Darrell Basham

Drove it to work this morning started and ran fine got off work and it wouldn't start turned my key and wouldn't start my parking brake light would come on and that's it. Checked my fuses and relays they where fine got it to start but will not run unless giving it has. What could be the problem and is there an easy fix I need this running it's my daily driver.

jordan96xj

Let's start with the problem description, to get more specific in order to try and help faster.

Did it crank when you turned the key? But fail to start? Or did it not attempt to start at all?

If engine did not even crank when you turned the key, did you hear any noises at all? Clicks? Buzzes?

Darrell Basham

It didn' do anything the only no s was my fuel pump. It didn' turn over till after I messd with the fuses.

Darrell Basham

And the relays.

jordan96xj

The first thing you should do is clean and reconnect your battery connections. As well as the important engine compartment ground connections. The #1 culprit for the symptoms you describe is poor voltage from corrosion around connections. The #2 culprit for those symptoms is a weak battery.

Here is a video that shows some of the ground connections in more detail.

Darrell Basham

I will try this I'll let you all know how it works out for me it will b tomorrow after I get off work though. 15th for the info this is my first jeep I have ever owned.

Darrell Basham

Thank you for the info

PatHenry

I agree with Jordan - check the battery and grounds and go from there.

Welcome to the forum and Jeep ownership!

nickfancher1

Darrell Basham

It will run but still won' idle I have cleaned all the grounds. Any outher ideas on what it could b. It will run as long as I am giving it gas.

tjwalker

**Lets review current problems. Is poor idle your only current symptom? Does it run WELL when you give it throttle? If it doesn't, then test fuel pressure. For a 97, your target is 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi. Testing fuel pressure is never a bad idea when symptomatic. You will need an actual fuel pressure gauge to do this. They can often be rented inexpensively from many parts stores; call around for availability.

**Failure to idle is often caused by a marginal battery. And yes, you CAN have a battery strong enough to start the engine but marginal enough to give the engine management system fits and cause stalling. Stalling at idle is very common with a battery that is failing. Have your battery "load tested" at any parts store to see how your battery is doing.

**Any check engine light? if so, you must pull codes with either a code reader or a scan tool for clues as to where to concentrate. Post any and all codes here for comment.

**Failure to idle can be involved with the idle air control and throttle body. Follow procedure below and see if that helps.
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The Idle Air Control (IAC) is mounted on the back of the throttle body. (front for 87-90) The valve controls the idle speed of the engine by controlling the amount of air flowing through the air control passage. It consists of a stepper motor that moves a pintle shaped plunger in and out of the air control passage. When the valve plunger is moved in, the air control passage flows more air which raises the idle speed. When the valve plunger is moved out, the air control passage flows less air which lowers the idle speed. Over time and miles, the IAC can get carboned up which can have an adverse affect on idle quality. Cleaning the IAC may restore proper function and is an easy procedure to perform and good preventive maintenance so it is never a bad idea.

CLEANING THE JEEP 4.0 IDLE AIR CONTROL

Remove the air filter cover, associated hoses and the rubber boot that goes from the air filter cover to the throttle body. Remove the IAC with a torx driver (2 bolts; one can be kind of hard to get to)

“Gently” wiggle out the IAC from the throttle body. Gasket on the IAC can be re-used if it is not damaged

Clean the IAC with a spray can of throttle body cleaner; inexpensive and available at any place that sells auto parts. Throttle body cleaner is recommended rather than carburetor cleaner as it is less harsh, safe for throttle body coatings and is best for this task. Use cleaner, a rag and a toothbrush and or Q-Tips. Be gentle; don’t twist or pull on the pintle that protrudes from the IAC as it is fragile and you could damage it.

Thoroughly spray clean and flush where the IAC seats in the throttle body with the same spray cleaner

It is also a good idea to clean the entire throttle body itself, the butterfly valve inside of the throttle body and all associated linkage as long as you have things disassembled

Reinstall IAC and check idle quality

Darrell Basham

I think it' the battery when I try to let it idle the voltage meter drops like there is no charge and my jeep dies. Thanks for the help I have to find a battry and Chang them out. Hope this fixes the problem.