Dibbons

Our '92 Cherokee XJ usually starts up during the first turn of the key (however, starter began turning slow lately-maybe time to replace it). Our 2001 Cherokee XJ does not start the first time, takes two or three times turning the key to start position. It turns over fine, but does not fire right away. Finally, we figured out if we cycle the ignition key between off and on a couple of times first, when we turn the key to "start", it fires and starts on the first attempt. A minor pain in the butt, but it saves the starter motor a little wear and tear.

exasemech

You might want to check the fuel pressure to see if it's leaking down. Likely a fuel pump or injectors. If it's the fuel pump better to get after it before it leaves you walking.

tech

I agree with exasemech

Roler

I have been doing that "poor man's prime", as tjwalker calls it, for years. I have little fuel pressure on start up but within spec on running. Sounds like a drain back valve or other source for pressure leak down as mentioned in that '01.

The other XJ; anotjer possibility is that your starter is getting slower due to crud building up over the years. Especially from the oil filter housing leaking above it, which is common. You can clean the connections first or remove the starter for a clean if you want to safe some money. Or decide to put in a new starter, they don't last forever after all.

tjwalker

Roler, it has been so dang long I can't remember if I actually invented that phrase or if I borrowed it from somebody else but I will take credit for posting the POOR MANS PRIME procedure about 5.6 million times on this and other XJ sites! Here it is once again, because I'm working on getting to 5.7 million!
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The check valves (there are two of them; the primary one is on the fuel pressure regulator and a secondary one can be found on the fuel pump itself) are part of the fuel pump assembly on 95.5-2001 vintage 4.0 XJs. When a check valve starts to fail, it can reduce fuel pressure to a point where an extended cranking time is needed to start the engine. It is a very common failure. I experienced it on my 99 at around 75K.

A good (and simple) first step in helping you troubleshoot this problem is called “the poor mans prime”

1. Turn key to ON position (do not crank the engine!)
2. The fuel pump will energize and run for about 2 seconds. Be sure to wait until it stops running.
3. Turn key to OFF position
4. Repeat above steps 1-3 two more times
5. NOW crank the engine over

If the engine starts quickly and cleanly after performing this procedure, you may have a check valve issue. If it starts and runs poorly for a few seconds, it could also be a leaky fuel injector resulting in the fuel pressure leaking down and the subsequent stumble upon startup is the engine clearing the excess fuel that has leaked into the cylinder because of the faulty injector.

Be aware that you can suffer fuel pressure loss anywhere from the tank all the way to the injectors, there are other possibilities to consider.

Roler

At 5.6 million, you deserve the credits, the honour, everything .
Still one of the best diagnostic 'tricks' I've come across for the XJ.