Hey guys, new to the jeep scene, and have a question. I have a 96 cherokee with a 4.0 H.O., I got it a couple of weeks ago, runs great, has a few lighting problems but that not why I'm here right now. So it runs great, went to start it today battery was dead, jumped it and it won't stay running. I have to press the gas to get it to start, and as soon as I let my foot off it dies, idled great before, now it dies. Anybody have any idea what may be causing this? Thanks all, Matt

 

Some jeeps need a healthy battery to run correctly, other people will say it's not true but in my experience it is. Check the water level in the battery, fill if needed with distilled water and fully charge the battery with a battery charger.
http://www.2carpros.com/articles/how...-a-car-battery

 

My '87 runs with no battery, FYI. I have done so a few times because I only have one battery for two trucks (I can't drive two at once, so why spend the cash on an extra?).

Maybe I'm just special because I've got an '87, but its true. Just don't ground the positive cable once the truck is running.

Keep in mind that the XJs run a 12v system, and a good working alternator pushes 13.5-14.5v, more than enough to suffeciently power the entire motor without a battery.

Honestly, though, I'd look into IAC (idle air control) or TPS (throttle position sensor).

Have you checked the plugs/wires, though? Done any real poking around or diagnosing?

 

yes you are special and You have given lots of good advice. I belive your jeep runs with no battery but if we use cause and effect to trouble shoot the OP's problem it started after his battery died and he jumped it.

 

it is true that vehicles can run without a battery. it is also true that a bad battery will cause it not to run. a battery with a bad cell, or an internal draw/short will be a load and not a supply. using the alternators amperage, causing it to not idle due to incorrect amprage to run, you are both correct.

however. disconnect the negative on the battery, jump it with cables. leave it hooked tot he other car and see if it idles... if it does the battery is a draw and needs to be replaced. if it doesn't you have other issues. could still need a battery though.

 

Battery can absolutely cause idle issues and stalling. This forum and others are filled with threads on it.

Get it LOAD TESTED. Load testing is the only accurate way of determining battery condition.

 

Hey Guys, was pretty sure it wasn't the battery causing the idle problem, but they were on sale and figured what the hell, got one put it in....Fired right up, no idle problem at all.. Great call, thanks for all the help, Matt

 

good to hear u got it fixed!

 

The takeaway is that a marginal battery is OFTEN involved in idle problem and stalling....

Glad you got it fixed.