Another replaced CPS
 

Just for logging/search purposes:

96 XJ Country, 4x4, Auto, 106k

Sunday: Ran like a champ
Monday morning 1:37 a.m. (blllaaahhh I hate work): Engine cranks; but doesn't turn over. I don't smell gas when I pumped the pedal, and didn't hear the pump whine before startup.

Once it got light, I checked the fuel at the rail and worked my way back. Nothing at the rail, nothing at the rail check valve but a little sputter, nothing after the filter, nothing before the filter....no pump whine before start up... All fingers point to pump.

Replaced fuel pump, and nothing.......:icon_mad::icon_mad::icon_mad:....

Checked a couple of the plugs for spark, and nothing.....In hindsight, I should have checked this before the new pump install. Oh well. Note: I don't know how to use a multimeter, which would have also helped in testing the CPS pigtail off of the harness.

Now all fingers are pointing towards CPS; but alas, I needed this problem solved that day (no time for another unnecessary part install (i.e. fuel pump)), so my Dad and I towed it up to my shop. They ran a couple tests...and blamoooo, CPS failed. An hour later, new CPS and it cranks up like new.

Lesson learned: Check everything you can (spark, fuel, continuity (didn't know how to do this), pressure, air, or any remedial thing that you wouldn't think it was..) before making a part decision. I had a stinking feeling from the beginning it was the CPS, since it went out over night. I'd think a pump would kind peter out over a period of time.

Oh well, at least I got a new fuel pump out of the ordeal... Hope this helps somebody. Thanks to this site's search function, cause I used the hell out of it yesterday.

Search terms: CPS, crank position sensor, crankcase position sensor, no fuel no spark, bad pump, no fuel, no fuel pressure.