Starting Issues
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Ok
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter 6 Cylinder
I turn it over and sometimes it starts, most times I have stop and crank it over again. Has anyone had this similar issue or think they can help diagnose the issue
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,840
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Assuming that this is about your 87.
You have a Renix XJ (87-90) By design, the engine is not going to fire until the computer (ECU) gets a signal from the crankshaft position sensor and measures that signal to indicate that 300 rpms while cranking has been met/exceeded.
Somewhat extended crank times should be considered a “characteristic” of your engine, rather than a problem.
You can upgrade the battery and battery cables--at least 4 ga., 2 ga. better--and buy a high-torque starter.
Be sure that all grounds are good. Remove them and freshen them. You cannot tell if the grounds are electrically good by looking at them! Renix vehicles are very sensitive to ground issues.
Other than that, performing basic tune-ups on a regular basis is important, (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter)
The above suggestions are things that will help optimize start times on a Renix engine.
You have a Renix XJ (87-90) By design, the engine is not going to fire until the computer (ECU) gets a signal from the crankshaft position sensor and measures that signal to indicate that 300 rpms while cranking has been met/exceeded.
Somewhat extended crank times should be considered a “characteristic” of your engine, rather than a problem.
You can upgrade the battery and battery cables--at least 4 ga., 2 ga. better--and buy a high-torque starter.
Be sure that all grounds are good. Remove them and freshen them. You cannot tell if the grounds are electrically good by looking at them! Renix vehicles are very sensitive to ground issues.
Other than that, performing basic tune-ups on a regular basis is important, (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter)
The above suggestions are things that will help optimize start times on a Renix engine.
Old Skewl CF like a Sir
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 3
From: Fort Myers, FL
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output OBDII
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 1
From: Southern Idaho
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L/242 CID I-6 High Output MFI
Lol at busted knuckle. My jeep takes about three to four seconds to start and the initial startup of the day is a little rough.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 1
From: Nor-Cal
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: The venerable 4.0
When I got mine back together I forgot to plug cps back in. When I did (with full.battery) it started in two cranks. Amazing! I figured it was due to the fact I cleaned all of the under hood electrical connectors.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Ok
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter 6 Cylinder
Sorry for the lack of information guys. I turn it over and it will hesitate on the start i keep cranking and it will make a clunking noise then start up i never crank it for more than 15 seconds. Well Tj I will say that sounds similar to the characteristic of my engine, I've replaced my battery with 2 ga. wires, map sensor, and fuel filter. I have good ground, Coil and spark are good
Last edited by PhantomXJ87; Jul 27, 2011 at 11:29 PM.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 1
From: Nor-Cal
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: The venerable 4.0
Hard to tell but kinda sounds like a top end rattle like its lean or the timing is out. I can't really tell though. Hard to hear it. Is it like a diesel sound??
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Ok
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter 6 Cylinder
I replaced my oil pressure sending unit and it reads 30 before it gets to operating temp. and drops down to 0 which I thought could be faulty wiring but haven't determined what the cause is yet.


