XJ Cherokee 1997 - HELP TO DIAGNOSE PLEASE!
 

Hey Everyone!

I need help to diagnose a problem with my XJ. I have had two mobile mechanics come to me and they have both misdiagnosed and its cost me a fortune already having to replace fuel pump, distributor leads and coil, sparkplugs and exhaust sensors.
My car was working perfectly fine and then one day it would not start!
It cranks over like it wants to start but just doesn't. One of them said there was a spark, the other said there wasn't!
I can hear the starter motor going but can't hear the fuel pump click in - We just replaced the fuel pump yesterday and still doesn;t work!
I have checked the fuses and the relays and all look good. I have also swapped them around to see if any were the problem.
About a year ago I did change the crank angle sensor as well as the cooling temperature sensor.
Please help!
Juliet

The easiest thing to start is to establish if it has spark, which can be done fairly easily...check Youtube if you dont know how

The fuel pump should run for 3 secs when the key is turned to the "on" position

Have someone turn the key while you listen near the fuel tank to hear it whir

A failed Crank sensor will usually mean no spark or fuel, replacement crank sensors are known to be unreliable

You could take a punt and have that changed out

otherwise you will have to free download the Factory manual from member cruiser54 website and fault find

or have it towed to a competent mechanic

I agree with awg and go with a failed crankshaft position sensor for the win! If you use a mechanic, make sure he has some experience with old XJ's. They are a world into themselves.

Crank position sensor probably needs to be replaced if it hasn't in a long time. Make sure it is a MOPAR

When you put the Jeep in reverse do the reverse lights turn on? If they don't it may be the neutral safety switch

JT did say it was cranking.