Running into a new issue that I have not encountered with my XJ now that it is cold. I have a 1988 4.0 with a 5-speed transmission.

First off, it seems to take a longer to start. Holding the key in the start position longer than normal.

Secondly, when driving in third gear especially, between 1500-2200 RPM, it seems like it is not getting enough gas. IE bucking, shaking back an forth, etc. It goes away when my foot is off of the gas.

Last, when my jeep is in neutral at a stop or or even changing gears it has stalled out on my and I have to restart my XJ, which it has done with ease, so far.

This all has started yesterday as we got a blast of cold air from our friends up north. I am not sure if this is signs of a fuel pump going out or what else I can look for to help this.

Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds to me like the fuel pump is on its way out. Maybe rent a fuel pressure test gauge and go from there?

 

Good thing to check. Weather conditions are probably just a coincidence......

And OP, have you ever clicked on the link in my signature and done Tips 1 through 5?

 

I have never done that test before. Is it hard/easy?


I have done the first one of your cleaning tips, and will definitely keep on going.

 

I didn't watch the video all the way through, but this gives you the basics. It's simple to do.

 

Yes, I would suspect the fuel pump first.

 

Awesome! Thank you very much! Now I have something to look forward to doing this weekend in the cold.

 

Luckily you have an 88', so you can get at the pump without dropping the tank, you can get to it up above the pumpkin.

Make sure to use a brass drift for the lock ring so no boom-boom. I used some duct tape and a chisel...probably not the best idea but oh well it worked.

Make sure to double clamp the hoses coming out of the tank, just in case.

Other than that just make sure polarity is correct when you wire up the new one, and if all goes well you can have the job done in a few hours easy.

 

Yep. check fuel pressure and do the tips. Wear longjohns.

 

Sorry about the delay with this, but finally got around to changing fuel filter and running the fuel pressure test. After I changed the fuel filter I received a reading from the gauge of 20 PSI when key ON, at first. Cycled from ON to OFF a couple of times and reached a fuel pressure of ~35 psi. Then I started the Jeep and did not receive any fluctuation of psi change. Stayed at ~35 PSI.


There were no issues driving to work this morning at 27 degrees, which is about the temp at which the Jeep dies.


Not sure if this is necessary or not, but I am running the dodge neon 703s and when the Jeep was it is worst, I received about 6 MPGs when I filled up the tank.


Thanks!