So I got this '96 Jeep Cherokee XJ that cranks but doesn't start. It's got around 180k on her but I keep everything in good shape. Batt seemed strong.

I used to drive it everyday but this past year I've driven it only about twice a week. It's been just slightly slower to start in the last couple of months, but just barely slower. Was guessing it had something to do with aging plugs or something.

Drove it yesterday and everything was normal like always, sat overnight and today it cranked but didn't catch.

Any ideas on where to start?

 

So far I've been able to run a couple tests..

Hooked up a fuel pressure gauge and first key turn got it up to only 20psi. Second turn got it up to 45. And third and subsequent turns got it up to 48. It only fell to 43 after 2 minutes so I think that means the fuel pressure is good.

Hooked up a spark tester between a plug and wire and it didn't light at all when cranked so I'm guessing I've got a spark problem. I'll start by doing a tune up with new rotor, cap, wires and plugs then see what happens.

 

Nope. Don't start throwing parts at it.

Test your crank position sensor. What you have is classic CPS symptoms. My last one was $186 at the dealer, so it's not a part you want to just shotgun. Test it. Search the forum her or YouTube for how to test it.

Next likely culprit is the Cam Position Sensor (it's in your distributor). Same deal.

Do NOT buy aftermarket replacements on these sensors. The track record is really, really bad. Bite the bullet, buy the dealer's part.


By the way, you need to be in the Cherokee section. This is the Grand Cherokee section.