What's wrong with my jeep?

Question

I drive a 1998 jeep grand cherokee. Whenever I start it up I have to let it run for about 2 - 3 minutes before I can drive it, and if I don't let it run long enough and I push on the accelerator it won't go, it just stalls for a second and then it'll go and then it won't. It's weird, and really annoying, because whenever I go somewhere I can't just start my jeep and leave, I have to let the damn thing run for atleast 3 minutes. Does anyone know what the problem might be and how I can get it fixed?

And I have used fuel injector cleaner--- two different times.

Answer 1

Sounds like you have a bad engine coolant temperature sensor. This sensor tells the computer what the operating temperature of the motor is and if the engine is cold and the senor tells the computer that the engine is hot it does not increase the fuel mixture (what the old chokes did) and it has trouble running until it comes up to normal operating temperature. Have a reputable mechanic check out the ECT sensor and replace it if it is bad. around $30 for the sensor and an hour labor.

Answer 2

In addition to the advice others have offered on checking your fuel system, you should also take a look at the distributor cap and rotor. Look for stress fractures on the cap, usually dusting the cap with graphite powder while the engine is running will show cracks unseen by the eye. The electrical field inside the cap will cause the graphite to gather along any cracks. When the engine is off, pull the cap and look for carbon build up on the points of the cap. Build up impedes the electrical flow to the plugs, hampering the ability to deliver enough electricity to allow the engine to increase its rpms smoothly. Pull your plugs and check their condition and gap. As a plug ages, it's gap will change gradually. IF plugs were recently installed, one or more may need to be regapped. IF you have carbon build up it must be cleaned or the plugs replaced. Look for oil fouling. Though you may not see any tell tale smoke at the moment from the exhaust, the engine could only now be showing early signs of internal wear. Inside or on the rear cover of many Chilton's manuals is a complete listing of spark plug conditions from fully funtional to problematic. The listing includes color photos and descriptions of the conditions that cause the plugs to look one way or another. Check your plug wires. Cracks and burn throughs may allow the wires to arc and substancially rob power. Check the resistance on the wires. If you are not familiar with the resistance for the set of wires on your vehicle, contact the manufacturer, local parts stores or the dealership if they are o.e.m. Take a really close look at each of the vaccuum lines. Replace any cracked or dry rotten lines. Any leakage will adversely affect engine performance, especially under heavy loads. Check your exhaust. Is the back pressure correct? You have a lot of miles for any catalytic converter. A cracked element make cause a blockage and or a backflow problem, which is more noticeable when trying to accelerate. The EGR valve could be faulty, causing the same problem. IF you have had rain recently in your area, the gas may have water in it, which will rob power. A gas dryer is always a good maintainance tool. If you are looking to use a fuel system cleaner, I suggest Chevron's Techron. It is the strongest fuel system cleaner you can buy. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

i would go and get that thing a full tune up. spark plugs, transmission fluid flushed, transfer case flushed, etc. like everyone said id check your temp sensor but i don't think that's the problem if all you have to do is wait 2-3 min because no car warms up in 2-3 Mines not even my wrangler and that thing warms up faster than any other car I've seen. you might even want to check the TPS (throttle positioning sensor) because it may be a combination of temp sensor and the TPS so no matter how you look at it id get a tune up and your most likely going to have to change a few sensors.

Answer 4

overall it sounds like you need a tune up, but more specifically your injectors seem clogged. Try some fuel injector cleaner.

BTW your transmission doesn't have anything to do with your truck stalling but it wouldn't hurt to change all your fluids.

Answer 5

you need to have a sensor check. If there is an Auto Zone Parts store near you they will do a diagnostic with a code reader free of charge. You could have a bad oxygen sensor and that EGR valve should be checked to make sure it is not stuck open and is feeding too much exhaust into your intake manifold.

Answer 6

It could also be your fuel injectors. Put a can of injector cleaner in a full tank of gas. Drive. They will clean themselves quickly.

Answer 7

Your problem may be from the coolant temperature sensor. This sensor compensates the cold engine by more fuel and higher idle when cold. If its broken, your car wont warm up properly.

Answer 8

In response to an answer that you gave me to one of my questions on Yahoo! Answers:

"I've wondered that too! I think she just doesn't know how to express herself, who knows... it's a movie haha... a damn good movie. It's one of my favorites :-)"

I reply with: I know its a movie, but STILL: the woman playing that role should have acted sad! That's her son that died! Do you know any women that would just smoke a cigarette while their freaking son is dead? Her attitude in that particular part of the movie is confusing and offensive to mothers everywhere who WOULD care about their son being dead.

Answer 9

The problem is it';s a jeep, you could have had a V8, Ford that is...

Try getting a tune-up

choke on a 98, you've got to be kidding, next you'll say it has a carburetor (provided by CHECK SPELLING)

Answer 10

start with a tune up new plugs and leads, it could be a fuel problem , possibly the automatic choke isn't working