Help with 1997 Grand Cherokee?

Question

The problem is that when I start the car, it cranks and doesn't start. But if I turn it over again it starts right away, but keeps trying to die the whole time I am driving and does die and I have to wait a few minutes before starting the whole scenario over again. I have so far replaced the fuel pump assembly, the ignition coil, and have replaced the battery and spark plugs, wires and distributor. I even took it back to the shop to have them test the work they did (fuel pump) and there is no issue with that. So I am basicly back to square one and someone suggested that it might be the ignition circuit that is attached to the ballast resistor. I really need help.

Answer 1

Common problem with GCs are crank sensors. This is easily checked with a Snap On scanner.

Answer 2

It sounds to me like the injectors are clogged... Try having your injectors cleaned or replaced, (would try cleaning first)... The problem definitely sounds like fuel. Also replace the fuel filter it coulb be clogged to a point where its not allowing enough gas to start the car and after the car starts, it probably so dirty that it clogs and it continues to die on you... It doesnt sound electric.. You've replaced the fuel pump, so i would move on to the next thing in the fuel system which are the injectors and the filter(unless the new pump is defective its possible).. Historically Cherokee's are notorious for fuel system problems....

Keep in mind that sometimes a diagnostic test can't give the proper error codes for the mechanic to figure out the problem, but it will put them in the proper system which i think is the fuel system in your case... If it were a compression problem(inside the engine) you would be receiving studdering and simply running badly like you need a severe tune-up.... If it were electrical, your car probably wouldnt run or something involved in the electrical process would not be working, which a diagnostic would pick up immediatly..
Also have them check your fuel sensor and relay's associated with your fuel system.. The relays are run by electricity and if they are the problem then it would seem like its a fuel problem...
Just so you know if you have a blown head gasket, theres an easy way to check it.. Take the oil cap off and look at it, if it has a white kinda creamy resudue on it then your oil is mixing with water and the gasket is blown.. Also if its cracked but not leaking water into the oil yet, the car would overheat or run verybadly because your loosing some compression, just thought id throw that in since another answer suggest that, but i dont think thats the problem....
Good luck

Answer 3

I have a 96 Jeep grand Cherokee... 4.0L 4x2 w/ the same problem... w/ 202,000 miles. and it's been recently that i've been working through this problem as well, so i can definitely feel for what you're saying..

so far i've changed the Throttle Position Sensor, fuel pump, fuel filter, i have taken out the catalytic converter, both Oxygen sensors, the engine wire harness, the PCM, and ignition coil, camshaft position sensor, crankshaft sensor, the rotor, distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. I have totally run out of ideas. I have some of the diagnostic manuals for the GC and tried following the wiring schematics. There is a [B]grey/white[/B] wire that goes from the coil to the PCM, a [B]dark green/orange[/B] wire that goes from the PCM to the ASD relay, according to the schematics, these wires are linked to the Primary Coil#1 code. i could see how that could work out w/ just placing a wire directly from the Coil to the PCM, but i've replaced the engine wire harness and i cant imagine how i could still be in the same scenario.

Just was wondering if anyone had tried to go through the ASD relay route and see how that worked out for them...

Answer 4

I think you have a blown head gasket. ITs the gasket that separates water from oil. A bad head gasket lets some water into ur spak plugs/cylynders causing an uneven explossion. eventually shutting everything down. After a few minutes of rest, the spaks dry out , and thats why u can start again. I suggest u go to a good mechanic who can understand that . Check ur oil (dipstick) for signs of water and ur water (resivoir) for signs of oil. contact me at [e-mail] if u need further

Answer 5

Welcome to what I went through! I had a 1994 Grand Cherokee. It made it half-way cross country and then decided it didn't like it here! We replaced spark plugs, the rotor cap, blah blah. Even cleaned the battery terminals. No dice. I sold it and got a new SUV.

I loved my Jeep, but it just wasn't worth calling AAA everytime I went to the store.

Answer 6

Sir,
Exchange the car.