1998 Jeep Cherokee stalling, wont start

HALEN05

MEMBER
1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

It started stalling when we would turn L or R, it would start up again but after this happened 3 or 4 times it doesn't want to fire up and run. I put a scanner on it to read the codes but with the key on the check engine light wasn't even lit up. I checked for spark thru the plug wire, and coil wire and there was nothing. Also the check engine light has been on for 4 months. Could it be a relay, or the crank sensor? The first couple of times this happened it would sit overnite and then it would start but now it just cranks over. THANK YOU for your reply and time. PLEASE HELP, its driven me crazy !

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.