my 98 cherokee has been acting weird lately. when i try to crank it the first time it will just spin but when i stop the try again it fires up every time. whats causing it to not crank the first time. and my fuel gauge is messed up. could this be the fuel pump?

 

Try putting the key in the on position for 5 seconds then try starting
Also it might be your starter, have someone crank the jeep, while you tap on the starter.
Good Luck Lad!

 

ill try that

 

By spin, do you mean the starter catches but it just won't start or does the starter whine then catch the second time?

If it whines but isn't catching the engine, it is a bad bendix drive in the starter. Cure, new starter.

If it is cranking but doesn't start, I have the same thing with my '98. If I keep the key on for a few seconds the first time and then start it, it starts. I have no idea what is wrong and have asked here already with no success.

 

Turning the key to on primes the fuel pump, sounds like the fuel pump to me

 

it worked like that. i waited five seconds and it crunk right up

 

Then it sounds like your fuel pump and valve are goin'
heres a good write up on how to replace it:
http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...eplacement.htm

 

ill be replacing it when i get the moo lah