engine running really rough/no power
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: minnesota
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ok so today i was driving along and came up to a stop sign, the engine bogged down and lost power, ran like it only had 4 or 5 cylinders firing. You could only use a very slight throttle or else it would bog down even further i pulled through the stop sign and it cleared out, got a couple miles or so down the road and it did it again and cleared out after a few hundered yards. It did it off and on for probably 10 miles and then poof its back to running like normal. It did it a month or so ago when it was like 100 degrees out but only for like 30 seconds, today it was 75 and rainy. What could be causing this? no check engine light or stored codes, i checked when i got home with my code reader. anybody ever have this happen to them?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 732
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From: Westminster, MD
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by dslpwr
I checked all the vac lines and they seem ok, what was the problem with yours? A crack in the line or something?

Also the valve cover stud, that photo was deleted. If the harness is touching the engine anywhere, be suspicious. The engine moves after-all.
Here's the thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/new...-32066/index2/
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: minnesota
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ok so I checked the harness, and it was fine no rubs or wear any where. Interesting note though, it started doing this for like 5-10 seconds after start up only after it sits for a longer period of time ( like over night). Its got my kinda stumped, as its intermittant and only done it twice.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Hey Hermit, is the part that's getting pressed on the section in the top center of your close up photo showing that black fuel rail pushing up into the ripped wire loom? I trying to track down a wiring harness issue in my 98... any leads I can take are great.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 838
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From: Tulsa,Oklahoma
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
have truck running and spray carb cleaner or something over the vacuum lines see if you hear a difference, could be microscopic crack you're missing..
but if I was to bet I'd say its your FUEL FILTER...
but if I was to bet I'd say its your FUEL FILTER...
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Engine metal embedded in wire harness, like this.

Also the valve cover stud, that photo was deleted. If the harness is touching the engine anywhere, be suspicious. The engine moves after-all.
Here's the thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/new...-32066/index2/

Also the valve cover stud, that photo was deleted. If the harness is touching the engine anywhere, be suspicious. The engine moves after-all.
Here's the thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/new...-32066/index2/
I had traced it back to the wiring harness, because when my Jeep would run like crap I'd go wiggle the harness and it'd run better. Didn't seem to be my PCM, and I replaced about every sensor on the 5v circuit due to this grounding issue popping a p0107 check engine code and a p1298 (or something close to that). I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. PM me your paypal address and ill send you 10 bucks for a 6 pack of your favorite beer.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa,Oklahoma
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
that's what its all about right there... going to check mine now...
ETA: looks like PO had already super wrapped and zipped tied everything out of the way..
ETA: looks like PO had already super wrapped and zipped tied everything out of the way..
Last edited by DieselDaze; Aug 27, 2012 at 05:12 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1
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From: Fairbanks, Aladka
Year: 2003
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0 l
Ok so today i was driving along and came up to a stop sign, the engine bogged down and lost power, ran like it only had 4 or 5 cylinders firing. You could only use a very slight throttle or else it would bog down even further i pulled through the stop sign and it cleared out, got a couple miles or so down the road and it did it again and cleared out after a few hundered yards. It did it off and on for probably 10 miles and then poof its back to running like normal. It did it a month or so ago when it was like 100 degrees out but only for like 30 seconds, today it was 75 and rainy. What could be causing this? no check engine light or stored codes, i checked when i got home with my code reader. anybody ever have this happen to them?
CF Veteran



Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 577
From: SoCal
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
This thread is over 10 years old. The OP hasn't been around since 2014. Your profile says you have a WJ. The WJ forum is here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f91/
If you continue to have issues, you should try the WJ forum.
Welcome to CF!
If you continue to have issues, you should try the WJ forum.
Welcome to CF!
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