Beowulf

Ok, I figure many of us owned an older jeep, still own one, or have friends that do. Hopefully, someone has heard of this issue.

My friend’s 97 TJ will not start. It is a 4.0 with an automatic.

The engine turns over just fine, but it acts like it is getting no fuel. He says it has a full tank of gas. We cannot verify this as the gauges don’t seem to work.

Normally, when you turn the key to ON the gauges will slowly creep up. Neither the Volt or Gas Gauge moves when the key is moved to ON.

We have checked all the fuses in the Glove Box and in the PDC.

Any thoughts on what might be causing this?

rob_engineer

Fuel pump would be my first guess, which is inside the gas tank.

4x4Laoch

Easiest way to check if it is a fuel issue is to disconnect the feed line to the throttle body/fuel rail. Turn the key to on, but do not start if it is an electric fuel pump. Crank the engine if it is a mechanical fuel pump. If you get no fuel then you have a fuel issue and start working your way back. Hope this helps.

1stjeep.ro

had a similar problem on my Xj with the 4.0 one time. I checked my spark plug wires and figured out the distributor Rotor was gone. Replaced and the way she went. Also check ignition coil while you're there. Hope it helps

TommysHaro

I would also check fuel line and fuel filter from tank to engine. I had the same issue with my old 97 XJ, it still had stock fuel filter. But once it was replaced, it immediately came back to life. As fat as fuel line goes, just verify that there aren't any kinks.

Ryan0260

X2 on this. Can you hear the fuel pump turning on? Have someone turn the key while someone gets underneath and listens for it.

Grimmjpr

my guess is crankshaft position sensor....

Beowulf

I'll be sure to check it all out. Thank you.

Chadc880

CPS is very common

And the coil is also common

ronjenx

That's the only thing that ever kept my MJ from starting.