Had a starting problem a month back. Took to AutoZone and had them test the starting system. Guy who seemed very helpful said battery tested bad. I put in the new battery, and after a few days of iffy starts, my 1996 Cherokee Country was starting like usual. Had an appointment for brakes so had them look into it - said the starting system was in good shape.

Then on Labor day, I drove to the gym. When I tried starting it to leave, it turned over but wouldn't start twice. I gave it a little gas, got it to start, but it kept dying as I drove 6 or so blocks home, once while idling, once while going probably 30 mph. Finally got it home. Wondered about the fuel pump, looked underneath, and the original fuel filter was still on this beast. I changed that immediately, by the book. Cycled the key a few times to build pressure, and it hesitated, then started. I let it run for 5 minutes, then turned it off, and tried to start it again.

It basically coughed at me and lost all power. I got nothing else out of it the rest of the night - no lights, no locks, nothing. Not a click when I turned it to start. Nothing.

Next morning I came out. I had power in the locks and lights. The radio was not really on. I cycled the key a few times. I got it to start once. let it run 15 min with no problem. Shut it off, and the same thing happened again - a "cough", and loss of all power systems.

I am very new to DIY, but I did everything perfectly (and extremely slowly) changing the fuel filter. Both AutoZone and a trusted garage told me battery, starter, alternator are good. Your thoughts?

 

If a hammer won't fix it, you've got an electrical problem.

Grounds. Battery cables. And ends. Replace all 3 battery cables with new heavy duty ones NOT from Autozone. NAPA or O'Reilly's.

Yours may be corroded inside where you can't see.

 

Thanks Firestorm500, solved my problem!

 

You're welcome. Glad to be of service.