My brother has a 95 XJ (it used to be mine so it's been in the family for the last 8 or so years). It has the 4.0L in it. Here's a more detailed description of the issue:

Jeep is running, length of time doesn't seem to really matter (sometimes it'll do it immediately, sometimes it's fine to drive around a bit before it happens), and the volt gauge goes all the way down like the car is off; not like it's a low reading, and the RPMs and speedometer go to 0. The oil pressure, fuel, and temp gauges are still reading accurately at this point. The motor is still running as well but about 10 seconds after these gauges die, the Jeep shuts off. It will start again without issue but this eventually will happen again.

He thought it was the battery, so he replaced it (it was due anyway). When that didn't do it, he replaced the alternator. Neither of these made any difference.

I'm asked to take a look and noticed if you jiggle the keys in the ignition when the gauges cut out, everything comes back on and the Cherokee stays running. Jiggling the keys when everything is working, however, doesn't seem to make the gauges cut out. I'm still leaning towards it being an issue with the ignition but was wondering if anyone else has had any experience testing/replacing/dealing with a troublesome ignition in an XJ before we go to replace it.

Thanks!

 

Sounds like a crank position sensor to me.

I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in soon.

 

I was thinking CPS but I don't recall dying gauges being a possible symptom. I have to look into it more.

 

bumping for hopes of some more replies.