Hello everyone, just signed up for forum! got my 00 cherokee about a month ago and it seemed at first that if i had not driven it for a few days and i went to start it that there was no idle and it would stall.. i could hold the gas steady but once i let go it would stall again.. i would try starting it a few times and then all the sudden it idled perfectly at 1-1.5 krpm... it would not happen again untill i had not driven for a few days... now it is getting worse (more often) and have already changed spark plugs... i was thinking maybe fuel filter? any thoughts? Thanks in advance everyone!!! .........-Matt

 

Check for fuel and spark, if both are good start by replacing the Idle Air Controller.

 

x2 on the IAC

 

Don't rule out a marginal battery. The #1 symptom of a marginal battery is stalling.

Let's say yours is marginal. It gets more marginal after it sits a few days, which you describe.

Then you start it and it is symptomatic. As it runs, the alternator charges the battery to a point where it doesn't stall any longer.

A quick LOAD TEST of your battery will rule this in or out. Should be done early in the troubleshooting process.

 

^^ also good advice. Most auto parts stores offer this service free of charge.

 

Cell Memory. Battery is ruled out.

 

Please explain.

 

You can run a vehicle with a battery that doesnt hold a charge, if its stick pop start it. If its auto jump it, because a batteries cell memory is shot doesnt mean its continuity is as well. You dont need a battery to run a vehicle, you can straight wire the alternator to the power distribution center. It wouldnt cause stalling.

 

Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Newer vehicles are much more sensitive to voltage/amperage than older vehicles without lots of electronics/ECUs. If the battery is dead or removed, the alternator will increase its output trying to charge a battery that is not there. This can be catastrophic to electrical components. Thus it should only be used to test alternator functionality by briefly removing the positive terminal from the battery, or in dire situations.

Also old vehicles had a "generator", which did serve this purpose. Alternators are not designed for this.

 

Theres no battery in my trail rig.

 

Wow great forum! I would never get this many replies this quick on my corvette forum. But anyways i see alot about the battery, and my battery is pretty crappy, I am planning on getting a new one soon...BUT I agree with that the battery could not have to do with this, like Diesel said you dont need a battery to run the car. thanks for the help all!

 

ttt