ontheroad

Yesterday when driving my '94 Jeep (4 cylinder 2.5l, 4x4), it began sputtering once in awhile. Like just one sputter as if it can't get any gas for a second. It did this a few times through the day. Then in the evening, I was driving home from work, and it did it again, but this time it was permanent. It was like I ran out of gas, but I had plenty in the tank. Then it wouldn't start. It almost did at first, but that was short lived. The engine is turning, just not turning over. It's like I have no gas. My guess is that it could be the fuel filter or fuel pump? Maybe the carb? I hope it's not something worse.

fantic238

no spark=replace CPS
no fuel press.=replace fuel pump and filter

ontheroad

Can you please be more specific? If I knew there was no spark or no fuel pressure, then I would know the problem and wouldn't have posted here. Can you tell me how to find out if I have a spark or if I have fuel pressure. That would really help. And what is a CPS?

ontheroad

Also, I can smell fuel when I try to start it. As if it's flooding. Does this mean my fuel system is working? Could it be my catalytic converter?

ontheroad

Well, after replacing the fuel filter, I have determined that it was not the problem. Now what?

Bryans99cherokee

I would start with checking to see if you have spark. Pull the plug,plug it into the wire and crank it over and if it sparks then it is more than likely a fuel pump problem. Not the smartest but the easiest way to check spark. If you are getting good spark then you can get a fuel pressure gauge to check the pressure. They are bad about fuel pumps going bad. It is always good not to run it below half a tank during winter. If you have an intank pump it is cooled by the gas. If it runs low the pump gets hot and then when filled up with the cold gas then it kills the pump. But either way I would start by checking spark.

fantic238

Ok.
Pull the cable that goes from the coil to the distributor (distributor side) and plug in a spare spark plug. Make sure that the body of the plug touches some metal part of the engine in order to have a mass. Then crank the engine and observe if there is spark.
If there isn't, replace the crankshaft position sensor (CPS) located on the left side of the tranny bell housing.

ontheroad

Thanks. I'll try that.

ontheroad

I live in Tucson, AZ. It doesn't get cold here.

slaphandz1996_cherokee

1.change plugs and wires
2.just turn the switch on you should hear a whining noise if not replace fuel pump(also check your fuses to see if there blown)
3.the fuel pressure regulator could be bad so check the pressure and make sure its up to spec

ontheroad

Well, I took a spark plug off, put the wire on it, and set it against some metal to ground and no spark. I couldn't hear my fuel pump, but when I try to start it, I can definitely smell gas going to the engine so I'm pretty sure the pump is working. So I have no spark. How can I be totally sure it's the CPS? Those things cost like $80 and I don't want to buy something I don't need.

slaphandz1996_cherokee

watch this it'll tell you what to do

ontheroad

Actually, I need to replace my crankshaft position sensor, not the camshaft position sensor so the video is useless. Thanks though!

Paul Hart

you try the coil?

ontheroad

I'll try to test the coil in the morning.