Won't start
I have a 96 Cherokee sport with 201000 miles. I have replaced the crank sensor, throttle position sensor, distributor, plugs and wires, and also the fuel pump. It turns over but doesn't fire. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It has the high output 4.0. Thank you
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,840
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You need to determine what you are missing. Spark or fuel. Don't throw any more parts at this; not very efficient and as you are finding, it becomes expensive in a hurry. You need to "test" your way to a solution.
The FIRST thing I do for any no-start is this simple test. Pull a spark plug, keep it attached to the plug wire, place the plug electrode near a good engine ground, have a buddy crank the engine while you watch. You are looking for a strong, blue, snapping spark. Yellow/orange/white indicates a weak spark, which may not be strong enough to start the engine. Knowing whether you have good spark, no spark, or weak spark is really important here.......
Also, do you HEAR the fuel pump energize and run for about 2 seconds when you turn the key to the ON position? Another quick and dirty test that tells you a lot. If you don't hear that fuel pump come on and you have already replaced the fuel pump, you have a problem with the "CONTROL ELECTRONICS" that deliver power to the fuel pump.
Report back what you find..............
The FIRST thing I do for any no-start is this simple test. Pull a spark plug, keep it attached to the plug wire, place the plug electrode near a good engine ground, have a buddy crank the engine while you watch. You are looking for a strong, blue, snapping spark. Yellow/orange/white indicates a weak spark, which may not be strong enough to start the engine. Knowing whether you have good spark, no spark, or weak spark is really important here.......
Also, do you HEAR the fuel pump energize and run for about 2 seconds when you turn the key to the ON position? Another quick and dirty test that tells you a lot. If you don't hear that fuel pump come on and you have already replaced the fuel pump, you have a problem with the "CONTROL ELECTRONICS" that deliver power to the fuel pump.
Report back what you find..............
Last edited by tjwalker; Oct 23, 2011 at 05:59 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
seansr
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
13
Oct 20, 2025 02:48 PM
Tj Cope
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
21
Nov 16, 2022 08:32 PM
Gtrsrlly
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
Aug 25, 2015 11:50 AM
smithj
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
Aug 24, 2015 10:24 PM
Brynjaminjones
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
Aug 22, 2015 05:01 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)



