CChaney

Howdy folks, new in town here. I've got a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ with the 4.0. 286,000 miles but taken care of well. I have had it for about 4 months in Colorado. Jeep used to start on the first crank. Recently it began to take 2 cranks to start, just refused to actually turn over no matter how long you cranked her up. Now, it takes at least 3 cranks. at minimum to start. Over the last 2 weeks she has been difficult to fully turn over, even though the cranks are as strong as ever. She has also started to sputter when sitting after driving, eg, drive her 10-15 min, up to temp, to the store and leave her running for anything over 2-3 minutes. She will move but no faster than 5 mph and then will die. I then have to let her sit for about 10-15 before she will crank over again, still after many tries. She is a daily driver so I would like to fix her up so we can take her up the mountain again.
I am happy to post any pics, vids and other info if it will help. I have read lots about the TPS sensor, Thermostat Sensor and fuel pressure.
I feel it has gotten worse due to the heat but that may be a coincidence. I added 1/2 gallon of G48 coolant, coolant was still within range but on the low mark, as she was not over heating but the gauge did show her going past the 210 mid mark on the dash.
She threw a P0171 code when the engine light cam on 3 days ago, but after I put the 1/2 gallon of G48, the light went off, also possibly a coincidence.
I am seeking tests I can perform or pushes in the right direction. I am a broke and do not have a ton of money to throw at her but I can swap parts if necessary.

awg

test No 1; Instead of just cranking, turn the key on/off 3 times. This will prime the engine fuel pump 3 times, which will indicate if you have a failed "non-return valve" in your fuel pump

If after doing this test, it fires right away, and with your other symptoms, you can then hire or buy (or get an auto shop) to test your fuel pressure with a gauge (cant recall spec on a 2000)

Then you may need to replace the fuel pump and or filter

I did not look up that OBD code, (thats your job)

CChaney

Thank you kindly for the reply,
I have tried the poor mans prime to no difference in starting.Spec in a 2000 is 49-55. I feel like I could use the schrader valve and a pick to see if fuel sprays out, no? "Then you may need to replace the fuel pump and or filter"
This has definitely been a thought, just hoping not lol. I have a basic reader and looked up the code online. Seems to be a lean fuel code. I have seen a lot of individuals with this code who were able to replace a sensor and it fixed the issue as the sensors go out. No one with these EXACT symptoms though. Thank you kindly for the tips, I will be testing tomorrow to see if I have correct pressure.

any other tips or requests please let me know. Thanks again