1997 Jeep Cherokee

1997 JEEP CHEROKEE
226,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TIFFANYMARTINEZ
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  • 1 POST
I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4.0L ENGINE CUTTING OFF WHEN DRIVING. ONCE IT CUTS OFF I AM UNABLE TO START IT AGAIN FOR A FEW MINUTES AND IF IT DOES CUT BACK ON I HAVE TO CRANK IT BEFORE IT ACTUALLY STARTS AND THEN IT SEEMS TO IDLE RIGHT FOR A COUPLE MINS THEN JUST SHUTS OFF AGAIN. IT SEEMS TO BE A LOSS OF POWER AND I AM VERY CONFUSED. I HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, IGNITION COIL, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, MUFFLER, CAT. CONVERTER, FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, AIR FILTER, INTAKE AND VALVE BODY GASKETS, SPARK PLUGS & WIRES, ASD RELAY, AND THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE(ECM). I HAVE ALSO CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE INJECTORS. PLEASE HELP ME!!
Sep 6, 2010 at 8:30 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
Sep 6, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.