1993 Jeep GCL running very rough, but not always

Tiny
DEEPONE3
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE
I have a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with 183,000 miles and the 5.2L motor. Sometimes when I start it, it feels like the motor is missing, possibly not running on all cylinders. Other times it starts up perfectly and will run great for awhile, then it experiences a lack of power, cuts out and lopes on idle, down to 500 rpm on tach. The other day, it started great, ran great into town, then started missing, loss of power, etc. Got so bad when I accelerated, the steering wheel was shaking badly. Limped home. Parked it. Today, it starts fine, went around the block, no problems, runs normal, engine sounds and feels good and normal exceleration ! I am afraid to drive it right now because I don't know when or where it will start doing it again! I have only owned it for a month, but it came with excellent maintenance records. I tried the on/off/on/off/on watch engine light and count how many times it flashes for code number, but it only flashes 5 times and then 5 more times. What does that mean, code 10? Well, the codes I downloaded start at 11. Any help you can give will be appreciated and I am giving a donation! Great service! Thanks, Vance.
Thursday, February 15th, 2007 AT 5:14 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
DEEPONE3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I could really use your help with this. :)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/59500_f8ff_12_1.jpg

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
RELLIKNIKCUF
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
Hey deepone3,

That is actually a code 55 which just states that their are no more codes. If that is the only code you get, then there are none. I would try checking the plug wires. If they look old or dirty, try changing those. They are pretty cheap. After that I might try checking the spark plugs and coil. Let us know if this helps.

Steve
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
DEEPONE3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Steve,

If it was plugs, coil, wires, etc. It would be doing it all the time, right? It seems to only occur when the Jeep is warmed up, say after 10-15 minutes of driving!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
RELLIKNIKCUF
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
Maybe, once electrical "stuff" gets warmed up, it's resistance changes and just that little bit on a part that is already close to failure can cause it to fail. It can't hurt to check them out, especially with that many miles.

If you have these maintenance records, check what has been done to it in the last couple of years.

Also, the PCM uses different sensor signals to adjust air/fuel mixture when it is warm as opposed to when it is cold. But if a sensor was bad, you would be getting some trouble codes. I'm surprised there are none with a problem that bad.

Check the wires and such. If they all check out, let it idle and see if you eventually get a trouble code.

Let us know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
DEEPONE3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ok, gonna check the stuff you mentioned out! It was tuned up 3 years ago with Platinum plugs, silicone wires, cap and rotor and 02 sensor.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Whenever tuning your vehicle, use OEM parts. Cheaper parts are just that. Never use Bosch Platinums, although they are less expensive, they are in my opinion the worst plug out there
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
DEEPONE3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I guess I am going to end up taking it in to the mechanic who has worked on it for 10-15 years! He was tghe one who put the "champion platinum plugs" in it 3 year's ago! Although my Brother says Champion plugs are now crappy too!
What kind do you recommend?
Thanks, Vance.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have your mechanic check the fuel system thoroughly.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
DEEPONE3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I will have my mechanic check the fuel system and in all probability, it also needs a tune-up. Thanks for the help and I will leave my comments after the appointment tomorrow.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links