First I want to start out by saying I am no mechanical genius. I bought my XJ to learn and wheel. About 2 months ago I was out hunting and my XJ just died. Had no idea what was wrong and ended having to get a tow back. Upon searching the forums I ended up switching out the CPS and that did not fix the problem. I did a full tune up and still no start. It was cranking over but nothing. I ended up talking to a friend who gave me a spark tester, where informed me that you need spark, fuel and air for an engine to run. After about a month of not figuring it out I called a mechanic and he came out and found a fuse blown. He replaced it and my XJ started right up. Over the week I went out to start it up and it would. Then a week later it did not start. Again the fuse was blown. I search high and low for a grounding problem. All wires look good, to the fuel injector, coil, and 02 sensors. Every time I tried to start it, the fuse blew. Then i read to unplug everything to that fuse and put them back one by one and test, if the fuse blew it would be along that wire. After that no more fuses blew. but still no start, it would crank but would not start. finally after testing for spark(good) injector pulse(good) and fuel pressure (47PSI), my wife said why don't you change out the battery connector to the positive terminal since it was rusted. I did and the jeep started right up. So my question is why would this fix the problem? It just does not make sense, if the motor is turning over wouldn't that mean that the starter is getting power from the battery?

 

If you turn the key and nothing at all happens (no Guage movement or initial buzz) then you could have a poor battery connection. Maybe a battery terminal or bad connection with battery wires.

Had a loose/worn/deteriorated power wire on a truck I had, and nothing would happen with key in ignition in any position. Replaced it and back running, threw in new terminals and ground wire for good measure.


*Just reread your post and this probably doesn't apply to you

 

Maybe during that last check for spark, injector, and fuel pressure, you plugged something back in that wasn't plugged in good before?

And I'm sure your wife will never let you forget this.

 

That was actually my thought I just wish, if that was it I knew which one it was, for future sake.

 

What fuse was blowing ?

 

I forget the fuse # but it was the engine control f30a that controlled the coil, injectors, o2 sensors, fuel pump etc.

 

Check wiring too o2 sensors for contact with metal certain years have rubbed on drive shaft and caused intermittent issues similar to what you describing .