the_toxic_hotdog

Hey guys, 2001 jeep xj

I went to start my car this morning, turn they key and its trying to start, but nothing. I stopped, tried again, started right up. Strange, okay?

Drove to work, everything is fine. Get out of work, same thing. First time, its trying and trying. I stop, second time, starts right up.

I ran a few errands during the day, so i stopped at several places and turned the car off, and every time i try to start the jeep back up, its always the same thing, first time is nothing (no matter how long i hold the key) but the second time it starts right up like a champ

any suggestions? I was going to have the battery and alternator tested, but this sounds more like a fuel system issue...not too sure.

thanks in advance

CurrySoSpicy

So it's cranking but not turning over?

the_toxic_hotdog

isnt cranking the same thing as turning over? Anyway, its turning over but not starting. When i stop and try again immediately after, it starts up just fine.

CurrySoSpicy

lol I meant starting. Have you tried the poor mans prime?

the_toxic_hotdog

Lol, it's okay. Yeah I've tried it, it's the same thing. Won't start the first time, but the second time it starts right up.

Smokey Bear

My 1997 XJ does the same thing. I have looked through a lot of threads on this issue and believe it is a check valve just after the fuel pump in the tank. The check valve is supposed to allow fuel to travel to the engine, but not back into the tank when the vehicle is turned off. Because the check valve is not working correctly, it is allowing the fuel to "trickle" back into the tank. On a cold start mine will go for at least 10 full seconds before firing up. I have found that if I turn the key to "on" for a few seconds, that fires up the pump and it will start right up. I have also found that if you park with the nose downhill, the fuel will stay in the line and it should start right back up. It is an inconvenience but I plan on just living with it until the pump goes bad. I don't want to drop the tank anytime soon.

Someone with more experience may be able to tell us if there is a way to install an inline check valve just outside the tank?

CurrySoSpicy

Yep I was coming to the same conclusion. You could get a fuel pressure gauge to confirm. Let it sit overnight and hook it up in the morning. If your system didn't hold pressure over night, it's probably the check valve.

the_toxic_hotdog

Yeah the on position is the poor man's prime that curry mentioned above. I used to do that last year, but I replaced my fuel pump and everything was fine. This is now happening and the on position doesn't solve it. Just try, cranks, doesn't start. Try again, starts right up

the_toxic_hotdog

Yep. Just Google searched bad check valve symptoms and that seems to be the issue. Thanks guys. Much appreciated.

CurrySoSpicy

They do make after market check valves that go inline. I think the Jeeps gas lines are 5/16". Don't quote me on that.

cpttuna

fuel pump problems. Recommend turning the key to the on position for several seconds. then shut key off. wait 2 seconds and then try to start.