Not to worry. Most years have some particular thing to gripe about! You might have the last year the "Key Trick" actually works.

You can try this. I hear sometime in 97 it no longer works. (or is just for the dash or some such).

The "Key Tricks"
Older (OBDI) models - Start with the ignition off. Within five seconds, switch the key on, off, on, off, on. ("On" is NOT "Start" and "Off" is NOT "Lock"). The "check engine" light will flash. Count the flashes. Each code is a two digit code, so a (for example) 23 would be FLASH FLASH (pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause). It will never flash more than 9 times, so watch for those pauses! I think it will end with a "55", (end of codes). They are posted in "info threads" sticky.

I don't think it will diagnose your "suspect" CPS.

 

Just kidding bud.

But I do hope the seller at least gave you a reacharound.

 

LOL!!!
96 is the Bastard year for the XJ's. But like any vehicle if it's maintained you should be OK. But it is a bit harder to find some of the parts you may need, Not all parts but some.

 

87-90, a bunch of ours are flat, "discontinued!"

 

I own a '96 and it does get a little tricky at times. I picked up a FSM, but the info in it isn't right in some areas. I still have the gas tank with the opening in the front, but they must have changed to the newer tank mid-year, because the FSM only has details about the top mounted pump, and its a completely different set up, so the FSM doesn't help me with that all.

Some of the sensors are goofy too. The TPS in my '96 is the same as the '95 and earlier, but half the web sites I can order one from will tell me that I need to order the one from '97+... Again, probably switched mid-year.

As you get to know your '96, you'll figure out which parts are configured in yours. Early production was just making the OBD1 parts work with the mandated OBD2 systems.... then they started switching things over to the newer systems that eventually became the '97+ models.

Its a goofy year for an XJ, but nothing that's to hard to figure out. There really isn't much that is '96 specific... the fuel pressure regulator is one of those. If you ever find one in the JY, pick it up and throw it on a shelf, because they are getting hard to come by.... unless you've got one where they already switched the gas tank over.

 

There are a lot of acronyms in there that I'm not quite sure I know haha. I guess it sort of helps that I bought an SE model with power-nothing. So you're saying keep an eye out for a JY at the junkyard and ****** up a fuel pressure regulator?

 

Epk5150,

It will help you immensely to obtain a Factory Service Manual for you '96 Cherokee. Haynes manuals are very limited as to what they provide, and are essentially worthless.

Here's two souces for manuals that come in CD format.

Bisko Automobile Literature (scroll down to the 1996 Cherokee manual listing)

http://www.autobooksbishko.com/search.cgi?year=1996&make=Jeep&category=Shop+Manua l


Mopar Tech Authority II (expensive but OEM)

https://www.techauthority.com/en-US/...s&ptCatId=3083

Occasionally Ebay lists hard copy OEM '96 service manuals and supplements for the '96 XJ.

Do not use Pacific Coast Manuals for the 1996 Cherokee. They will sell you a '96 manual but in reality it's a 1997 XJ manual. They have nice manuals for only $8.00 but the '96 manual is definately wrong.

The Morris 4x4 website has parts catalogs you can access on line for free.

 

Sorry about the shorthand. LOl.
JY= Junk Yard
FSM= Factory Service Manual

So, if you have the gas tank that has the front mounted fuel pump, keep and eye out at the junk yard for another '96 XJ with the same gas tank, and grab the pressure regulator from that one. Just don't get confused with the 91-95's. The tanks look the same, but the pressure regulator was a whole different set up... unless you've got the tank where everything is mounted on the top and you have to drop the tank to get at it all. Then, you've got the newer set up from the '97+ models, and those pressure regulators aren't hard to find.

A lot depends on when your '96 was manufactured. Mine was in march of '96 so its still mostly the older 95 parts that they tried to make work with the OBD2. Somewhere, midyear, they started to switch a few things over.

If you're picking up parts, it might help if you pull the old part before you head to the parts store or Junk Yard. That way, you can compare the old to new and make sure you've got the right one. The TPS (throttle position sensor) was one of those that gave me a headache.

The original TPS was '96 specific, at least, that's what Mopar says, and they've been discontinued. But.... after doing a lot of research, I found that the TPS for the 91-95, which has a different part number, is the one I need. But, depending on what web site I tried to order it from, some were saying I needed to order the newer '97+ sensor, but the connection is different.

I haven't had to replace any other sensors yet, but I have a feeling, if/when the time comes, it might get just as confusing, but once the puzzle is solved for each particular part, just make a note of it so you know which part to get if it ever fails again. I keep a little note book in the glove box with the part numbers that I've ordered. Most of the stuff isn't confusing, u-joints, steering components, etc... but just be prepared a headache or two for those parts that might be from the 95's, 96 specific, or 97+

 

I was reading something about some XJ's have the pressure regulator mounted on the fuel rail, is that correct?

 

Yes, but I don't recall which years. It was before '96.

 

Waz between 95 and 96 that the fuel pressure spec went up 10Lbs. Maybe then.

 

Agreed!


Same for Chilton.

 

Thanks for all the help and input guys. Changed my CPS today so I hope that helps the restart issue. Going to due some front end work this weekend and change a TPS due to some weird acceleration issues.

 

You should probably adjust the kickdown cable first. It takes 30 seconds. Might not fix your acceleration issues, but its worth a shot before buying a tps to throw at it. There's right ups all over the forum on how to do it.

 

Thanks, I will give that a try. Im just hoping its not a transmission issue and it is just something small. I will do a search for that. Thanks again.