Engine cranks but does not start after small accident

1996 JEEP CHEROKEE
130,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LUKE100HOLLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I got into an accident with another car. It busted my grille and radiator, bent the hood and fender. No damage past the radiator, everything under the hood was unharmed. No airbags deployed. But now when I try to start it, it turns over but won't start. I've been told there's no inertia or fuel pump cut off switch on these. All the fuses are good, and the fuel pump is working. Anyone know what could be the problem?
Dec 24, 2021 at 10:59 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

There is no inertia switch in the model at all. Even if there was, the fact the fuel pump is working tells me it would not be that switch.

You need to check for sparks in the plugs. Let us see if you have a spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

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

Please get back to me with the results.

Roy

Dec 24, 2021 at 11:58 PM
Avatar
LUKE100HOLLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
There is spark in the plugs. It turns over where it sounds like it's right there at starting but won't go all the way.
Dec 25, 2021 at 12:18 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Try holding the gas pedal to the floor while cranking. It may be flooded with fuel.

Roy
Dec 25, 2021 at 12:25 AM
Avatar
LUKE100HOLLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I've tried that too.
Dec 25, 2021 at 12:37 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, check the actual fuel pressure. You can rent a tester at a parts store and let us see what the actual pressure is.

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

Engine at idle speed .................... 338 kPa ± 14 kPa (49.0 psi ± 2 psi).

Roy
Dec 25, 2021 at 12:42 AM
Avatar
LUKE100HOLLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The fuel pressure is fine, new pump, new filter, and new injectors. It ran great before the accident.
Dec 25, 2021 at 12:51 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay that was then, and this is now. You need to start somewhere, and I would start there.

It needs to be verified before moving on to the next step.

Roy
Dec 25, 2021 at 3:32 AM
Avatar
LUKE100HOLLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Anyone else have a suggestion. I've tested the fuel pressure prior to this site.
Dec 25, 2021 at 9:43 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, before the accident? What was the pressure?

I am trying to help and there are certain diagnostic tests that need to be done before moving on. You don't know what damage was done in the accident so whatever was done before that still needs to be checked.

Roy
Dec 25, 2021 at 10:12 PM
Avatar
LUKE100HOLLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I don't remember the exact pressure. Aside from that what could it be?
Dec 25, 2021 at 10:16 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
It could be a fuel delivery issue, spark control issue, wires, and connectors being jarred apart from the accident. A lot of things and you to start somewhere.

Roy
Dec 25, 2021 at 10:28 PM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Just to jump in, I agree that we need to confirm everything and not make any assumptions when a vehicle is involved in an accident.

If the engine is just cranking then this could be one of 4 things, air, fuel, spark, or combustion.

In order to figure out if this is a pinched wire, sensor issue or other issues causing the crank no start, we need to find out what we don't have.

Clearly it is unlikely that this is an air or compression issue, so that means we need to find out if we have fuel pressure and spark. Knowing this info will tell us where to check next as there are only a few reasons for why you would not have them.

Starting with fuel is the best thing to do because it is the most likely issue but if you don't want to check the fuel pressure then we need to pull a spark plug and check for spark.

This could be a crank sensor issue due to a pinched wire but as Roy stated, we need to start somewhere so let's start crossing things off the list and find out what the pressure is today and then if you have spark, and we can make a better decision on what to do next.

Thanks
Dec 26, 2021 at 10:08 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.