I have a 99 XJ 5 speed. I’ve had it for about 6 months now, and lately it’s been acting up. It can run fine for weeks, but randomly it shuts off driving and when I go to start back up I have no gauges, I can crank but get no fuel. Resetting the terminals seem to somewhat help, but it’s becoming more frequent. I’ve checked all the fuses the grounds are all solid, and the computer connections are all cleaned. Just wondering if someone else had a similar issue. It can run fine down the parkway an hour but it will act up and shut off either 5m from home, or two hours into a trip. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I had a very similar problem and cleaned all my grounds. It was only when I replaced the battery terminals that I permanently solved the problem. I think there was corrosion inside the positive lead cable that I couldn't see.

 

IJM, you are dead on the money. Can't guarantee this is XJkylie's problem, but it's a good possibility. It's a good place to start, anyway.

If you decide to replace the cables, do yourself a favor and replace ALL of them. I think on the 99 you should have 4:

1. Battery + to starter (6 gauge)
2. Battery + to PDC (10 gauge)
3. Battery - to engine block (6 gauge)
4. Battery - to inner fender (10 gauge)

This is a good opportunity to upgrade them all. I did mine one gauge up (6 to 4, 10 to 8) for all four, and used . I got the cables made at https://www.bestboatwire.com/custom-cables/custom-battery-cable-assembly. Very good quality marine grade cables. Nice stuff! I selected the clear heat shrink at both ends, so I can see what's going on under there.

I also upgraded my body ground. The factory grounding point on the inner fender is pathetic. I removed it, and drilled out the hole to accept a 5/16" bolt. Then I removed the paint around the hole so that I had a bare spot the size of a nickle. I put a star washer on the bolt, then I fished that through from the back side (tricky, but it can be done). Then a flat washer on the bolt, then a nut, then tighten it all up. I used all stainless steel hardware, and plenty of dielectric grease on everything at each step.

Now you have a solidly attached 5/16" stud sticking into your engine compartment, and you can attach your body ground there with another star washer and a nylon locking nut. Solid. This will give you a much better body ground.

 

With the engine running, and in park, open the hood. Grab the wiring harness that runs left to right across the back of the engine firewall. Shake it. Do it in multiple places. If it shuts off or stumbles, you found a worn thru wire. Do this with your other wiring harnesses and connections also. Wear a nonconducting glove.

 

Those d* four wires grounded to the dipstick tube stud. Take the nut off, check the connectors. Probably have to replace the connectors and add some wire to each. I've had to do this 3 times so far on my 1996 XJ.