Hey guys I have a 98 cherokee 4.0l I recently ran into a few problems. I had the starter changed about 2 weeks ago. The very next morning the battery was dead the truck wouldnt start, I had a spare battery so I threw that in there and it started right up..long story short it started slow cranking 2 days ago and now it half cranks then dies it wont start unless I jump it. I'd appreciate any help

 

Sounds like you have a charging problem. The first things I would do is have the battery load tested and also have the alt. bench tested any parts store will do this for you for free. Also check all of you grounding points. Not just at the battery but all of them. If all of those check out you may have a parasitic draw on they system cause you battery to drain Check those things out and if you still have over night. Report back and I can post a link on how to check for the parasitic draw.
Well here's the link anyways.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll be testing everything tomorrow.

 

I checked it, it shows 8.8amps constant...I pulled every fuse and still no luck!

 

do you have an after market alarm system or sound system with an amp. If so you might want to look into those.

 

is your check engine let tripping a code? my best guess is crank sensor or alternator

 

1. You absolutely need to verify that "spare battery" you put in your XJ. Haven't seen evidence of this yet. Take your battery to a parts store where they will perform a load test on the battery for no charge. Load testing is the only conclusive way of testing a battery; voltage testing is often inconclusive.

2. If battery checks out, verify charging system. Put a meter lead on each battery terminal. With a good charging system and battery, you should see approximately 13.5 to 14.0 volts. What does the voltage gauge on your dash read?

 

And you really are guessing! A cps wouldn't cause a battery drain unless you keep trying to start the vehicle with a bad on.

 

No aftermarket alarm or sounds

 

voltage gauge reads 14, never goes below that. The battery tested good, After letting the battery sit in the car for a few days it drains to 10.0