Cutting out randomly
My 96 grand Cherokee 4.0 runs great but it will randomly about once a day have a bog out cut out feel then powers right back and keeps going good i put 100 miles a day on it I just want to figure out what it is? No check engines and no codes any idea what to do i don't want to just throw parts on it please help
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
Check ALL your vacuum hoses for cracks, even slight ones. It sounds to me like you have a momentary lean condition just off idle and it takes a few seconds for the PCM to recognize it. It could be a sticking piston in the IAT (idle air control).
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Red River Valley
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
My 97 has a similar problem: if I drive across a big parking lot real slow, 5 mph or whatever, when I pull out on the street if I give it too much pedal, it falls on its face. It's still running, but won't accelerate. I have to lift, then it will do OK when I get back on the gas.
I need to do a lot of service to mine I guess. There is a thread on here I saw in June or July about cleaning the Idle Control. I intend to do that when I can be down for a day. Also, there are other threads that talk about the PCM (powertrain control module, aka "computer") wiring harness connectors going bad. Apparently the soldered wiring joints inside will crack and cause it to momentarily lose the connection and do things like your cut out. Some people have taken theirs apart and re-soldered the connections. I intend to search for the youtube how-to video they mentioned and then check mine for cracks, if nothing else goes wrong in the meantime.
I need to do a lot of service to mine I guess. There is a thread on here I saw in June or July about cleaning the Idle Control. I intend to do that when I can be down for a day. Also, there are other threads that talk about the PCM (powertrain control module, aka "computer") wiring harness connectors going bad. Apparently the soldered wiring joints inside will crack and cause it to momentarily lose the connection and do things like your cut out. Some people have taken theirs apart and re-soldered the connections. I intend to search for the youtube how-to video they mentioned and then check mine for cracks, if nothing else goes wrong in the meantime.
[QUOTE=jonwalden68;2942209]The motor and everything is very clean and been well maintained just the darn cutting out/bogging out and it's mostly right after a stop when taking off easy[/QUOTE
Evap is what I read. I then read to check gas cap to make sure it is sealing. Sure enough that is all it was. Pretty crazy. It wouldn't let me go past 50 or so. Also check code by turning your key to start 4 times. Good luck.
Evap is what I read. I then read to check gas cap to make sure it is sealing. Sure enough that is all it was. Pretty crazy. It wouldn't let me go past 50 or so. Also check code by turning your key to start 4 times. Good luck.


