so I did a search and came up with a couple of ideas, but things were different in every scenario presented. My XJ cranks over really slow in the morning almost sounding like the battery is dead, but on the second crank it fires up and performs fine.

I drive to work where the Jeep sits for 8 hours or more and when I start it then it fires right up.

Information I have to present for the cause:

Voltage gauge reads 14 at idle 15 under load
No lights bars or extra lights, standard stereo from the factory, no audio or electrical mods
Temperature here 37° in the morning(coldest so far), 42° today, average daytime temp 55°
Optima Yellow Top installed in early spring of this year.

Help?

 

My dad's alternator was doing the same thing before it froze.

 

Start with checking and cleaning all wire connections.

 

Check the starter. My Jeep was doing the same thing. Replaced the starter and no more problems.

 

Your XJ is ALMOST old enough to legally drink in the US. I'd replace the starter. Had the same issue with my 92 last year. After replacing batteries and alternators, I decided to replace the starter. Turns over FAST now. Old original starter was full of oil from the leaking oil filter adapter ( I fixed that too).

 

I was set on replacing the starter, but wanted to get some feedback first. I can say this, my XJ, believe it or not does not leak any oil

 

Another vote for the starter. Had that problem in the past with a wj. Wife's 01 is doing it now. Luckily I have a totaled xj for parts with a good starter. Just need to get my butt out there and remove it.

 

For anyone doing a search in future, I do not now believe it is the starter, but either the fuel pump or filter. If I turn the key to the on position and give it a few seconds my XJ starts as normal.

 

Pressure leaking off at the fuel rail happens a lot of the time, just turn key to on position wait for 15 seconds then start. Issue could be is several different places but check for a leaky injector first.

 

My bad. I thought your original post said the starter was turning over very slowly.

So, the engine turns over normally but doesn't start unless you hold the key on RUN for a bit?

Fuel pump/filter.

 

Not your bad, everyone is under the impression that the engine actually is turning over slowly because that's EXACTLY what he said it's doing in his first post.

This is why it is important to be clear with your problem and the symptoms. If it is cranking slowly the first time you attempt to start it, the injectors may be leaking. I'd say more than one if it affects cranking speed. Try the poor mans prime. Turn key on for a few seconds (like 5), back off, back on for a few seconds then try starting. This will boost the pressure at the rail to make up for the pressure bleed off.