Hey all, My 96 XJ with the AX-15 transmission is giving me fits. Occasionally, and more frequently now that it is cold (below freezing), my jeep will start and immediately die 5-6 times before it will stay running and will then drive without issue. When it dies everything looses power, including all gauges and my radio too. Can you help me figure out what my issue is? I have changed my battery, plugs, wires, distributor, and cap in the middle of this for preventative maintenance and it did not change anything.

HELP. Thanks,
s

 

When you mention that everything loses power including radio, etc.....the first thing that comes to mind is a GROUND problem. If this were my vehicle, I would freshen every engine ground. Failure to do so can result in the chasing of your tail. Not saying with certainty that this is your problem. But am saying with certainty that grounds need to be eliminated before looking elsewhere..... Here is more
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Grounds can be the root cause of many electrical gremlins. Refreshing grounds is NEVER a bad idea, and the investment of your time in this procedure is always well worth it!

You can't tell much of anything by looking at ground connections!! You must remove, scrape, clean until shiny the cable/wire ends and whatever they bolt to. Be sure to remove all paint from any ground connections.

Start with the one on the back corner of the head, and where it attaches to the firewall, as it deteriorates over time and is an area that makes it susceptible to damage. Best to replace that woven cable with a #4 or #2 gauge cable. You can attach the one end to the intake manifold if you would like.

Next go over to the engine dipstick tube stud. Remove the nut and clean the wire ends and scrape the block until shiny at the stud. Reattach tightly.

If you are so inclined, add at least a #6 cable from the negative terminal of your battery to one of the bolts on your radiator support.