My Jeep is a 1996 XJ.

Was driving up a hill at highway speeds. Noticed the throttle was not responding and the engine was coughing. I then lost power. After a short break (I thought I had overheated) I kept on going and lost power going uphill again a couple of miles later, and coasted onto a side road. I called it quits right there.

The engine now turns over but will not start. Every 5th or 6th time I try to start it makes a popping sound and a small amount of smoke emerges from the air intake.

I have replaced the rotor, rotor cap, and spark plugs. The fuel pump is working great.

My current theory is that their is a problem with the fuel injectors or whatever controls the fuel injectors.

Any solutions or ideas?

Thanks!

 

Test the cps with a multimeter. Verify spark first. If not spark fuel injectors will just keep squirting in fuel but no start

 

We verified the spark when we installed the new plugs after the cap + rotor.

The CPS would make sense I suppose - the Jeep that we used to tow mine actually had CPS problems and exhibited symptoms similar to mine.

Thanks for the quick response.

 

CPS x2. Will need replacement ( buy a good one) in the 4.0 at some point.

 

If you have a strong, BLUE, snapping spark, the problem is most likely not the crank sensor and I would concentrate on fuel delivery.

You mention the fuel pump is working great. How did you verify that? Actual fuel pressure must be tested with a fuel pressure gauge (can be rented) connected to the schrader valve on the fuel rail.

For a 98, you need approximately 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi for the engine to start and run.

If you have good spark, you must test fuel pressure.