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I can't get my 1987 cherokee to start

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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 02:11 AM
  #1  
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Default I can't get my 1987 cherokee to start

I have fuel and spark but won't start my injectors won't work I replaced the ECM and still nothing
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 07:24 AM
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From: U.P. MI
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default I can't get my 1987 cherokee to start

When you turn the key forward you hear the fuel pump prime?

What is your fuel pressure at the rail?
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 07:31 AM
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From: U.P. MI
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default I can't get my 1987 cherokee to start

The reason I ask is because you stated that you "have fuel", but then go on to say that the injectors aren't working.

I'm just wondering how you came to that conclusion.
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 08:04 AM
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From: west chester, pa
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by Jimbo Slice
The reason I ask is because you stated that you "have fuel", but then go on to say that the injectors aren't working. I'm just wondering how you came to that conclusion.
I thought the same thing.



OP. have u started doing the Cruiser's tips yet?
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 09:09 AM
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Year: 1990
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The ECM is the LAST thing I would replace.
Click on the link below and do Tips 1 through 5.
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Jimbo Slice
The reason I ask is because you stated that you "have fuel", but then go on to say that the injectors aren't working.

I'm just wondering how you came to that conclusion.
I relieved the pressure at the rail and tested the power to the injectors and there is no power
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Jimbo Slice
When you turn the key forward you hear the fuel pump prime?

What is your fuel pressure at the rail?
The fuel pump is working cuz I have it on a switch
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 01:08 PM
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From: Fort Erie, CANADA
Year: 1987
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You probably won't get a lot of help unless you post a lot more information. There are hundred of "Jeep won't start/run" postings. Need to know what engine, what you've tried (new battery, new spark plugs, new wires etc, does it crank, do the gauges work, did it run before and it just stopped starting today, have you had it for 10 years and it just started or did you just pick up from buddy who couldn't get it to run either. Was it from a scrap yard, was in a flood, fire, upside down etc.


This isn't the psychic friends network LOL. Start with the basics. Need to know fuel pressure first. Fuel at the rail doesn't tell much. Go and borrow a gauge.
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 01:09 PM
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From: U.P. MI
Year: 1989
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Default I can't get my 1987 cherokee to start

Oh my.

Sounds like this thing may have some electrical issues. Gonna have to defer to Mr. Cruiser and his plethora of fine tips.
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 67 GMC
You probably won't get a lot of help unless you post a lot more information. There are hundred of "Jeep won't start/run" postings. Need to know what engine, what you've tried (new battery, new spark plugs, new wires etc, does it crank, do the gauges work, did it run before and it just stopped starting today, have you had it for 10 years and it just started or did you just pick up from buddy who couldn't get it to run either. Was it from a scrap yard, was in a flood, fire, upside down etc.


This isn't the psychic friends network LOL. Start with the basics. Need to know fuel pressure first. Fuel at the rail doesn't tell much. Go and borrow a gauge.
I have the 4.0 and and I have put new plugs and wires cap and rotter, coil all new relays, ECM , ignition switch , fuel pump map sensor, fuel presser regulator, crank position sensor and throttle position sensor and I still can't get it to start
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Jimbo Slice
Oh my.

Sounds like this thing may have some electrical issues. Gonna have to defer to Mr. Cruiser and his plethora of fine tips.
That's what I'm thinking my next step is to trace the wires back to the plug and see if I have power to that and if not trace it back to the ECM and replace that wire and see if that will be the trick
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 01:26 PM
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From: U.P. MI
Year: 1989
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Default I can't get my 1987 cherokee to start

How did you test the power at the injectors? Just curious.
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Jimbo Slice
How did you test the power at the injectors? Just curious.
With a test light I took the plug off and put the test light to both ends as my friend cranked it over and it never light up I did it to all 6 and no power and yes I tested my ground before I check them to make sure it was good
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 03:07 PM
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From: Fort Erie, CANADA
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by Tj Cope
I have the 4.0 and and I have put new plugs and wires cap and rotter, coil all new relays, ECM , ignition switch , fuel pump map sensor, fuel presser regulator, crank position sensor and throttle position sensor and I still can't get it to start
That all sounds good but did it start before you did all of that work? If you replaced the ignition switch and then it didn't work, we would start at that point. What was it doing before you starting putting all the parts in. Were you just putting new stuff in or what?


We need the lead up story like A) "I was driving my daily driver to work one day, turned it off and it wouldn't start back up. It had been running fine until then". or B) "I picked up this truck from a guy and he didn't know how to fix it, it wouldn't run and it's brand new to me". That kind of thing.

Last edited by 67 GMC; Aug 22, 2015 at 03:11 PM.
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Old Feb 27, 2016 | 06:58 AM
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From: westville nj
Year: 1994
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Engine: 4.0
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did you check the neutral safety switch ?

Last edited by scooterc; Feb 27, 2016 at 07:00 AM.
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