I have a 96 cherokee and when i go to start it, it will fire once and shut off. Then it will crank and crank and crank and not fire. But if i pump the gas pedal it will and then i have to keep it running but if i stop pumping the gas it will shut off. Then if i put it in gear while im pumping the gas it will idle by itself. I can even put it back in park and it will idle perfect, and if i drive it, it drives and runs fine. So im stuck on what it could be. To me i think it is something to do with the fuel pressure maybe? or just something with the fuel system itself. If anyone has had this problem or has any idea on what it could be please let me know. This is my daily driver and i need it tomorrow. Thanks.

 

I had a issue kindof similar to this on a Ford Truck that came into the shop. It turned out that the TFI (Ignition Module) was bad on it. It wouldn't start, just crank and crank when it was in park but if you jumped it at the solenoid it would start and run just fine. It was pretty strange but Ford's are just strange anyways. The only thing I could think of on yours is possibly a vacumn leak?

 

Having to "tip in" the throttle to start the engine can indicate a problem with the "throttle position sensor". They can be tested with a manual and a meter (analog best).

Verifying fuel pressure while these symptoms are happening (with a gauge) is also a good idea.

Any check engine light? If so, pull stored codes for clues.

 

Could be the TPS sensor. Could also be the Idle Air Control valve.

 

did the battery die/disconnected before it started doing this? sometimes the computer forgets the idle and has to relearn it.

 

It is throwing a idle system control malfuntion. It runs fine when i put it in gear, so its got good fuel pressure. I have narrowed it down to the throttle position sensor or the air idle control valve. I unplugged all the sensors on my throttle body and now it isnt doing it. So i dont know if it was a loose connection or if it is just being stubborn.

 

Posting the exact code will be of the most help here.

If it is an idle air control code, then concentrate on the idle air control. Clean or replace.