I was just wondering if anyone had an idea on what would cause this, I'm am in the middle of purchasing a 98 cherokee classic the lady says it runs and you drive a half mile and it shuts its self down, I pulled the dipstick and there's no antifreeze in the oil but couldn't start it because no one was home any ideas thanks!

 

A very common cause of this is a failing "crankshaft position sensor".

It is not uncommon for them to fail once they warm up a bit. This type of situation unfortunately can be tough to diagnose as testing with a cold engine may or may not be of value. (could try it though). I'd also try putting a code reader on this vehicle and see if there are any codes or pending or stored codes.

Many times, in the absence of any other ideas, you just have to take a leap of faith and replace the crank sensor. If you do replace it, do yourself a favor and buy a Mopar crank sensor directly from Jeep. Aftermarket crank sensors are very "hit and miss" with a whole lot of miss!

If everything else looks good on this vehicle, I'd recommend that you use this "symptom" to help negotiate a lower price as a repair is needed. The repair is not likely to be serious. What is she asking? 98 is a pretty good year for the XJ.

 

I was thinking along the same line had some people tell me it could be something clogged in the cooling system as well is this possibility?

 

Not likely. Unless you see evidence of overheating on the coolant temperature gauge on the dash. And driving a half mile isn't going to be enough to create an overheat.

My money is still on a crank sensor, with the ignition coil being an outside possibility. Neither are that difficult or expensive to repair, although replacing the crank sensor is a PITA.

 

Could it be a computer?

 

say "oh dear from what ive read on line its probably going to need a new motor" and you know no one ever lies on the internet, in light of these findings i cant pay more than 500

 

how much she asking, how many miles, what condition ,(rust?) if you live in a snow area make sure you check underneath for rust, floors mostly. what trim level, sport, classic, etc

 

Anything is possible but not likely. Trust me on the crank sensor. I can't say conclusively that is the problem, but it is the #1 engine management system sensor failure on the Jeep 4.0

I wouldn't hesitate to buy this vehicle with this symptom.

Either she has it diagnosed and fixed before you buy it, or you buy it at a reduced price and fix it yourself. Only you can decide if you want to take the leap of faith. But it darn well better come with a decent price tag. Whenever there is a problem with a vehicle, the price drops. If it doesn't, shame on your for not negotiating it properly.

 

It's a 98 cherokee classic the rockers are just bout gone but that's fine the floors are great as well as where the filler tube goes the frame it has around 100000 miles and she wants $500

 

Offer her $400. If she doesn't bite, I don't think I'd let it go and I'd give her the asking price. That is a good price.......

 

One thing I've done before when trying to diagnose bad ignition modules on bikes, is to heat it up with a hair dryer and then test it.

 

Alright guys here's an up date the jeep actually has 158,000 miles and it OVERHEATS then shuts down the upper rad hose gets burning hot and the lower hose is ice cold so it's a clogged radiator then? At an idle the jeep is a little over 210 degrees what do you think

 

Clogged something, stuck thermostat, bad water pump.

 

Sounds like you should consider buying a radiator and thermostat to begin with. As far as the jeep shuttind down Id also agree with it being the cps sensor. Id offer $300. Good luck

 

worst case you could always part it out for more than you buy it for, agreed offer 300