My 1996 xj just started to not start after starting and running. Turn it off for a few seconds it will not start. After waiting a half hour it will start again. Kind of weird but I am sure not the first person to have this issue. I did have to replace the CPS about 4 years ago.

I have recently hooked up a relay to the battery for the headlights since they were so dim but thats it in the last year.

Any help appreciated. Thanks, Mark

 

My O2 keeps leaving me stranded every time I try to go somewhere I get 10 mi from my house and it dies have to call a tow truck so anything you can find out about your problem might help me thank you very much

 

Crank position sensor failing once it gets warm is fairly common.

 

I've heard of a few issues that can cause this:

1. Upstream O2 sensor - this would be my first and most probable suspect.
2. Crank Position Sensor - Easy to reach with a few extensions if you lower the transmission a few inches. Not worth doing it with crossmember in place imo.
3. Injector Heat Soak - high under hood temps can overheat the injectors until they mis-behave. Normally leads to stumbling, not a no start.
4. Cam position sensor - in the distributor, tells the ECU if the cam is in compression or exhaust position relative to the crank. This is a common solution for many people after the "parts cannon".

Have you gotten any OBD2 codes?

 

A CPS can fail after 4 years - I've owned my jeep for 7 years and I've replaced it twice This is a basic diagnosis from the Haynes shop manual:

 

I can't help you with your problem but my '02 Laredo is doing the same thing keeps leaving me stranded I keep having to call a tow truck I'm in the process of taking the gas tank out to replace the fuel pump I don't know what to do I'm at a loss if you get any help on yours maybe you could help me on mine thank you very much

 

Since it's an 2002, it's not an Cherokee XJ. Maybe a Grand Cherokee? If so, you're in the wrong forum. Systems are different enough that this thread may not help as much as one in the proper forum.

 

@Mark Poynter I'm assuming by not starting. you mean it will crank but not start? Just verifying the starter system functions normally. Also does it quit while driving/idling or only not start once turned off?

As other have pointed out, there are several suspect but the CPS generally tops the list. It's located on the bell housing just aft of the cyl head. If you have a hot engine, no start, you can pour a little cool water on the CPS to see if it wil start sooner than 30 minutes.

 

If any time you suspect any O2 sensor is the cause of your problem, disconnect the easiest one or pull a heater or signal relay...this disables the entire O2 system and goes into preprogram default. If no help then the O2 system was not your issue