Problem started happening a couple weeks after I got my XJ. It's a 2001 Cherokee Sport, just under 147,000 miles, 4.0L.
Engine cranks just fine, but it almost never turns over on the first try. It's usually the second crank, sometimes the third, and occasionally it takes more than that.
I read about the issue with the fuel pressure check valve going bad, but there's no easy fix for the late models. I thought that was the problem, but priming the engine by tuning the key twice before cranking doesn't help.
I was at AutoZone the other day getting fluids, and when I turned the key, I heard a click and everything went dead. My battery was leaking at the + terminal, so I replaced it and the terminals. it got me home, but it didn't fix the problem.
Today, I replaced my starter with one I bought on CF. I started the Jeep 10 times in my parking lot, and it started quickly, on the first try, every time. I drove a few miles and cut the engine. When I turned the key, it started cranking, but didn't turn over until the second try. It's doing this every time again, exactly as described earlier. I'm frustrated at this point, so I'm taking a badly needed shower and going to bed.


Anyone have suggestions for me to read in the morning?

 

When was the last complete tune up?

 

Could be corroded grounds. My 99 did the same thing until i cleaned all of the grounds.

 

Not since I got it in April, and possibly never before that. What all is done in a complete tune-up?

Do you have a list of places I should check? The only grounds I know specifically are the - battery terminal, and my amp.

 

My XJ does the exact same thing. I was thinking it was the starter too but it turns out it is most likely your fuel pump. Sometimes my fuel gauge will randomly drop to empty when I still have gas in the tank and when I had it checked out the mechanic said the fuel rail was showing barely any pressure.
If you can let it crank like 1 time, pause, and then it will start right up immediately I can pretty much guarantee it's something wrong with your fuel pump.

 

Its actually the check valve in the fuel pump assy that typically causes this. Try and 'prime' the pump before starting next time, see if that helps.

 

"I read about the issue with the fuel pressure check valve going bad, but there's no easy fix for the late models. I thought that was the problem, but priming the engine by tuning the key twice before cranking doesn't help."

I'm sure that's part of the problem, but I think there's more to it cause that stopped working after about a week.

 

Could be a sign that the pump itself is failing.

 

That means dropping the tank and replacing the entire pump? I just did a quick search, and I found a thread where a guy described similar symptoms, and the fix was a new inline O2 sensor on his 2000. Could that be the culprit? Looks cheaper and easier than replacing the pump.

 

I dont think the o2 sensor gets read by the ECU til the sensor gets hot.

And only the o2 sensor closest to the motor has effect on how the motor runs.

 

Getting the wheels balanced would be even cheaper!

You gonna try different things you read about, or do you want to troubleshoot the problem.

Let me ask you this .....

When you checked the Fuel Pressure what were the readings when ....

Cranking?

Running?

30 Seconds After Shutoff?

Do not try to dance around the fuel pump, troubleshoot it properly.


.

 

Rent a tester from Autozone and then report back with numbers.
That's a free diagnostic.

There is a ground cable from the top of the firewall to the driver's side rear of the head. Follow the starter cables and clean up all teh ends and where they mount.

I've fixed bad grounds by just adding more of them. lol

Good luck man. Mine does the same hard start too. I'm ignoring it for now.

 

• Spark plugs
• Spark plug wires
• Distributor cap and rotor (if your vehicle has them)
• Air filter
• Lube and oil
• Check and clean battery terminals

Basically any preventative maintenance you can think of.Everybody else may be right about the fuel pump but once you get that sorted you may want to think about setting up a good tune up / maintenance routine.

Also just want to say that dropping a fuel tank to change out a fuel pump is not that difficult of a procedure even if you have not done it before.Just plan ahead, get the right tools ( floor jack, assorted wrenches and sockets ). You don't really need anything special and trust me what they will charge you at a shop is in my opinion not even close to worth it.

 

Have the same problem here! As for a quick fix,, I've seen an inline check valve on Ebay. Looks simple just don't know if it'll help

 

easy way to test check valve:
1. drive jeep
2. turn jeep off
3. wait a few hours or overnight
4. go to fuel rail and press valve in
5. be sure to clean up fuel

if your getting air hissing out and weak fuel spray your check valve is not holding pressure...goodluck