I have a 1996 Jeep cherokee. It will randomly shut off. If I wait about ten to fifteen minutes it will start back up. The check engine light keeps coming on. We were told it was the crank shaft sensor so we replaced it. It did fine for about a week and now its back to shutting off. We are at a complete loss. Any suggestions would be totally appreciated.

 

Having the codes scanned again would be helpful. Did you replace the CPS (Crank Position Sensor) or did you have it replaced? Some of the cheap-o Chinese brands (like Duralast) have been know to fail right out of the box. As far as I know, there aren't any 100% reliable test procedures for the H.O. CPS so getting the codes scanned will be your best option.

If it shows a CPS failure then take it back to whoever replaced it or remove the part and return it. Then go to NAPA, the dealer or any of dozens of online retailers who sell the OEM CPS and pick one up. Those are the only reliable sources.

On the other hand, there are several things that could cause random stalling, including the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, something called "heat soak", and several other ignition and fuel related things... the codes will help unravel the mystery.

 

P.S. Does it sort of feel like it's running out of gas when it dies or does it just shut down?

 

Very common issue with coil and the wiring check coil wire and the connector to it.

 

READ...https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/199...s-help-183021/

 

My husband replaced the cps. I'm not sure of the brand but we bought it from advance auto. Im hoping it will get me to work today bc there is an advance auto close by. I will definitely have it checked today. Problem is the check engine light isn't always on.

 

Nope it just shuts off. it does have a newer fuel pump on it.

 

Would that cause the check engine light to come on?

 

I am betting that your CPS is the problem once again. After market ones are pretty much garbage. You are lucky that it ran at all when the new one was put in. Many time they are bad right out of the box. You should take it back and get the OEM one from the dealer. Yes you will pay more but in the long run you will pay less because you won't have to replace it every week. Keep us updated on the outcome.

 

Thats what I'm leaning towards too. Despite it beng a PITA to have to redo something, in this case it's advised to re-do the job with a quality CPS and have it out of the way.

 

This is the one we put on it http://advanceautoparts.com/mt/shop....osition+sensor

 

It ran for about a month with no problems. Then it started doing the same thing. So far today no shutting off or check engine light.

 

Just a suggestion. You may want to get ready to pick up a new one from the dealer. Also if it does die on you you might want to unplug it and plug it back in. Sometimes that will get it running again to get you home.

 

This is the most important clue, what is the code exactly?

 

True! I don't know why I didn't mention that too?
Take it to any parts store and they can run the codes and they will do it for free. Once you do that come back on here and list the codes that come up.