xjwanted

I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee that has developed a starting problem, when I try to start it it will just keep cranking and never start. It takes three tries before it usually starts. I had the battery checked today, its perfect. My best guess as I'm no mechanic is that I either need a tune up or my starter is going. Also My cat has been rattling for the past few weeks, what does this mean?

trans_am7935

a starter is actually falsely named cause it does not start the engine, all it does is turn the flywheel and hence turns over the engine, while the fuel pump puts fuel to the rails and the coil, plugs and wires are what actually ignite and start your engine. so check your fuel filter, if it is hard to blow air through, replace it. check your plugs and wires, and your cap and rotor for wear

bwb0440

i have the same exact problem, all that started just a few days ago.. nd idk if the rattling is from the cat or not.. but im deff thinking somewhere from the exhaust.. especially if i give it gas or rev it, it rattles, sounds like a tin can or something hiting a piece of thin/hollow metal.. or when i hit a bump or something.. ive been wondering wtf tht was everytime im driving it nd it annoys the **** out of me lol

40xj

new here but having the same issue with mine as well (98 4.0L). thought mine might be the fuel regulator (its located on top of the fuel pump in the gas tank because this is a returnless system) so I hooked up a fuel pressure gauge and checked it which mine was leaking preasure back into the tank but after replacing it didn't fix the problem. The only other indicator I can think of on mine is that when I let off the gas the rpms drop lower then they should and then come back up which means I have a vacuum issue some where and now has me trying to remember if they use a map or maf sensor (jeeps been getting rockers replaced and haven't owned it very long) Im thinking that if its a map then it may be getting a bad reading at start up until the engine runs and the vacuum pulls right. This seems to be a popular issue.
IMO if your cat is rattling its shot and needs to be replaced.

GreenJay

Definitely replace the cat ASAP if it is rattling. This means that there is debris flying around in it. It could potential clog and start a fire in a worst case scenario.

If you can get it started up, stick your head down and verify that the noise is coming from the cat. There is usually a check engine light associated with a dead cat but the rattling is an early indication.

protaper91

ten bucks says its the guts from inside the catalytic converter

no alibi

Jeep/chrysler has a recall on the rattling cat.conv. just got mine done on my 96 xj and didnt know anything about it,give them a call,im sure it was on the 98 also.they also had an ecm reset recall that they took care of also for me.

sthon

I think that recall only applies to the 96 iirc. Request your build sheet from chrysler, it will list any outstanding recalls.

GreenJay

^ yeah, I just had outstanding recalls taken care of on my 98 and a rattling cat.conv was not on that list. I did get new front brakes out of the deal though

sthon

Got those done on my 92. Still need to take my 96 in for the cat.