Car stopped running while driving

1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
165,000 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ZOG1974
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
Driving and then it just stopped running. When I turn the key it tries to turn over, battery is only 1 year old. Dashboard gauges not working either, speedometer, fuel, rpm, etc., none of it showing anything. Put an alternator in about 6 years ago.
Aug 4, 2021 at 8:43 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
When you say it is trying to turn over, does this mean the starter just clicks and does not actually turn the engine? Or does it turn the engine over but does not start?

Either way, I would suggest we check the battery just to be sure it is okay. Here are a couple guides that will get us started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

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

If it cranks but does not start, then we need to check the fuel pressure and see what this is doing. It could be a greater electrical issue but we need to start with the basics otherwise we will be chasing our tail on this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let's start with this material and go from there.

Thanks
Aug 6, 2021 at 12:56 AM
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ZOG1974
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
The engine is turning so I will grab a fuel pump test kit.
Aug 6, 2021 at 1:15 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. That is great. A quick way to check if it is fuel related is to use starter fluid in the intake and see if the engine fires for a second or two. You would still need to check the pressure but spray the starter fluid for about 3 seconds and then by the time you walk to the ignition the mixture will be about right in the intake.

Keep us posted with what you find. Thanks
Aug 7, 2021 at 10:05 AM
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