hi everybody im new to this forum
my fiance just recently bought a 2000 jeep cherokee 4.0 automatic....when she goes to start it after it has been sitting for anything more than a few minutes it will not start on the first or second crank....my first thought was to check the fuel filter but i have read somewhere that it is in the gas tank and should never need matinance. i also read somewhere that in some cases the fuel will slowly flow back through the fuel lines and back to the tank....any help on this problem will b greatly apprecited

 

Normal thing there, try turning the key into the on position for about 5 seconds before cranking it over. This will allow for the fuel pump to prime properly.

 

ok i just called her and she is tryin that...if that doesnt help do u think something sould b wrong with the pump of the filter?

 

X2 on what Kyle said. There is a cure for this losing prime thing that involves putting a check valve in the fuel line. IIRC it is a BMW part and the cure is permanent. Another thing about Jeeps that may be different than other vehicles IDK, is that the ECU requires that it sees a few pulses from your CPS before it turns on the power to the injectors, thus making it seem to need alot of cranking before it starts. Hope this was helpful.
BTW Welcome to CF.

 

so i should put a check valve somewhere in the fuel line? where would be a good place to put it?

 

IIRC the one I heard about was near the beginning of the run from the tank toward the front. So just where the fuel line comes in contact with the frame rail in the rear of the vehicle. Again that was a BMW part and that means $$$ around $40-$60 if my memory is correct.