Has anyone owned a 1988 Jeep Eagle? Having electrical problems?

Question

I have a 1988 Jeep Eagle Premier XL and one morning it just would not start - I've checked everything. The starter cranks up, there's gas, all plugs are fairly new - it must be something wrong with the electrical system. Anyone experienced this - any solutions????? Thanks

Answer 1

I hate to sound like a smarta**, but do you have ANY mechanical ability?
If you do, start with the basics.
When cranking, does it produce a spark at the plugs?
Does it have any fuel pressure?
Do the injectors pulse?
These are the three things to check on first.
Work methodically; start with what could cause the failure, does the fuel pump run, can you hear it when the key is turned to the "Run" position. When the pump is running, is there pressure at the test port (possible fuel pump failure OR restricted fuel filter)? Is there power to the coil, and does it pulse at the trigger side? Do the injectors actually pulse power when cranking?
These are relatively easy to check without sophisticated test equipment. A test light is about all you need here, unless you want to spend < $20.00 for a spark tester and injector "noid" lite (available at the parts store, along with the repair manual)
Use the repair manual as a reference for the strategy of engine management to better understand what you are looking at. It won't help much with step-by-step diagnostics.
If yo feel uncomfortable here, it will be better for you to get some professional advise from a REPUTABLE repair facility.

Good Luck