Hi Guys,
My 2000 XJ has a starting problem maybe someone has had before ( I hope)
When I attempt to start it (hot or cold ) it will crank for a long time and won't start, then I release the key and then turn it to start again. This time it will start????
This cycling of the key is EVERY TIME, hot or cold full or low fuel load
Please help if you can...............Rick

 

sounds like its a ignition switch or pcm problem

 

If you crank it long enough does it start without making the second attempt at starting? What I'm getting at is if it cranks for a long period of time and then starts everytime you go to start it, it could be the one way check valve in the fuel pump is bad. When it goes bad all the fuel in the line drains back to the tank everytime you shut your jeep off causing the long cranking period at every start. Just a thought. That went bad in my Jeep once. Doesnt cause it not to start just very annoying and a little embarrassing depending on where you are at when starting the Jeep. Unfortunately an otherwise good fuel pump replacement is the only way tio fix it, too. Hope this helps.

 

Had the battery go bad yesterday after I posted this. I hoped it was a low voltage problem but now it will take three attempts before it starts????
I'll get a fuel pressure reading and go from there...
Thanks for the help, I'll let you know what happens..

 

my jeep was doing the same thing 4 months ago i replaced the crank position sensor and it fixed the problem.. i would try that before doing anything with your fuel pump or pressure...

 

Thanks Guys, I think I'll replace the CPS and go from there.
I'll let you know how it works out.....................RICK