personally do not like to meddle with the TPS or IAC except in the most minimal way. They are both prone to damage

I could not proceed any further fault finding without OBD code reading first

 

Thereʻs no check engine light and the code reader wouldnʻt pull any info from the car
any suggestions?

 

buy the BAFX (if its still available), be the best 30 bucks you ever spent (check it out via Google first)

Mine is permanently plugged in, I can look at live data on my phone

What you need is a OBD2 reader that is specifically compliant with 1996 cars, better still says Make as well.

1996 was the first year of OBD2, and many readers (and some makes or models) are not fully compliant