Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here! ZJ (93-98), WJ (99-04), WK (05+)
All ZJ/WJ/WK specific tech questions asked here!

97 Grand Cherokee won't start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 22, 2014 | 07:15 PM
  #1  
Matthew R.'s Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default 97 Grand Cherokee won't start

I have a 97 Grand Cherokee limited with the L6, automatic, all time all wheel drive.
It over heated on me and stalled. Now I can get it to crank over, and everything sounds right, but it won't fire. It has never had a problem with starting, it has always started quickly. I need some input as to what could be the issue.
Reply
Old May 23, 2014 | 12:45 PM
  #2  
dave1123's Avatar
Old fart with a wrench
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 740
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

It could be the overheat melted something electrical. How hot did it get? Did it die on the road or idling?
Reply
Old May 24, 2014 | 09:58 AM
  #3  
Matthew R.'s Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

It got pretty hot. Died on the road. Like I had said, it cranks over fine and sounds good. It actually sounds like it wants to start. (Almost catches)
Reply
Old May 26, 2014 | 02:04 PM
  #4  
Matthew R.'s Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

If I hold the gas petal to the floor when cranking the engine, it almost fires. I was able to test the crankshaft position sensor lead. The center pin gives me a reading of about 1.5 ohms, but I don't get any readings from the other 2 pins. I am wondering if it may be a problem with the camshaft sensor.
Reply
Old May 26, 2014 | 02:37 PM
  #5  
dave1123's Avatar
Old fart with a wrench
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 740
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Somewhere on this forum is an explanation of the pin-out values for the CPS. There is also a pulse rate test. If you are familiar at all with electronics, the CPS is a Hall-effect switch actuated by the magnetic inserts on the torque convertor drive plate. One pin should be B+ (about 5 volts), one should be pulse out, and one should be ground.

The Crankshaft position sensor detects cylinder position, the camshaft sensor tells the PCM which cylinder to fire.

WAIT! Your 97 still has a distributor, right? In that case, the cam sensor just tells the coil to fire.

Last edited by dave1123; May 26, 2014 at 02:42 PM.
Reply
Related Topics
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
XJ ONLY
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
Jan 26, 2019 06:30 PM
Katt Dogg
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
1
Aug 25, 2015 08:03 PM
Gtrsrlly
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
Aug 25, 2015 11:50 AM
14lgreer
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
3
Aug 21, 2015 01:46 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:34 PM.