Scherel

Out of nowhere jeep won't start, gauges work lights work, but it jut keeps cranking but no turnover, I hear the fuel pump when I turn the acc, it sounds like its always about to start but doesn't ....97 4.0L could it be as simple as spark plug?

C H E R O K E E 98XJ

To clarify, you turn the key to start the engine and nothing happens? but all the guages still work right?

C H E R O K E E 98XJ

If you just turn the key and nothing happens it could be the starter (hit it with a mallet a couple times and try to start) but more commonly it could be the Neutral Safety Switch

Pelican

OP says it cranks when he turns the key. With NSS nothing happens. Possibly CPS. Not likely to suddenly be just a plug. Easy first step would be to see if you have spark.

Scherel

Thanks guys I really appreciate the advice, I will try the starter tap, how would I check the spark? I'm only a amature mechanic only knowing the basics like brakes and fluid n stuff...

Pelican

Just to be absolutely sure about your situation -- when you turn the key, the starter engages and the engine spins but doesn't start. If that is the case, you don't need to tap on the starter because it is doing its job.

Checking for spark and fuel is next. More later but hopefully someone will have chimed in on checking for spark.

Scherel

Yes the starter engages and it does spin the belt thank you ill see if there's a spark

BatmanXJ

No spark most likely bad CPS.

cruiser54

Called "crank-no start".

PNWjeeper

I wouldn't say the NSS is more common, I've owned two Cherokees and between the two went through three no start issues all starter related.

C H E R O K E E 98XJ

Sorry for the confusion guys. Somehow I was thinking that it wasn't even turning over, but I guess it is and there's just not any spark/firing.

C H E R O K E E 98XJ

Hmm... good to know. Thanks

Scherel

I found a cps on eBay for 20$ with 60 day warranty, should I get it or is that a junk part for that cheap?

Scherel

I also saw on YouTube that if I unplugg it wait around 5 min and plug it back in it should start? I will try in the morning , is that potentially dangerous? Can I stall and lock up while driving?

XJRed96

so lets get a couple things cleared up here.
1) The engine Cranks but it will not fire.
2) You have pulled a spark plug boot off a spark plug and saw a visible arc when cranking. I'm not sure if the 97 went to a coil pack or not. can't think of crossover year.

as for pulling the connector there is no reason why that would cause the car the engine to stall down the road. unless you don't plug it back in. The starter and neutral safety switch are good ideas to look into if you car hasn't been cranking. which you say it has been so we can eliminate those. If there is any chance you have access to a code reader it would be a good idea to scan it and retrieve any stored faults. but my guess is is that if there is no spark at all then i suspect a crank sensor as well. You are taking a stab in the dark either way for a quality sensor when you go to a junkyard or a cheap eBay store.