i have a 2000 cherokee sport, 118xxx miles, just got it from my girlfriends mom. The problem is, that every so often (more often than before) its just dies in the middle of driving, or it wont start up at all. but if you push it somewhere and leave it there for a while it will start back up, wich can be troublesome for getting to and from work. i was told it could be a fuel pump problem. but then i was told that a fuel pump either works or it doesnt. then i was told it could be a fuel filter problem but that you cant just buy a filter for that year because it all comes as a package. the newest one ive heard is that there might be a neutural switch on the transmission that doesnt realise its in park, drive etc... can anyone hand out some pointers for the short-of-cash teenager?

 

Is it shutting off completely like you turned the key off, or idling so low that it dies?
Fuel filter should be able to be bought by itself. I don't think that would be the problem though. Make sure that you are getting fuel to your engine. (not sure test procedure for 2000 xj) Somewhere on fuel rail?

 

does it throw any codes?

with 118k, has this jeep been taken care of? might wanna give it a full tune up.

 

X2

 

yes its shutting off completely, and sometimes when im idling as well. then the steering locks up and i have to pull over and try to start it up. and sometimes it starts right up, but if it doesnt i have to wait a long time.

 

crank position sensor????????

when it does start up does it crank over for a while before coming to life, or does it go instantly?? only ask this as if it cranks over before starting its fuel, if not i would say its electical imho.???

 

pump and filter are in the tank, the filter should last a s long as the pump. ive never seen them sold seperatally.

 

when it finaly does start up it either turns right over or i have to hold the key forward and it will catch, but it starts just like it would regularly. like theres nothing wrong with it >.<

 

may not be eletrical or fuel. just looking with open mind. have seen EGR stick open. (massive vaccuum leak at low idle) after sitting for a bit the valve finally closes and shes off like nothing happened.

 

hmmm, you say it brings up the code x2? i dont know what that means, , is it worth checking the fuel pump relay isnt shot??? and does anybody else think cps?? as my friends did exactly what you describe until he replaced it, but that thre no codes up???
might be talking rubbish, but its worth a look??
j

 

worth a look

 

You have defintiely got a fuel pump going bad. It's a PITA to change but, you'll want to get it done before it craps all together and leaves you stranded for good.
A really simple test is connect a pressure gauge to the test port on the fuel rail. Start the motor. If you have 31 PSI, the pump is good. "ANYTHING" less and the pump is bad, period. If the pressure is bad, replace the fuel pump and always replace the fuel filter when you replace the fuel pump. If the test pressure is 31 PSI at the fuel rail test port, next, remove the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator. The pressure on the test gauge should now read 38-39 PSI. If this reading is bad the fuel pressure regulator is bad. Replace the fuel pressure regulator. This testing procedure should help you to figure out what your problem componant is.

 

no no no. i didnt say it brought up any codes. thats what me and my gf's mom are going to do today hopefully. and what kind of pressure gauge do i need? cuz im going to do that as well. and i have a full tank, so if i am to change the pump and everything else located on top of the tank should i sciphon it to lighten the load and reduce spills

 

not to step on toes but if you can lighten the tank, every little bit will help. you dont want an unleaded shower. (been there/done that.)

 

yeah that was my idea lol and plus i dont feel like lifting that much today. but i need to know what kind of pressure gauge do i need? like what is the fitting on it. and how am i sure where the fuel pressure regulator is?