Annoying starting issue
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Model: Cherokee
Annoying starting issue
So, I've got this starting issue with my 1997 XJ.
I turn the ignition key to get a whining noise coming from the fuel pump, and the orange Check Engine light will not come on.. The engine will turn over at this point, but won't start.
Until the Check Engine light comes on and the whining stops, the engine will not start.
The longest wait time I've had for the light to come on has been 20 minutes. This can be reduced drastically by putting the key in and out of the ignition until the light comes on, and then it'll start.
The problem is worse when the engine is cold, as a warm engine doesn't seem to be affected, and bump starting is not a problem.
We've replaced the fuel pump and a couple of other parts in the fuel delivery system (can't remember what off the top of my head) but still the same issue.
My mechanic thinks it could be the ECU which needs replacing, but I haven't bought one yet as I can't find a source that is selling one for a good price. The dealer here want around 650 quid, which is about the value of the car, so screw that.
I did try a couple of places in Miami for rebuilt ECU's, but their customer service was a joke so I wasted a month back and forth on e-mail. Next stop scrapyard for an ECU.
Any ideas what else we should look at to fix this problem?
Cheers,
Nick
I turn the ignition key to get a whining noise coming from the fuel pump, and the orange Check Engine light will not come on.. The engine will turn over at this point, but won't start.
Until the Check Engine light comes on and the whining stops, the engine will not start.
The longest wait time I've had for the light to come on has been 20 minutes. This can be reduced drastically by putting the key in and out of the ignition until the light comes on, and then it'll start.
The problem is worse when the engine is cold, as a warm engine doesn't seem to be affected, and bump starting is not a problem.
We've replaced the fuel pump and a couple of other parts in the fuel delivery system (can't remember what off the top of my head) but still the same issue.
My mechanic thinks it could be the ECU which needs replacing, but I haven't bought one yet as I can't find a source that is selling one for a good price. The dealer here want around 650 quid, which is about the value of the car, so screw that.
I did try a couple of places in Miami for rebuilt ECU's, but their customer service was a joke so I wasted a month back and forth on e-mail. Next stop scrapyard for an ECU.
Any ideas what else we should look at to fix this problem?
Cheers,
Nick
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#8
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wisconsin
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Model: Cherokee
Got a hair dryer? If you know the problem disappears once things warm up, you can use it to heat the ignition switch, PCM, etc until you find the culprit. But take a look at the connector first. Often you'll find it discolored from overheating.
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