Hello friends,

I have a 93 cherokee sport, 4.0. It has never had an issue starting, before today. When i turned the key, starter engaged, and it turned over like it wanted to fire up, but would only run if i gassed it with the pedal. Even when i held it running at 2000 rpms, I'd let off and it would die. Also sounded weird, like it was turbocharged or something with a high pitch whistle. Should also note, when i was wrenching over the summer i broke the positive battery connector, and have had to jiggle it to keep the connection so it will start once in a while. Basically, I turn the key, dead click, get out, torque the terminal till i see the under hood light come back on, and try the key again. Sometimes it would start, sometimes i'd have to mess with it again. Always started once it was turning over, though.

So, any information you fine sirs could offer would be greatly appreciated, I'm going outside to poke it with a stick and maybe a hammer to see if it will bow to my will.

 

Was it cold when you tried to start it? I've had this happen to me only twice, and it was when it was below 0. I held the engine at around 1000 RPM till it warmed up a bit, and then it would idle by itself.

 

[QUOTE=Mrredbaron;2792636 Should also note, when i was wrenching over the summer i broke the positive battery connector, and have had to jiggle it to keep the connection so it will start once in a while. Basically, I turn the key, dead click, get out, torque the terminal till i see the under hood light come back on, and try the key again. Sometimes it would start, sometimes i'd have to mess with it again. Always started once it was turning over, though. [/QUOTE]

You MUST start here. Battery connections are critical and must be resolved before looking elsewhere. Repair/replace cable. It's all of a few bucks out of pocket and a few minutes of your time. Never let stuff like this go.

If after that, you still have issues, have your battery "load tested". Any parts store will do this for you for free.

Simple stuff first and the above may very well resolve your problem. The engine management system hates it when available battery voltage is low or intermittent and stalling at idle is the #1 symptom. Sound familiar?

Good luck and keep us udpated!

 

Try turning the key a couple clicks so the fuel pump is turned on and primed, you can hear it if you listen closely. I had similar problems, worth a shot to give it a try. Definitely replace the battery terminal though

 

IAC valve may be junk.

 

+1 for an issue at the battery... had my battery go dead because the headlights were left on... i jump started it and it wouldnt crank unless i used the throttle... and as soon as I let off the gas it would die..

new battery fixed this issue.. it was old anyways..

 

It could also be a TPS going bad.

 

That. If you have to keep your foot on the accelerator the IAC probably isn't bypassing enough air around the throttle.
That may be caused by a flaky electrical system- fix the battery cables and connectors first.

 

The terminal comment he made kind of led my first thoughts around the battery... but you guys are right.. IAC can be an issue here..

 

Electrical system problems should always be fixed first, problems there can mimic failed sensors and all sorts of stuff. The fun of computer controlled motors, lol.

 

atleast its not CAN-BUS!

 

checking in to update you guys, it starts and runs as normal now, replaced the battery terminal..

just needed to start and stay running till it warmed up? there was also a question about the ignition in the steering column because it is loose.

thank you for the responses guys im keeping an eye on it until im sure it's not going to screw me.

 

good deal!