Engine Wont Start
#1
Engine Wont Start
I have replaced my ignition control module, ignition coil, distributor cap and rotor, and spark plugs. The jeep turns over but the engine does not start. The starter and battery is working fine. Not sure what to do next to solve my problem. Please help! 89 Jeep Cherokee 6 Cylinders L4.0L
#2
Are you sure the timing is right? If everything is hooked up correctly, and you have coil hooked up for sure, it should fire... Wires on distributor in correct firing order? I know I forgot to hook up my coil last time, had me stumped and then I realized what I did...
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: vanburen
Year: 1995 &2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have replaced my ignition control module, ignition coil, distributor cap and rotor, and spark plugs. The jeep turns over but the engine does not start. The starter and battery is working fine. Not sure what to do next to solve my problem. Please help! 89 Jeep Cherokee 6 Cylinders L4.0L
#5
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,566
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Here's where you start:
Renix CPS Testing and Adjusting
Renix CPSs have to put out a strong enough signal to the ECU so that it will provide spark.
Most tests for the CPS suggest checking it for an ohms value. This is unreliable and can cause some wasted time and aggravation in your diagnosis of a no-start issue as the CPS will test good when in fact it is bad.
The problem with the ohms test is you can have the correct amount of resistance through the CPS but it isn’t generating enough voltage to trigger the ECU to provide spark.
Unplug the harness connector from the CPS. Using your voltmeter set on AC volts and probing both wires in the connector going to the CPS, crank the engine over. It won’t start with the CPS disconnected.
You should get a reading of .5 AC volts.
If you are down in the .35 AC volts range or lower on your meter reading, you can have intermittent crank/no-start conditions from your Renix Jeep. Some NEW CPSs (from the big box parts stores) have registered only .2 AC volts while reading the proper resistance!! That’s a definite no-start condition. Best to buy your CPS from Napa or the dealer.
Sometimes on a manual transmission equipped Renix Jeep there is an accumulation of debris on the tip of the CPS. It’s worn off clutch material and since the CPS is a magnet, the metal sticks to the tip of the CPS causing a reduced voltage signal. You MAY get by with cleaning the tip of the CPS off.
A little trick for increasing the output of your CPS is to drill out it’s mounting holes with the first drill bit that just won’t fit through the original holes. Then, when mounting it, hold the CPS down as close to the flywheel as you can while tightening the bolts.
Revised 11-29-2011
Renix CPS Testing and Adjusting
Renix CPSs have to put out a strong enough signal to the ECU so that it will provide spark.
Most tests for the CPS suggest checking it for an ohms value. This is unreliable and can cause some wasted time and aggravation in your diagnosis of a no-start issue as the CPS will test good when in fact it is bad.
The problem with the ohms test is you can have the correct amount of resistance through the CPS but it isn’t generating enough voltage to trigger the ECU to provide spark.
Unplug the harness connector from the CPS. Using your voltmeter set on AC volts and probing both wires in the connector going to the CPS, crank the engine over. It won’t start with the CPS disconnected.
You should get a reading of .5 AC volts.
If you are down in the .35 AC volts range or lower on your meter reading, you can have intermittent crank/no-start conditions from your Renix Jeep. Some NEW CPSs (from the big box parts stores) have registered only .2 AC volts while reading the proper resistance!! That’s a definite no-start condition. Best to buy your CPS from Napa or the dealer.
Sometimes on a manual transmission equipped Renix Jeep there is an accumulation of debris on the tip of the CPS. It’s worn off clutch material and since the CPS is a magnet, the metal sticks to the tip of the CPS causing a reduced voltage signal. You MAY get by with cleaning the tip of the CPS off.
A little trick for increasing the output of your CPS is to drill out it’s mounting holes with the first drill bit that just won’t fit through the original holes. Then, when mounting it, hold the CPS down as close to the flywheel as you can while tightening the bolts.
Revised 11-29-2011
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: vanburen
Year: 1995 &2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Trending Topics
#8
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,566
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Now you need to do the ground refreshing, ICU/coil refreshing etc. Just get that stuff out of the way. Little time, familiarize yourself with the Jeep, and hardly any money.
#11
Engine Starts but Stalls and Cut Off
My engine starts on a dime but after a few minutes it cuts off. I changed the fuel filter and it's still cutting off.
Before I change the fuel pump, is there any other place I should look to solve the problem?
I would think the jeep wouldn't even start if the fuel pump wasn't working properly.
Please help!
Before I change the fuel pump, is there any other place I should look to solve the problem?
I would think the jeep wouldn't even start if the fuel pump wasn't working properly.
Please help!
#12
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,566
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
My engine starts on a dime but after a few minutes it cuts off. I changed the fuel filter and it's still cutting off.
Before I change the fuel pump, is there any other place I should look to solve the problem?
I would think the jeep wouldn't even start if the fuel pump wasn't working properly.
Please help!
Before I change the fuel pump, is there any other place I should look to solve the problem?
I would think the jeep wouldn't even start if the fuel pump wasn't working properly.
Please help!
Last edited by cruiser54; 07-15-2012 at 08:09 PM.
#13
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Originally Posted by cruiser54
From Joe Peters and well stated. Sounds harsh but just makes sense:
"Let’s play a game.
You pretend that you are the only one that knows what year/engine/model, etc that you are asking about.
We will all pretend you never asked a question until you provide at least the bare minimum of information about your vehicle".
#15
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,566
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
My engine starts on a dime but after a few minutes it cuts off. I changed the fuel filter and it's still cutting off.
Before I change the fuel pump, is there any other place I should look to solve the problem?
I would think the jeep wouldn't even start if the fuel pump wasn't working properly.
Please help!
Before I change the fuel pump, is there any other place I should look to solve the problem?
I would think the jeep wouldn't even start if the fuel pump wasn't working properly.
Please help!