96 Cherokee Sport 4.0

Contrary to username, I'm running out of gas trying to find the solution. Hopeful someone can help!

Initial symptoms: Crank no start, fuel pump running continuously while key in run position before cranking, ASD relay clicking away, EVAP purge solenoid clicking away, AUX fan kicks on for a few seconds when I first put key into RUN position and then turns off, no spark at plugs, weak spark at ignition coil dash lights flash on and off. No engine codes (having hell connecting my bluetooth scanner, BlueDriver, now though)

New parts: ignition coil, spark plug cables, distributor, battery, IAC valve.
TPS and Crankshaft position sensor also replaced recently but not during this debacle.
We also swapped out the AC clutch fan relay into the ASD relay slot, but I think all of the relays are working at this point because they all allow the starter to crank when they are swapped in that slot. same with the fuel pump slot, all the relays seem to allow the fuel pump to run. Not sure if that means they are good or not to be honest.

After multiple days and multiple parts changed, I was stoked when she was back on the road. She didn't run great, and had some hiccups around 60mph where she would drop acceleration and RPM would jump back and forth until I let off the gas.

I decide to clean out the throttle body, removing the MAP and IAC before cleaning with throttle body cleaner (left TPS installed, perhaps my downfall?), reinstalled, and now no start and all of the initial symptoms have returned.

I went through the Jeep disconnecting various sensors to see if the issues would stop with no luck. I checked (i think) all the grounds, cleaned them, with no improvement. I disconnected the plugs to the PCM. Disconnecting the middle plug stops the issues, disconnecting either outside plug has no effect.

I had no spark after the coil or at the plugs today when I tested (one of the first things I checked, but didn't check again yet).

I'm starting to feel like I'm looking in the wrong places, and overlooking something that might be obvious to someone more experienced (this is my first Jeep, and my first year with it).

 

Get your battery load tested. Bad batteries can cause starting and running issues.

 

any blown fuses in the underhood fuse panel or the one under the dash on the driver's side?

 

No blown fuses in either location, unfortunately

 

new battery, same symptoms as the old battery

 

Make sure battery connections are tight. I've had my '94 XJ conk out on me when the battery cable fully tightened, but still able to twist by hand.

 

The first thing I would check is the fuel line pressure. That fuel pump running continously with just the key on is a little suspicious