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Cherokee sputters and kicks but won't start

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Old 06-30-2009 | 01:02 PM
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ThinkMilitant's Avatar
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L MFI 4cyl
Default Cherokee sputters and kicks but won't start

I have a 1997 Jeep Cherokee 4cyl with a manual trans. I drove it home last night with no problems, today the darn thing won't start.

It fires and sputters, but won't stay running. Any ideas on what would cause this overnight?

Thanks in advance.
Old 06-30-2009 | 01:21 PM
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Ok, a little more information.

After a little internet browsing, I went back out to work on my jeep. I noticed something I hadn't noticed before, it only fired when I pumped the gas pedal. If I didn't it just turned over and never fired.

Then I tried something I had seen recommended. I disconnected the battery terminals and touched them together for 30 seconds to reset any codes or computer weirdness.

Now it won't fire at all, it just turns over.

Any ideas?
Old 06-30-2009 | 01:22 PM
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I would check the fuel filter and pump. Also, remove and clean the TPS and IAC sensor. Could be a number of things, but it's a good start in my opinion.

Old 06-30-2009 | 04:23 PM
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sounds like a cps this has been covered about a bagillion times try disconeting it and cleaning the terminals sometimes that will fix but if that does fix it i would recomend replacing it because its on its way out
Old 07-01-2009 | 11:56 PM
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Ok, replaced CPS, problem persists. The car now still isn't kicking or sputtering at all since my earlier post where I disconnected the battery.

My next plan is to replace the fuel pump and filter, since the car had recently run out of gas, some nasty sludge might have been pumped through there.

I also noticed that whenever I put the key to the on position, I don't hear the fuel pump priming.

Is there anything else I might want to check before I go plunk down some money for a new fuel pump?
Old 07-02-2009 | 04:47 AM
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Pumping pedal on fuel injected motor, think about it.
Old 07-02-2009 | 05:12 AM
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Replace the fuel filter and let us know if it fixed your issue. Mine was doing the same and that fixed it for me. I had to pump the gas and then mash the pedal to get it to start. Then I had to keep the rpms up to 2500 for a few minutes or it would die.
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