my 96 XJ 4.0 4x4 automatic decided to start dieing randomly on me a week ago, it will run fine sometimes and then just decide to start running rough and die very quickly. almost like its out of gas, but it has a half tank in it. i replaced the crank position sensor, checked the fuel pump and the filter is only a few months old so i dont see what else it could be. i just drove it about 10 miles and had no problem and pulling up the hill on my way home it died. turned the key over a few times and waited a few minutes and it started and ran just fine. also just replaced the battery. someone told me the alternator could be going out but the lights arent dim at all when it is running. if anyone has any idea what it could be it would be a big help. im stationed in germany and it takes over a week to get xj parts shipped here from autozone and thats pretty much my only option

 

Can you get the codes read somewhere? Also see below. A guy a few months ago was going crazy with a similar problem. His turned out to to be the connection where his Fuel pump relay plugged in. IDk exactly which one is yours, but you might find it and the AC relay and swap them. Easy enough to rule that out. (once you ID them!)
Plugs/wires/cap/rotor all in fair condition?


1984-1990 w/AMC engine are pre-OBD.

1984-1986 w/GM V6-173 are OBD-I (GM control setup.)

1991-1995 are OBD-I (Chrysler)

1996-2001 are OBD-II (Chrysler)

The "Key Tricks"
Older (OBDI) models - Start with the ignition off. Within five seconds, switch the key on, off, on, off, on. ("On" is NOT "Start" and "Off" is NOT "Lock"). The "check engine" light will flash. Count the flashes. Each code is a two digit code, so a (for example) 23 would be FLASH FLASH (pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause). It will never flash more than 9 times, so watch for those pauses!

Newer (OBDII) models - Put the key into the ignition, push down the odometer reset button, then turn the key to RUN with your finger on the button - and then release the button. The odometer will go through 1111111 through 999999, then display the car's serial number. It will then show the error codes (it might show them starting with P). If this method does not work, try the OBDI method.

 

hey, i had a 91 that was doing the same thing. it'd die and wouldnt start right back up, few mins later it'd start. it end up being the hall effect switch (distrib pick up) in the distrib. it had some junk in there and was giving it a bad reading.

not saying forsure thats what it is but maybe pull your cap and have a look see in there.

and great info dflintstone!!!

 

X2^ Was thinking (possibly ) the same. I think it should "throw" a code.

 

plugs are about 6months old. cap looks to be newer but i should really get around to changing it. rotor looks like its in fair condition too. i thought once about the coil and i have one ordered right now. and come to think of it i should really order a cap and rotor too. its just odd that it started doing it the coldest day of the year. the first thought that went through my head is that it was out of gas, it still acts like its out of gas. mainly because its only died when it is going up or down a hill. if its sitting still or on flat ground its runs fine. thanks for the advise everyone ill have a lot to look at tomorrow

 

Clearly you need to click your heels three times. (you'll be fine in Kansas)(Forums! )

Is there a pickup up tube on your fuel pump that might be ****tywonkus? See if it still does it with a full tank.

 

Do you guys ever have a problem with water in the gas?

 

im not sure. i live on a military base and buy gas on post. it wouldnt surprise me if i got a tank of bad gas. i plan on flushing the tank tomorrow but just got it to start and run long enough to drive it at all after changing the CPS. i thought that had the problem fixed but i guess not. thanks for the help ill give an update tomorrow after i have some time to take half the truck apart looking for the problem

 

Had similar issue,...ended up being ignition coil. Seeing as how your having to order and wait. I'd consider ordering the other common sensors. I think I spent $200 total on four sensors and the ignition coil. Had the repeat problem until the coil was replaced.

If anyone has some of these spare parts (in working order), perhaps a nice "gift basket" can be sent. I do not have anything worth sending. The OP could PM someone with the address.

 

they have an 89 xj in the junk yard here but im the only one that ever buys anything off of it so they keep talking about throwing it out to make room for BMW's i might try to go ****** the coil off of that thing to see if its in any better shape than the one i have. i ordered one a few days ago but it usualy takes a week or two to get here

 

I'm just learning here. Got a good ways to go! If you have a nice crisp blue spark probably it's not your coil. (failing going down hill!) Also 89 is Renix The coil itself maybe, but I have doubts about the ICM working with your OBD II.

"its only died when it is going up or down a hill. "

I only mentioned water with the goofy idea that it could have frozen in there, (you said it started screwing up after it got cold), frozen there and dislodged your fuel pickup. I don't even know that's possible. If it runs fine level maybe the fuel is fine.

Was me I'd want to check for codes. Might also try it with it full also. That might give away a fuel pick-up issue. Also you want to see 49 Lbs fuel pressure.