Car won't stay running

Tiny
BIRD CAAHIUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 188,000 MILES
My car started driving sluggishly after I got gas I drove until my tank got empty the vehicle started shaking then shut off due to there not being gas then I went and got gas the vehicle started shaking even moreand started to cut off when I tried to start it and I had to try starting it a couple of times before the. Vehicle turned on 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited 4x4 5.7l
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 AT 6:14 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 382 POSTS
Yeah its never good to run a tank all the way out of gas it seems to be super clogged its probably time to take it into a shop that has experience working with fuel systems most likey it clogged pretty good with loads of debris dirt water or whatever was in the tank. Good luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep I agree with MECHTRIX, it sounds like the fuel pump went out. You can confirm the issue if you follow this guide and rent a gauge set for the auto parts store for free.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here is the pressure specs.

Fuel Pressure .................... 58 psi ± 2 psi

Let us know how it goes
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 AT 11:25 AM
Tiny
BIRD CAAHIUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
You guys are awesome I'm going to look into it now
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 25th, 2025 AT 7:15 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
You are welcome, let me know what you find :)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 25th, 2025 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 382 POSTS
No worries" let us know what transpires
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 25th, 2025 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
BIRD CAAHIUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I changed the fuel pump but it still won't stay running
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Can you post a video of the engine cranking? I think you might have low compression which is why the engine will not start. Here is a video to help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE

please go over this guide as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please upload a video in your response.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 382 POSTS
Do you see check engine ligh on?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 382 POSTS
Did you have the fuel lines drained and the filter changed? They should be at least back flushed or blown out with compressed air Maybe water and other debris in the lines and or filter. After it ran dry somtimes just changing the pumps not enough.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 382 POSTS
Now keep in mind im not a jeep guy but I just remembered this jeep thing from years ago Ive seen this before was wondering if jeep was still using the auto shut down relay?
And sure enough they still are id definatly check that. Its the classic sign this could be failing on jeeps. So at least check it.
Click the diagram below good luck
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 AT 10:14 AM
Tiny
BIRD CAAHIUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The truck still won't stay running but I wanted to know if anyone can give any ideas with this update:
Parts I changed-
Alternator (reading said bad charging system)
Battery (was old and drained out due to parasitic draw--maybe fuel pump?)
Starter (tested bad before)
O2 sensor (Bank one sensor two)
Crankshaft position sensor (OBD reading said it needed to be replaced)
Throttle body
Fuel pump (lever may be stuck I say this because the gas tank reads full when truck is on I know this could be an issue but read next part)

SAT 8/30
I put a little fuel system cleaner in the tank and revved the gas to get it circuiting through the system
I was advised to open the gas cap and press the gas
I switched the ASD relay with one of the same kind of relays
*These three things let the truck run a little bit longer it seemed as if the truck was fighting to stay on a little longer at least for a brief moment

I looked online and it says my truck does not have an external fuel filter that the filter is in the fuel pump/ tank. I don't know if there is one if anyone can tell me if there is that would be great because maybe it's clogged.

There was another code for an acceleration pedal position sensor or something like that as well but I don't think that is the issue.

If anyone can tell me if they can figure out what is going on with the things I've listed a response would be appreciated. I can't find a reliable mechanic.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 AT 2:25 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Can you please tell us the code to computer has? There is only the fuel filter in the tank, no other. If you can unload a short video of the engine cranking and then trying to run we can tell a lot more of what is going on. We should check the fuel pressure, you can have a defective pump. Here is a guide to help, you can rent the gauge for free at the auto parts store.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Fuel Pressure .................... 58 psi ± 2 psi

Please let us know what happens.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
BIRD CAAHIUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The truck is in lock mode now because the skim module was disconnected.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 382 POSTS
You said there was a pretty significant loos of power and por fuel economy corect?
It just dawned on me you might have a clogged cat or other exhuast ralted issiues. How old is it? Has it ever been changed have you ever had any cat related codes pop up? As a quick test Id just go to the tailpipe and cover it with your hand to check the output pressure somtime theres practically nothing pushing out just a quick way to get an idea as to it being clogged or not. You can also try losening the bolts and slide the cat back a bit and prop it the cat back and open a bit at the parting line with a screwdriver maybe 1/4 inch is all you need and its gonna be loud but if its clogged it will fire right up and run strong again the cat can also be pressure tested before and after the cat on the car while cranking it or running with the right tools just food for thought good luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 382 POSTS
188kmiles is getting up there for some of these components especially the lower cat /cats they can get glogged nearly shut compleatly
especially on the bigger engines if they've never been changed or if the vehicle had ongoing issues for a while they can be heat checked also with a thermometer the heat should exit about 100 degrees or more hoter. Than it enters the cat if it exits colder than it enters its bad. Also when is the last time it passed an emissions test? As ken was asking Any codes now maybe new ones ? Good luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 AT 4:16 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE