I have a 1996 xj with a 4.0. Last weekend while wheeling my engine and electrical shut down completly. Afetr the motor cooled down it stared up. It did thisa couple more times until i got off the trail and on the road. Before it shut down the check engine light came on. My battery was hot to touch but the motor never overheated. Anyone have an idea what would cause this.

 

You need to have it taken in and see if any codes were stored.

 

battery could be overcharging which will cause the electrical system to go haywire.

 

Sounds like your CPS (crankshaft position sensor) could be going bad.. they can fail slowly and often exhibit the 'intermittant' failure when they heat up. They're a little difficult to replace, I've heard.. can't wait for mine to fail.. I love a challenge.

 

I have never heard of a CPS shutting down the whole electrical system.

 

My battery sits right next to the radiator and hose. Would that cause the battery to get so hot it would shut down? It is an Optima battery. When it shuts down the battery is as hot as the radiator.

 

It's a '96? I'm not certain about the '96 model year but maybe there's a battery temp sensor just like in my '99...

 

You probably have a wire that has a dead short to ground somewhere.

Start under the hood, then under the dash, then back along the chassis to the tailight area.

Electrical problems can be time consuming to find and fix.