I'm new here and in need of some direction. My 97 Cherokee won't start. I crank it over until the battery dies. I put a charger on it and continue to crank, after about 10-15 minutes of cranking I can finally get it to start. Once it starts, it runs great. It will start up again without effort the rest of the day. But when left over night it will not start. Changed out the plugs, distributor and wires recently and it is getting spark. Replaced the fuel pump module, then the fuel pump itself. Still won't start. I just finished putting in the new fuel pump yesterday, got it started and it was running better than it has in a few years. But today, it won't start again, even after 10 -15 minutes of cranking, nothing. Its worse than before. It is a 1997 Cherokee Sport with 4.0 inline 6 and 5 speed, 4wd.

 

When you get it running, is the check engine light on?

Do you know if the fuel injectors are getting power?

What happens with starting fluid?

 

15 min cranking? will fry batt or starter or both if continuously

 

No engine lights come on. It runs really well once it starts.

I don't crank it continouosly for 10 to 15 minutes. About 5 seconds on 20 off for several minutes, then I let the battery recharge before I continue.

 

I don't know if the injectors are getting power. I'll check that out.