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hard to start xj 4.0

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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 05:40 PM
  #1  
grayskull's Avatar
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Default hard to start xj 4.0

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..
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 05:41 PM
  #2  
BeaglesXJ's Avatar
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From: Walled Lake, MI
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
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When was the last time you did a tune up?
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 05:44 PM
  #3  
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From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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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.
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 05:52 PM
  #4  
cherokeecountry96's Avatar
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From: asheville nc
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L straight 6
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i have the same problem with my 96 4.0. i change my spark plugs and it kinda helped.
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 09:41 PM
  #5  
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From: southlake, TX
Year: 1996 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
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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!

Last edited by kbad; Jan 17, 2011 at 09:44 PM.
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 10:53 PM
  #6  
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From: westminster co.
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
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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
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 10:59 PM
  #7  
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From: belvidere, il
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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it does sound like the iac motor is dirty and sticking, could also be the tps but i would clean the iac first
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 11:02 PM
  #8  
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From: Davison, MI
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Check the fuel pump ballast resistor.
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