I am new here and moderately versed. my 03 Cherokee starts then sputters backfires and then "may" idle up but immediately dies. Replaced the throttle position sensor... still same. Someone told me it could be the fuel pump. Another said the water pump. Several mos ago I replaced the crank position sensor. Oh, and someone told me it could be a cracked head or blown head gasket. Could that cause it to not run?......HEEELLLLLPPP!!!!!!!!!!

 

Have you plugged it in to pull any codes yet? You may get several different system codes but it might help start you in the right direction towards the possible problem. Like fuel pressure issues, cam timing issues Etc.

 

have not pulled codes. cant get to AutoZone to hook it up. Had to install a new battery though and when tried to crank for first time it flashed P173 on the instrument display

 

Just off the top of my head, upstream o2 sensor.. Doubt its a head problem.

 

and where would I find the 02 sensor?

 

Probably here...

 

Turn the key on until the warning lights light, then off, on again, then off, on again and wait. The codes will pop up in the odometer display. A code reader will show you the same codes, but explain what they mean.

 

Will this work on my 97 too??? lol Just had to ask! that would be handy!

 

I don't think this apply to newer models. IIRC it's '94 and older that this will work.

 

Fuel pressure regulator working ok?

 

On the older models, the CEL will flash the codes and you have to pay attention to the number of flashes. On the 99 and newer models, the actual number will be displayed in the odometer. I have a recurring one in my WJ, a P0740, which is torque converter clutch. Actually the book says "Engine rpm does not match vehicle speed". The older models will give you a code 55 which means "end of test". My WJ says "done."

I had 97 ZJ and now own this 00 WJ, so this is actually my experience. The Haynes manual has listings for the CEL flash codes and the "P" numbers.

 

I tried it out and could not get my 97 to anything. I'm sure I did it wrong. Peterbilt-Cummins marriages have the flash codes too, so I'm familiar with these. Helps to have a notepad ready so you don't have to do it twice to make sure you got it right.


I'm going to play with it again because packing a code list along is more practical than packing a code reader around,

 

Its a grand cherokee thing, '99-'10. It won't work with our Xj's save pre '95 or '94 IIRC.

 

I was out trying it with Door open, Door Closed, Brake off, Brake on, Hold down trip counter, let up trip counter, Throttle down, Throttle up, Head turned to the right, Head turned to the left, Radio on, Radio off, Etc, Etc...


Well no wonder I couldn't get it to work! lol, why do they do that? just make it the same on all models


Thank you! it was worth checking out!