I tried to put it into the drive and the engine shut off again?

2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
119,641 MILES • 4.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JMJF68
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The first time I noticed an issue was when the engine shut off after 8 stopped at a stop sign. I had to turn it off and crank it 3 times before it started and after that there wasn't an issue for a few days. Then a couple of days later I started the car, and it was working fine for a couple of minutes while I let it sit. I put it into reverse and then backed up. When I tried to put it into drive the engine shut off again. I only had to crank it once and it worked. I noticed it when it was in park for a little while the RPMs would fluctuate from below the .5 RPMs all the way through the 1 on the gauge. Today it didn't start until 4 cranks, it's a good bit colder today, it's in the 40's today but the other times it was in the 70's. I got to my university today after it eventually started, and it seems to be idling fine. I've been reading and from what I have read it seems like it could be anything from the spark plugs to the compressor to the fuel injectors. I don't know much about cars, so any help is greatly appreciated.
Oct 17, 2023 at 5:54 AM
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STRAILER
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This sounds like you have a vacuum leak or a dirty throttle body/IAC that needs to be serviced. Also, can I ask if you have a check engine light on? Please use this guide when the engine is cold only:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car. Make sure you clean the IAC motor as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

This guide may help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
Oct 17, 2023 at 10:05 AM
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JMJF68
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Sorry for the late reply, I didn't drive the car for a little while. I used it yesterday and it seemed fine but it wouldn't start this morning.
Oct 26, 2023 at 7:34 AM
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JMJF68
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I do have the check engine light on. The last time I checked it was my o2 bank 2 sensor and a loose gas cap. I don't have my code reader available to check what the light is now. It's in my mother's car which is at a dealership being worked on.
Oct 26, 2023 at 7:38 AM
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JMJF68
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The car will turn on, but the engine will not now.
Oct 26, 2023 at 7:59 AM
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STRAILER
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Is the engine cranking over (starter working)? and not running or is the engine not cranking over?
Oct 26, 2023 at 12:11 PM
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