I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee, 4WD, automatic, 4Liter inline 6. It runs great, when it starts. Usually it starts, only right now, it turns over, but doesn't catch. I have already performed the pink posts. I have taken the vehicle to the local auto electric shop, and the problem is, when you get it there, it starts. They kept it for three weeks, starting it every day, driving it around the block, parking it, and trying it again the next day. God bless them, it never gave them any trouble. I brought it home, and it ran like a champ for three weeks. Now it won't start, and I just don't see any anomaly, except it rained several days ago. It just seems I'm going to have to start replacing parts, wires, whatever, until I find the problem. Any suggestions where to start, or some other observation, or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

When "it doesn't catch" what's missing fuel or spark?

 

Definitely spark. This has been going on for quite some time now, and one thing that we've experienced is pulling a spark plug cable and watching for a spark. No spark. But then, while playing with it, getting a spark, and the engine catching. The mechanic was playing around with the wires, jiggling the line to the CPS, and the engine starting. Replaced the CPS, thought maybe that was the answer, but no, the problem went right back to its intermittent ways.

 

Next time it won't start, check to see if you have spark between the coil and distributor.

If there IS, you know your problem is on the distributor side.

If there is NOT, check for 12v going INTO the coil. If there IS, you have a bad coil. If there is NOT, you know the problem is elsewhere.

 

Thank you Blue Ridge. I went out just now and the damn thing started. I take note that there's another thread talking about something similar '88 Cherokee won't start'. I should probably check with that and see if there's anything I can glean there.

Once again, thank you for your help. I really appreciate your help and this forum.