Engine not running

Tiny
MCMANUS1
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 157,000 MILES
I have the vehicle listed above Laredo. I drove 30 miles stopped to get a burger went to start the car put it in gear and it cut off. I changed the crank position sensor and it worked fine. Drove it to Georgia turned it off went to get back in later turned it on and it wouldn't start. Can you please tell me what is wrong and what I can do to fix it?
Sunday, September 9th, 2012 AT 9:46 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
This sounds like a classic auto shutdown relay failure but to be sure here is a guide to help check the relay and the relay location is the diagrams below

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Sunday, September 9th, 2012 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
MCMANUS1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Nice work, this was the problem for my car I got relay at autozone and installed it, the engine started right up, thank you so much.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
LENAWAGERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 47,000 MILES
I also put in new plugs and wires besides the new feul pump and two strainers. My fuel filter is in the tank and flushed clean. She started vrrm vrrm but just quit not a smother out just quit. Please help Im a single ****** with four kids and I need my jeep so bad. I just fix things when they tear up with advise im not a mechanic. However right now im wishing I was. My babies would very much appreciate any advise how to get her running. I also put in 20 in gas. Thanks Lena Kay
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Will it restart now?
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
WILL IT TURN OVER?

DOES IT SPIT AND SPUTTER AS IF IT WANTS TO "BUST OFF"?

DOES IT DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING?

WE TRY NOT TO TRICK

ALWAYS TRY TO TREAT!

ARE YOU CAPABLE OF MINOR TESTING?

THE MEDIC
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
PS

THE FELLER ABOVE ME WANTS A REAL JEEP

. BUT HE'S SCARED!

THE MEDIC
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MNWOLF
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
When I bought the jeep it started right away and now I have to turn it on wait for the fuel pump to run shut it off press the gas and than it will start. I know it is not the fuel pump because I had that checked. I think it might be the fuel pump or the injectors but I do not know what one to go after first
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
Have the fuel pressure checked and make sure it is up to spec. If you have an external fuel filter you should replace it before getting it tested. You can borrow the test tool to do this at Advance Auto or Auto Zone.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GOANEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 200,000 MILES
I have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Also the battery keeps going dead while sitting. The Jeep was working fine then after work the battery was dead and would not start even with a boost. I did get it going with a boost, with the key on and crossing the solenoid. John
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the starter relay, transmission range switch and ignition switch.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Also, get a battery drain test.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GOANEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you very much.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SXAYASONE3
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 126,000 MILES
My engine will crank but there is no spark. I have replaced the ignition coil, distributor, cap, rotor, plugs, crank sensor and cam sensor. I have tested the fuel pressure, asd relay, starter, battery, alternator, all the wires and fuses, and all the relays. The ecm was replaced in Sept of 2012 so that should not be the problem. I am at a complete loss as to what the problem could be.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,084 POSTS
Step one is to determine if the automatic shutdown (ASD) relay is turning on. Measure the voltage on the feed wire to the ignition coil or any injector. You should see 12 volts there for just one second after turning on the ignition switch. What's important is if it comes back during cranking. If it doesn't, we have to look at the cam and crank sensors.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TH300832
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 295,000 MILES
Coil has no spark I checked asd relay and fuse under hood both are good but no power to coil traced wires back from plug for coil no burn or cuts on wires other gray and white wire go to computer brain do you think there could be a problem besides brain board bad
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,084 POSTS
What are you doing when checking for 12 volts to the ignition coil? Do you hear the hum of the fuel pump for one second when you turn the ignition switch on?
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JETSFAN44
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My 97 did the same thing. Move the three plugs around on the pcm behind the over flow container. Its screwed to the fire wall. Move those plugs around and see if it starts. If it does you may need to read up on some fixes to correct it because it will only get worse. I replaced mine from autozone instead of messing around with it for 250.00 and it has been fine ever since. Its been 3 years since I replaced it with no hiccups. Hope this helps
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FORCEG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 180,000 MILES
After jump starting it dies right out but will start again and die out at times it will start up after jump and run fine. It will start with no jump for the rest of the day, unless sitting for hours, then needs jump will start and die out but eventually will stay started. The battery is new (couple of months). Sometimes while driving the rpms will drop suddenly from 2k to1k but go back up again quickly .I don't know if one thing has anything to do with other but when jump starting and it dies right out the rpms drop the same way only to zero.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Why are you jump starting it in the first place? Have the battery charged and tested first. Once you have a good battery, see if it will stay running and if it does, test the charging system.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
123GIVENJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 140,000 MILES
I have a 1995 jeep grand Cherokee it starts fine but while you are driving it goes dead out of the blue there seems to be no reason for it, and it usually starts right back up sometimes it takes a while. It also backfires sometimes when it is in a stalled state and trying to start it. No error codes according to my mechanic. He says it can't be fixed is that true would you take it to a dealership or what thanks Jeff
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:04 PM (Merged)

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