mycherokee1989

So my friend and I went wheeling pretty hard today, because we finally got some rain. There was nothing really too brutal that we did, just a few climbs, and a few puddles.
On my way driving home, the fuel gauge was all over the place, climbing, then going down, then climbing past full, as well as the jeep sputtering at about 2000 rpm. It would like slouch forward, then go back to normal, then do it again.

It felt like either, the gas was like getting cut off and then starting again, or that the transmission was shifting all funny.

Could my engine be in limp mode?
Its an 89 Renix. Thanks in advance.

mike37

you have a electrical short or wet connection

check the connection at the tank and any plugs along the frame rail

mycherokee1989

Alright thanks mike. I thought it could possibly be a short. You don't think it was the transmission? The fuel pump has also been making like a whining noise when I turn the car on. Might be Time to replace it.

mike37

The fuel pump is in the gas tank
if its making a whining noise then that is probably your problem
check the wiring connections at the gas tank

Mike1998XJ

Don't those older cherokees have external fuel filters? I wonder if the 4 wheeling could have stirred up some crud and the fuel filter is plugged now? The only problem is that shouldn't make the gas gage jump... Maybe worth a fuel filter first... Probably needs one anyway...

Firestorm500

Some people say the whining noise is normal for a fuel pump.

Indeed, some are louder than others.

But mine made the whining noise on my recently purchased '92 Laredo. I thought it was more or less normal until I climbed a hill, pulling a trailer with a 3000# load one day.

The Jeep quit on me. Dead. Would not restart. Had to wait on a rollback for 3 1/2 hours to have it towed to a shop 20 miles away. The shop had to do a diagnosis to find out what it was.

They decided it was the fuel pump. They replaced it and everything fine since. It is now very quiet back there. (I had previously replaced the fuel filter).

mycherokee1989

Yeah I replaced the fuel filter about 500 miles ago. I just went on another little drive, and it kinda sputtered as I was pulling out of the driveway changing from like first to second gear around 1500 to 2000 rpm. After that, It drove fine.
I've been double priming the engine, before starting, and the whining has been getting louder and louder. It hasn't seemed to cause any problems so far tho.

What would indicate that I am in limp mode? could there possibly have been anything done to the transmission? or can we rule that out.

About how long would a fuel pump change take? I know you have to drop the tank. It seems like quite the endeavor.

Thanks for the feedback

mycherokee1989

I like wheeling too much, but my little jeep can't handle what I put it through.

mycherokee1989

Anyone?? need more suggestions please!!!

mike37

I don't think you need to drop the tank on a 89
it should be accessible top front