Hi guys. I am new to this , so if it has been covered elsewhere im sorry. My 97 xj has been intermittantly runnung a bit rough. Usually in third gear going uphill it seemed to miss and jolt slightly I also had check engine light. I live in the middle of nowhere in Spain so getting the codes checked is not an option. Changed the plugs, leads rotor and cap, Still the same. From what I have read I thought it might be the TPS so I ordered one and waited a week for it to arrive. Took off the old one and then noticed the connection was different so put the old one back on again. Now she will not start at all. Engine turns over, there is fuel and there is a spark. Any suggestions. I am at my wits end and need help.

 

Boy, sure would be nice to get that code as it is the key to resolving this. You could try tipping in the throttle a bit as you crank the engine, as if it is a TPS issue, that can sometimes allow the engine to start.

You mention you have fuel and spark but you should take these two components a step further. Do you have proper fuel pressure and do you have a strong, BLUE, snapping spark.

For a 97, you need approximately 49 psi to start the engine. And for spark, if you see a yellow/orange/white spark, that may not be strong enough to start the engine (ignition coil is the primary suspect for weak spark).

 

Hi TJ.
Thanks for the quick reply, I have just had another look at it, in the vain hope it would start. Put the rechaged battery back in and checked all the connections again. This jeep has been converted to run on LPG as well and i noticed the electrical connection to the LPG computer had come loose. Reconnected it and she started first time. Such a relief as this is my only form of transport. Interestingly, the check engine light has gone out?

 

Sounds as if the issue was a loose wire all along, how does she run now?

 

Hopefully the loose connection is the full resolve.

Try spraying the connectors thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner and reconnect. Both the LPG connector and the throttle position sensor. And be sure that the connectors are solidly latched.

If the check engine light comes back, you really are going to somehow get the codes read.

 

Hi Guys
She seems to be running a lot smoother than before, the revs are slightly low at idle but not really noticeable. I will spray the connections and see how we go. As far as reading the codes go, there are very few jeep dealerships in this country and the ones that are here charge a fortune. For example, i needed a certificate to prove that the jeep had a mechanical airbag and not an electrical one in order for it to pass its yearly test. The dealership(a 2 hour drive away) charged me 158 euros, thats just over 200 dollars.

 

I have heard horror stories about service and parts in different countries Rennie...

How do you like your LPG conversion?

 

It's not something I happen to be really familiar with, but it IS a Chrysler OBDII system. Here you can get the codes read free at most parts stores..

Wasn't it during the 97 year that the key trick was canned?

 

Good catch DFlintstone......sometime during 1997, the ability to pull the two digit code with the odometer trick went away.

Renne....it is certainly worth trying it; maybe you will get lucky and it only takes a couple of minutes. The two digit code isn't as valuable as the full code, but at least you would know what circuit the OBD system had a blip in. Here's how to do it.
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OBDII models (1996 and “SOME” 1997 models) Put the key into the ignition, push down the odometer reset button, then turn the key to RUN with your finger on the button - and then release the button. The odometer will go through 1111111 through 999999, then display the car's serial number. It will then show the 2 digit error codes. The2 digit code is helpful, but it is not as specific as the full PXXXX code, which is only available using a code reader or scan tool, so generally I recommend using the code reader or scan tool. But if you have a CEL and don’t have access to a code reader or a scan tool, try the odometer technique to point you in the right direction until you can gain access to a code reader.

Note: The above OBDII odometer technique works only for 1996 and early 1997 model XJs, so while it might work on one 1997 XJ, it might NOT work on another! Once Chrysler made the change during the 1997 build year, for anything built after that date through 2001 you will need either a code reader or a scan tool to retrieve the codes.

 

Thanks TJ...Btw my 90 Renix starts right up with the tps (and IAC), unplugged. I think his map is there as well? That's another case...

I was think of going to gas myself, found this> :http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2010/...-gas-cars.html

 

Thanks for the help guys, I tried the key trick and nothing happened. It would be very helpful to know the codes. The LPG works very well, but unfortunaley LPG is not available in Spain, However I do drive back to the UK and Ireland every now and then and LPG is available all the way through France so it can save quite a bit of money. Thanks again for the advice guys