I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport. The past several months it has been giving me trouble when starting. Sometimes when attempting to start the vehicle it will not turn over. No abnormal noises are heard, just a prolonged sound of the starter engaging. Eventually the engine will start (it sometimes requires that I turn the key back to the off position and try to start it again.) Two weeks ago I replaced the starter thinking that this was an issue; clearly it was not because the problem continues.

Just last week the vehicle refused to start at all even after turning the key back to the off position. All it would do is continue to crank. I then decided to step on the gas and it sort of sputtered and started right up. I let off the gas and it stalled out. I had to manually idle just below 2000rpms for about 10 minutes before it would stay running on its own.

Now, every so often it won't start unless I give it some gas. I have not been able to pinpoint whether or not it happens after sitting for a while or not, there seems to be no apparent trend.

My next step is to try replacing the fuel filter. The problem is that I am not sure where this is at or how difficult of a task this is going to be.

Any thoughts or suggestions on other possible causes for this issue would be greatly appreciated. (Also, any advice on changing the fuel filter.)

 

plugged injectors, plugged fuel filter, bad screen on fuel pump

 

check the crank positioning sensor and the throttle positioning sensor

 

First things first.

Check Engine light ON? If yes, what are the codes being reported?

Check all grounds and inspect all of our battery cables. Both are common problem areas.

Check your fuel pressure at the rail, it should be 49 +/- 5 psi.

Your fuel filter/strainer is in the fuel tank.