I have a 1997 Jeep Cherokee that has a odd starting issue. I can start it up and it will run just fine for as long as I need it, but when I turn it off it will not restart for a good 15-20 min. it is not over heating, it will just not start. when I turn the key I get nothing but lights on the dash (not one sound from the starter). I have replaced the starter, plugs and cables. I have not put in a new coil yet.
I get a CEL and when I looked it up it was for a misfire in cylinder 1. I put in new injectors and that removed the alarm for a while, now it is back off and on.
I think I have 2 issues here but wanted to put out all the info on it.
as it runs well I am wondering if it is a sensor or a relay issue but I am not sure how to test this out.
any thoughts on what to look for, and how to get more information?
thank you in advance for any help or direction you can provide me!!!

 

When I first bought my Jeep it would do the same thing. I could run it all day long once I turned it off. I would not be able to restart it till it cooled down.

I don't know if this will fix your problem but mine lay in the CPS. Crankshaft position sensor.

I unplugged it and replugged it back in after blowing it out and never had anymore problems with it.

Not saying that is your problem but it is worth a check since it is really easy to do.

THE CPS connector is at the rear of the Valve cover. One side of the connector goes down to the Bellhousing and the other side goes ???. Not sure but the connector should be all you need to worry about unless that doesn't work then your CPS may be bad.


My next check would be the ignition switch on the top of the steering column behind the dash. It is also easy to get to. A few bolts to drop the steering column down. It will short out at times and work intermittently.

 

Next time it does not start disconnect and reconnect the CPS and see if that helps, that may help narrow down your search.

 

That's what I just said

 

thanks guys, I have that on my list to test out.

 

well, that did not help. I took a drive today (about 15 miles) and when I turned it off it would not restart. I pulled the plug a few times with no luck. I am not sure that is it as what I read the CPS is that your engine can turn over just not start. mine is not even doing that, it is like the starter is not getting told to go. I replaced the starter already with the same results, and the starter has the solenoid with it so I don't that's it either.
other thoughts on how to rule issue out?

 

Neutral saftey switch? ignition switch?
I didn't see it anywhere is it a manual or auto?

 

sorry I left that out. it is a 4.0 sport, automatic. Has around 160K miles on it.

 

I put in a new starter relay but that did not help, and I also was not able to start in neutral when I had the issues (that is how you test the NSS right?)
I found that if I push in and up a little I can start it right up, so I think that points to a bad ignition cylinder so I will pull that out next.

 

If the cps is defective the starter will crank the same.

 

ok, so I pulled the ignition and I don't think it is the cylinder now. that is a mechanical part that will either work or not work right? as I can give it a full turn even when it will is not starting I think it is something else.

would you all agree on that one? I am thinking the ignition switch maybe?

 

That sounds a little more along the lines of your problem, it may just not be getting a good connection. The ignition switch is an easy start, but you can also jump across the terminals where the starter relay goes, there is usually a diagram on the side of the replacement relay, and jump across the terminals that are normally open and close when you turn the key. If the switch is bad, this will cause the starter to work anyway and will point out the problem... the only other thing that I have dealt with is the neutral safety switch as I could not get mine to start after trying several things. Mine did seem to start having trouble when it was hot as the swithch is mounted to the side of the tranny. I ended up bypassing mine and it works with no problem