Hi,

I recently purchased a 94 Jeep Cherokee XJ off craigslist, and it ran just fine for a while, until over the course of about a month or so it started taking more and more throttle to make the car move. Now, upon first starting it up, RPMs go high, but it wont move until 3000, and then very slowly. Then, the gas pedal stops moving the car altogether.

Its the 4.0L, 6 Cylinder engine, multiport fuel injected, full oil and transmission fluid, no strange sounds, no check engine light when running. I tried doing the key-dance anyways, and got CEL code 36, which http://www.jeep-xj.info/HowtoECUcodes.htm says is a short or disconnection in the air switch solenoid circuit. However, this doesn't seem to be a common problem, and research hasn't turned up any answers as to what this circuit does or how to test it.

Any advice?

 

If u put it to the mat, does it slowly start going and can u eventually get it to around 40mph? something could be causing you to be in "limp" mode which is like trying to take off on a bicycle in 24th gear

 

There is no limp mode for XJs. Could be a trans issue or a clogged cat or any number of things.

 

From what I have read and your 36 code you have a faulty air temperature sensor. This sensor tells the PCM the temperature of the air entering the intake manifold. The PCM needs an accurate input so it can balance the air/fuel mixture properly. Just like a bad coolant sensor, a bad air temperature sensor can upset the fuel mixture causing stalling problems. type this in you tube for testing info. Air Temperature Sensor Testing

 

Plugged cat?

 

I don't no if there is a true limp mode or not, but it does have a default gear which seems to either be 3rd or 4th. I have personally endured the whole "feels like 24th gear" thing and it was definitely not a transmission problem. I new what the issue was and my tranny would do that exactly when the unrelated problem would happen and if it was restarted it would be fine. and since the issue has been resolved, it wont do it anymore.

 

Try putting the auto shifter into 1-2 and taking off like that.