Jeep cherokee starts but wont stay running

Q: Why does my Jeep Cherokee not start sometimes?

The most common reasons a Jeep Cherokee wont start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

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Why does my jeep start then stall?
Why does my Jeep Cherokee not start sometimes?
Why will my Jeep turn over but not start?

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level 1

Crank sensor? Cam sensor?

level 2

It is always the crank sensor in these Jeeps.

level 2

No, tach was moving when it caught for a second. If there’s no crank you get nada

level 2

It does but I just got it towed to my local mechanic to look at tomorrow. Any thoughts of what it could be? It was having a pretty low idle when it was running.

level 1

I just came for moral support. 98 grand Cherokee won’t start but will turn over. Narrowed it down to electrical by testing some starter fluid direct in the air intake. I swear I checked the fuses. Next stop, checking fuses with my meter and checking the coil and distributor.

I just want Jerry (my Jeep) back but right now he’s acting like a fucking dick. Hang in there brother.

level 2

I absolutely love the Jeep Grand Cherokee's of our years; it's like my dream vehicle. But mine is such a piece of crap it's so disheartening.

level 1

My 98 had an issue kinda like this. Was the alarm, had to unlock it 3 times on the passenger door with the key to get it to start. I'm sure its not that simple. Good Luck and let us know what it was.

level 2

Like literally put the key in and turn it to unlock lock, unlock lock, unlock lock and hit the unlock button.

level 1

Plug into OBE with scanner and it will help

level 1

Does it run if you press the gas while starting? It may need some help to learn the new idle air sensor

level 2

It'll stay on briefly when I give it gas but die shortly after.

level 1

Where did you get the fuel pump?

level 1

Plug a scanner in to it. It will probably find the issue

level 1

Did you check fuel pressure you can get a cheap gauge at harbor freight could be a fuel pressure regulator

level 1

Bad battery or ground possibly. Check your terminals outside and inside for corrosion and use some sandpaper top clean. Also make sure your negative is solid and have a good ground.

level 1

Throttle position sensor could be culprit. Just did one on my 96 xj. Would only run if I kept my foot on the throttle.

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My Jeep lives... no thanks to Chrysler engineers. I have had an issue with my Jeep randomly stalling for about 3 years. I researched the internet, Jeep clubs, and spoke with several mechanics. Needless to say everyone had a different solution. It ended up being the wire going from the Alternator to the battery and fuse box. Something none of the experts even considered.

Those of you who know about wiring... Chrysler engineers used 8-AWG wiring from the alternator and 6-AWG for the starter and the negative/ground. I discovered an issue with the wiring after I had played the role of a typical mechanic; testing and swapping out all of the usual culprits. I connected my 1/0-AWG jumper cables between my Jeep and my car. When connected, the Jeep ran OK, it stalled every know and then, but would start back up after a few seconds. If I disconnected the cables, the Jeep would die with in 5 minute... every time.

So... I tested the alternator. It was operating perfectly. So, why was my battery going dead? And, why was my Jeep dying? I removed the flexible plastic cover from the wires coming off the battery and the alternator to discover, (a) they were unusually small in diameter and (b) they had several burn marks along the wire run.

I have enough of a background with electronics to know that the skinny little wires were overheating and causing a drain on my electrical system. Think of running a compressor with a cheap extension cord... you get the picture.

I replaced all of the cables with 2-AWG, 300 amp, 680 strand welding cable. A little overkill, YES. It works beautifully. Love my Jeep. Total cost was $90 including tools.

Why does my jeep start then stall?

Common reasons for this to happen: An issue with the mass airflow sensor may manifest itself when a car starts and then stalls soon after starting. Fuel Pump Relay: The fuel pump relay functions much like a fuse for an electric fuel pump. The fuel pump relay engages as the vehicle is started and starts the fuel pump.

Why does my Jeep Cherokee not start sometimes?

The most common reasons a Jeep Cherokee won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

Why will my Jeep turn over but not start?

If your starter spins but it does not start/crank the engine then you have a starter problem. The spindle or drive inside the starter is possibly damaged. If the starter is repairable, you can have the drive spindle replaced, otherwise you'll need to replace the starter.