Jeepman659

My 94 jeep cherokee with a 4.0 engine in it hasn't been starting for the last week or two i've been replacing parts left and right trying to get it to start we've replaced the ignition coil sparkplugs fuel pump fuel filter and crankposition sensor, and still no starting! =[ to describe what it does when attempting to start it cranks over and everything but it's like there's no ignition or something to keep it going. I don't know any help as to what it is is very much appreciated thank you.

sthon

Do you have spark? Do you have fuel at the rail? Rather than throwing money at it diagnose it first.

jeepcherokee97

I did not hear you mention anything about your neutral safety switch (NSS)?

Did you ever clean and lubricate it? I know when mine was dirty before I pulled it and cleaned it up, I sometimes had to put the car in neutral and then it would turn over and start up.

Worth a shot = http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/

tjwalker

If the engine cranks over well, the problem is not the NSS.

1. Scan the computer for any possible codes. How-to is shown below. Takes all of 5 minutes. If there are any codes post the EXACT code numbers here for comment.

2. I'd recommend you perform a quick test on spark. Pull a spark plug, keep it attached to the plug wire, place the plug electrode near a good engine ground. Have a buddy crank the engine while you watch. You are looking for a strong, BLUE, snapping spark. Yellow/orange/white indicates a weak spark which may not be strong enough to start the engine.

3. If spark checks out (and only if), then try a small splash of gasoline into the intake or a shot of starting fluid. If the engine starts and runs for a short time, you have confirmed a "fuel delivery" problem.

4. I would also consider finishing your tuneup with a new distributor cap and rotor.

------------------------------------------------------------------
OBDI models (1991-1995) - Start with the ignition off. Within five seconds, switch the key on, off, on, off, on. ("On" is NOT "Start" and "Off" is NOT "Lock"). The "check engine" light will flash. Count the flashes. Each code is a two digit code, so a (for example) 23 would be FLASH FLASH (pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause). It will never flash more than 9 times, so watch for those pauses!

sthon

He says it cranks but doesn't start, that rules out the NSS.

^beat me to it...

jeepcherokee97

Yeah, that is exactly what I was thinking before I posted earlier. I just remembered how mine was acting and I know this does not make much sense.. but mine would crank in park for a click or two and not start... then I would put it in neutral and it would start right up. Your right though, ideally the nss should not be a factor.

Process of elimination, start with free things, then cheaper things, then well... gotta spend some cash, ha.

Hey man hope you figure it out soon and get her running smooth

A grande ninja

Did you happen to look at your cps(crank position sensor) def a good and cheap place to start. And the xj could always use a better one. Good luck either way.

A grande ninja

Haha never mind just saw you already replaced it lol.

yoPERAKIS

this may seem silly, i was just having the same problem today.. i cleaned out the battery terminals and the starter terminals... turned over like a charm

LeRoy90laredo

valid suggestion, also check the wires and grounds coming off the starter relay.

DFlintstone

^ Dead on as usual^. Do you hear the pump run a second when you turn the key on? Ya'know, #1 is at 5:00 viewed from the side? (I"ve seen some diagram's wrong)

beat up jeeper

ballast resistor maybe

Jeepman659

thank you guys so much for all of the advice. I will put up results of what happens when i do the spark and fuel test, also will be checking computer codes.

Jeepman659

spark test came up as the spark is white. but sparked everytime and deffinetly have fuel at the main rail I took off one of the hoses and fuel came spraying out when the key was turned on.

DFlintstone