So I went out this morning to mess with my 2001 XJ. I've been having an occasional idol issue, so was going to clean the IAC as well as check the spark plugs. I didn't get to far, since I was having issues reaching the lower Torx screw for the IAC, and figured I would run to the parts store to grab some Carb cleaner. I put everything back together, and now the damn thing won't start.

I just bought the jeep a few weeks ago, and have yet to do much to it. It has a small oil leak, a very small coolant leak that I noticed today coming from the end of a hose, and the positive battery cable is corroded to hell (looks like a real issue)..

The jeep tries to turn over, and if I give it fuel I can even keep it running. As soon as I'm off the gas its instantly dead.. What is my problem guys?

 

It seems as if you . . .





went for broke.





You might have a vacuum leak.

 

Does it run poorly when you have your foot on the pedal? If so, look at your spark but I doubt that's it.

I bet you damaged your IAC when cleaning it and putting it back in hence why it runs when your foot is on the pedal. Just my guess.

 

Is it possible your battery is low? The engine won't idle if the battery is dead or nearly dead. Poor cable connection could also cause this issue. It couldn't hurt to clean cables and battery posts.


Did you get everything on the throttle body put back together correctly? If you're not absolutely sure, remove the throttle body and check all the sensors. A new gasket is only a buck and it's only 4 bolts to remove it.

 

LMAO... Yup

I actually hadn't removed the IAC yet, simply disconnected and reconnected it. The battery cable could be the issue... It is it awful shape.

I'm going to check and see if it's throwing any codes, and clean/repair battery cables.

 

So, my cables are pretty corroded.. Does anyone have recommendations on where to buy some new cables, potentially upgraded?

 

Build them.
pick up some marine battery terminals, some nice 4g wire (welding leads or audio) and some ring terminal ends and crimp it up. I wanna say google "Big wire kit", tons of crank and the new terminals allow for easy accessory add ons.

 

This happened to me once. I had failed to tighten one of the grounding straps. Not saying that's your problem, just throwing out ideas to check.

 

You can also buy an upgraded wiring set from a member here 5-90 aka kellyswipe.com he makes excellent kits for higher amperage alt.'s and such.


I run his wiring as well as 100's of others here and other forums on there XJ's. Everything is custom cut for length with excellent materials, workmanship and service. His kits are offered in different cable sizes for the amps required.


Be sure to clean the grounds down to bare metal for the battery then coat to keep from rusting. If you look around on the forum there are several posts about upgrading to a 136 amp GC amp or different amps also that will fit the 136 amp can be rewound to about 150-160 amps. I had mine rewound that I purchased from a JY.


Good luck and hope that is your starting problem. BTW welcome to the forum!!

 

IAC. Even if you didn't remove it yet. I did the exact thing to mine. Sprayed carb cleaner and got it wet. Threw on a new one and bam. Problem solved. For future reference, I took my throttle body off. It made it way easier.

 

Make sure your tps is plugged in

 

I did get ahold of 5-90, and just put in an order for my new cables. Thought about making them, but he'll this guy has all the experience... So I'll let the pro handle it.

I assume you're talking about upgrading to a 136 amp alternator? I had thought about doing that, and will probably look up the process involved to get that done. I'm sure it would be worth it.

As far as the TPS and IAC are concerned, should I just drop the money and buy new ones instead of screwing with them? I'm going to be doing quite a bit of traveling over the next year with the jeep, and want to make sure this beast is ready to roll.

Other recommendations are welcome as well! I'm looking to place a pretty big order on Rockauto shortly

 

Yes. Just buy new ones. They aren't expensive and it will eliminate that problem

 

5-90 is the man when it comes to cables. Good move. Money well spent.