Renix 4.0L not starting
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
First off, this is my first Jeep so I'm wading in deep water here.
I've read a lot of posts here (and other sites) that sound similar to the issue I have, but mostly the OPs found something that worked, I haven't.
I picked up an 88 XJ for $0, the guy was running it last year with a bad head gasket and this year when he tried to get it going it would quit when it warmed up, he messed with it until he burned the starter then gave it to me.
I replaced the starter, it ran like before (blowing exhaust out the valve cover and quit when it got warm). Changed the head gasket and water pump. Now getiing it started was hit or miss, and still quit when warm.
Ran a meter across the coil and found not much resistance from primary to secondary so replaced the coil, plugs, plug wires, and dis cap. Still no good, removing a plug and holding it against the block gives a weak looking yellow spark, sometimes it will start on 2 or 3 cylinders, mostly not at all.
Yesterday I replaced the Crank Sensor, no change to behavior. I've done tests on Cam Sensor, coolant sensor, manifold air temp sensor, MAP and even Throttle position.. all check out.
I'm down to thinking either Ignition Module or ECU, both are fairly expensive and can't find much in the salvage yards for a 23 year old rig.
So, to make a long story longer, would you agree that ICM is the next thing to try? Are there any other (cheaper) things I should try first before trying a new ICM?
I've read a lot of posts here (and other sites) that sound similar to the issue I have, but mostly the OPs found something that worked, I haven't.
I picked up an 88 XJ for $0, the guy was running it last year with a bad head gasket and this year when he tried to get it going it would quit when it warmed up, he messed with it until he burned the starter then gave it to me.
I replaced the starter, it ran like before (blowing exhaust out the valve cover and quit when it got warm). Changed the head gasket and water pump. Now getiing it started was hit or miss, and still quit when warm.
Ran a meter across the coil and found not much resistance from primary to secondary so replaced the coil, plugs, plug wires, and dis cap. Still no good, removing a plug and holding it against the block gives a weak looking yellow spark, sometimes it will start on 2 or 3 cylinders, mostly not at all.
Yesterday I replaced the Crank Sensor, no change to behavior. I've done tests on Cam Sensor, coolant sensor, manifold air temp sensor, MAP and even Throttle position.. all check out.
I'm down to thinking either Ignition Module or ECU, both are fairly expensive and can't find much in the salvage yards for a 23 year old rig.
So, to make a long story longer, would you agree that ICM is the next thing to try? Are there any other (cheaper) things I should try first before trying a new ICM?
Seasoned Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: jackson nj
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
it could i had a similar prolbem in my case i had no spark its an $80 computer it might be worth a shot try pullin the ecu and look i found mine on ebay cause it sounds like you changed everthing else
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You might be able to find someone willing to help if you posted, or listed, a location as well. The CPS is the only starting problem I've ever had, and you said you replaced that.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Location = Nova Scotiain the Great White North
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
It is a little unclear whether the below applies to your situation. Can you screw driver start it?
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/no...nostics-78934/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/no...nostics-78934/


