So, my 96 jeep Cherokee work yesterday, no problems, drove it to the gym, drove it home, then went to the store simple. I got out of the store and got in my jeep put my key in and turned the ignition. It seemed to fire oddly, and I put it in reverse and it died right there in the parking lot.

Then it would not start after that, it would turn over, and the radio and lights work, but it will not start. I got a friend to drive me to work, came back after work tried starting... no luck.

Got home, got my tools, walked to my jeep (not to far from my house), unhooked the battery, checked the fuses, unhooked the computer, checked the distributor cap (a little dusty inside), cleaned it up, put it back it. Hooked everything back up, and cranked it over, still no go. At this time this guy I didn't know was my neighbor shows up and asks if I need a tow.

So while waiting for the tow vehicle to show up I noticed a sensor snapped off, now I have no idea what sensor this is, so I'll include a picture.





I got the jeep in my garage now, but this vehicle isn't reliable enough for me to not get another daily driver. So I'm going out this weekend and doing some truck shopping.

 

I believe that is a coolant temperature sensor.

 

Also known as the Temperature Sending Unit.
OEM Part # 56027012

 

Would that cause my problem?

 

I accidentally forgot mine was disconnected and it would crank but not start. A new one should fix it. Did it show a Check Engine light?

 

No check engine light but mine is early odb2

 

Mine is also a 1996. With most OBD2 systems a disconnected sensor will cause a no start, I think.

 

Grrrrrr if this really is the problem I am going to throw something... the nearest part store is 30 miles away and I need a vehicle monday... good luck finding a ride

 

Im at the Autozone buying a new temp switch hope this work

 

I put the new sensor in, hooked everything back up and cranked it over... no go, still didn't start. So I sprayed some carb cleaner into the intake, and bam it fired, but then died. So sounds like to me that my fuel pump or filter is crapped out, but honestly I really don't want to get under there and get hosed with fuel >.> not that I am allowed to either way...

 

Turn the key to ignition and listen. You can hear the fuel pump for a second or so, makes a low buzzing sound. If it was running badly before it died, it was probably the fuel pump

 

I turned the ignition and I can hear the fuel pump kick on, which means it could be a clogged filter, so it cranks over, the fuel pump whirled up, it has a new dist cover and it fires if I spray carb cleaner into the intake... wtf is going on?!

 

is there fuel in the tank ?
if yes, is it reaching the fuelrail ?

 

don't be buying parts to fix on your own, you'll be changing everything with no-luck. have a local mechanic check your fuel pressure regulator. let me know if it works. good luck.

 

That sensor was only for the temp gauge on the dash, not the PCM. Are getting spark?