Okay, my '93 Cherokee has been having some issues with starting lately. Sometimes it will start right up, sometimes it will start and die after a few seconds or when I turn on my headlights, and sometimes it will crank continuously. Also, it will power down randomly (and sometimes when I start it). When it dies, the starting issues are different every time. Yesterday, it started perfectly, then proceeded to die when I turned on my lights. When I turned the key to start it again there was nothing at all. This morning it started right up and drove with no problem.

I've been reading about the CPS problems that people have been having and it seems to somewhat fit the bill. I plan on testing it today. I have already cleaned out the throttle body, but that doesn't seem to be the issue. I have also read about the PCM, but I don't have a lot of the problems that come along with one going out (i.e. random dash lights coming on, gauges not working).

At this point, I'm sure it's a mix of things. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

 

You will have to approach this systematically, because several causes are possible. Yes, CPS can be one of them. However, other basics first. Is your battery good enough? Have it load tested. Batt connections and all grounds cleaned up, refrshed and tight. Alternator good?mHave it tested. Once again, start with this when intermittent issues like that, because you will get a million other advices from here. CPS will fail during its life, if not replaced in the past, this might be a good time to get it off the list.

 

The fact that the engine dies when you turn on your headlights is what struck me most on your symptoms.

That points to an electrical issue and all electrical starts with GROUNDS. You really should refresh all of your engine grounds.

Sure it could be something else, but with these symptoms, grounds are a very real possibility. Always approach in a "simple to more complex" methodology.

Here's more on GROUNDS. Good luck and keep us updated on your problem!
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Grounds can be the root cause of many electrical gremlins. Refreshing grounds is NEVER a bad idea, and the investment of your time in this procedure is always well worth it!

You can't tell much of anything by looking at ground connections!! You must remove, scrape, clean until shiny the cable/wire ends and whatever they bolt to. Be sure to remove all paint from any ground connections.

Start with the one on the back corner of the head, and where it attaches to the firewall, as it deteriorates over time and is an area that makes it susceptible to damage. Best to replace that woven cable with a #4 or #2 gauge cable. You can attach the one end to the intake manifold if you would like.

Next go over to the engine dipstick tube stud. Remove the nut and clean the wire ends and scrape the block until shiny at the stud. Reattach tightly.

If you are so inclined, add at least a #6 cable from the negative terminal of your battery to one of the bolts on your radiator support.

 

I checked all the grounds and wiring when I got the jeep not too long ago, but I will definitely go through them all again tomorrow. The whole headlight thing stood out to me too. Pointed me away from just a CPS issue, which I will probably replace just to be safe. Thanks for the post guys.

I will keep you updated on what I find.

Thanks again!

 

X2 on the grounds. If you can keep it idling for a bit, try wiggling all the connectors under the hood and see if you can make it shut down. The grounds near the dipstick are notorious for failing and there are crimps all over the place that can go bad. Systematic and simple first before you start changing things that are probably good. Unplug connectors, clean them and put them back, check for melted wires on exhaust manifold etc.

Good luck.

 

So, I spent most of my free time today checking/cleaning/replacing all my grounds. None of them looked like they would be an issue, but it was still good to check. I fired her up and she started just fine, but like I said, the issues with starting are intermittent. Flipping on my headlights didn't cause any problems this time, which was a good sign. I will continue to tinker with everything tomorrow and hopefully figure out if the problem has been fixed.

Oh, and a question:

Where is a good place to get new battery cables and terminals? I want to do a nice, but not too expensive overhaul on my cables.