So I bought a 88 XJ two weeks ago as a daily and it’s been great and fun so far until this morning it didn’t want to start , it cranks and I can hear the fuel pump going and the previous owner warned me about it he said it would happen to him too at times but couldn’t find the cause he said he changed the starter and spark plugs with wires but it still does it at times , I just tried to turn it on earlier and after a few times it finally was alive again but want to fix this before it happens when I’m out of town .... has anyone gone threw this ? Never owned a xj before so I’m new to it and hopefully someone’s here can help me out

 

Mine is a 1996 XJ so not sure how much of mine applies to yours.

Recently, I had some starting trouble. Crank but no start. Turn off. Cranks and starts. Checked codes with key switch, Code 42. Replaced the Auto Shutoff Relay and problem went away, reset by disconnecting battery and all was fine.

Any connector to an engine timing sensor should be suspect too, like the crank position sensor if yours has one.

 

Ok thank you I’ll go ahead and try that hopefully it helps out , I’ll update if so ����

 

Verify ignition. If, when it doesn't want to start, you can remove a plug (or get a spare and insert it in a spare spark plug wire boot), let the end of the plug sit on some metal part of the engine (so it's grounded), have someone crank the engine and look for a strong spark. Make sure the spark plug end is making good contact (not on paint).

The goal is to try to narrow it down to either an issues of spark or fuel.

You could ohm out the CPS sensor when you get home. Not likely to be it, but ya never know. If it were becoming 'flaky' that would cause the same condition. Usually they're not intermittent though, unless a wire attached to it was problematic. Stick with OEM if you end up replacing it.