i have a 97 xj 4.0 . It has issues starting.It did this before and went away.To start it you have to hold it to the floor.and when it starts it sputters till the fire ketches up to the fuel i guess.could this be water in the gas..

 

When was the last time you did a tune up?

 

Fresh plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor always a good idea.

Any check engine light? If so, pull stored codes for clues.

If you have a 10% ethanol concentration in your area, it probably isn't water in the gas.

The throttle position sensor can be responsible for having to tip in the throttle on startup.

 

i have the same problem with my 96 4.0. i change my spark plugs and it kinda helped.

 

hey man .... ditto TJWalker .... also, check your battery to make sure it's good to go .... if stalling randomly, then check the IAC ..... you can clean the iac, but it might be a better idea to replace it ..... btw, how is your vacuum ccv/pcv/egr and at the intake manifold? ... you can check it by unplugging the ccv/pcv hose at intake manifold on driver's side, below the throttle body and plugging it up with your finger - see if it helps run smoother, if so, then clean out your vacuum hoses with some tb cleaner or seafoam - use small amount to not choke it up ... good luck!

 

i have a 97 to it never starts the first time its some thing to do with my fuel pump may be same story for you

 

it does sound like the iac motor is dirty and sticking, could also be the tps but i would clean the iac first

 

Check the fuel pump ballast resistor.