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Won't start on first attempt to crank - then starts 2nd try
#1
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Won't start on first attempt to crank - then starts 2nd try
I have a 1998 Cherokee and when I go to start the Jeep after it has been sitting for at least a few hours it will not start on the first attempt, ever.
I crank it once with the key and it just cranks, then shut the key off and turn the ignition back on and crank a second time it starts right up. From then on it will start first crank until it sits again for several hours and cools down.
It is not intermittent, I can always count on it that the first attempt in the morning it will not start. It does not even sounds like it tries to start. It is like there is a kill switch on the ignition circuit. After the first time, I can drive around all morning and run errands, etc and it will start first attempt after that everytime.
It just recently started doing this. Does anyone have any ideas or have run into the same problem?
Thanks,
I crank it once with the key and it just cranks, then shut the key off and turn the ignition back on and crank a second time it starts right up. From then on it will start first crank until it sits again for several hours and cools down.
It is not intermittent, I can always count on it that the first attempt in the morning it will not start. It does not even sounds like it tries to start. It is like there is a kill switch on the ignition circuit. After the first time, I can drive around all morning and run errands, etc and it will start first attempt after that everytime.
It just recently started doing this. Does anyone have any ideas or have run into the same problem?
Thanks,
#2
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If you search the forum on the topic of fuel injection and/or fuel pressure you will find similar discussions. Your issue has something to do with pressure in the fuel rail bleeding down over time (after having been off for several hours) and it relates to some kind of check valve.
#3
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Originally Posted by Cherryokee
If you search the forum on the topic of fuel injection and/or fuel pressure you will find similar discussions. Your issue has something to do with pressure in the fuel rail bleeding down over time (after having been off for several hours) and it relates to some kind of check valve.
What is the longest time from a cold start that you turned the car on, but didn't crank it right away? I have done upto four minutes, but really doesn't make a difference. Of course mine does, on occassion start the first time. Sometimes it starts the first time, but it starts with a weak pressure and I most often shut it off then restart it. Sometimes I rec the engine, but that is when I am not thinking...and in a rush!
#4
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Patience is important with this issue.
When you start, turn key to on position then wait 3 seconds (one mississippi, two mississippi, three mississippi) then turn key to ignition. During your delay, you (sometimes) will hear the fuel pump as it pressurizes the system. There is a method for checking fuel rail pressure, and it is rather simple, but I'm at work and cannot refer to my manual. Pressure should not bleed off too quickly (or at all, but not 100% certain about that). It's just that my '99 never had this issue - knock wood.
When you start, turn key to on position then wait 3 seconds (one mississippi, two mississippi, three mississippi) then turn key to ignition. During your delay, you (sometimes) will hear the fuel pump as it pressurizes the system. There is a method for checking fuel rail pressure, and it is rather simple, but I'm at work and cannot refer to my manual. Pressure should not bleed off too quickly (or at all, but not 100% certain about that). It's just that my '99 never had this issue - knock wood.
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 98 4.0 I6
its probably the regulator in the fuel tank not holding pressure, after a few hours or overnight check pressure at fuel bar on intake, if its a weak spray or hissing air chances is your pressure regulator is failing/malfunctioning...if you get a new assembly dont buy airtex whatsoever
#7
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7
My friends 99 has the same problem. So we put a new chrysler fuel pump module in witch includes the check valve and filter/regulator and it still wont start without keying the ignition two times. The chrysler manual says to do a leak down pressure test with special tool 6539 to isolate the fuel pump or the fuel injector rail. My friend did not want to spend more money chasing this problem but I think one injector is leaking down his fuel system. I think it could be one of these three things .The check valve or regulator in the pump module or a fuel injector. Hope this helps and I hope to see more info on this problem.
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#8
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 98 4.0 I6
Originally Posted by nowhereman98
My friends 99 has the same problem. So we put a new chrysler fuel pump module in witch includes the check valve and filter/regulator and it still wont start without keying the ignition two times. The chrysler manual says to do a leak down pressure test with special tool 6539 to isolate the fuel pump or the fuel injector rail. My friend did not want to spend more money chasing this problem but I think one injector is leaking down his fuel system. I think it could be one of these three things .The check valve or regulator in the pump module or a fuel injector. Hope this helps and I hope to see more info on this problem.
#9
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Thanks for all of the advice. I will look into these things. The odd thing is that the check engine light has not come on.
#10
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Fuel pump not holding pressure. Common problem, easy fix.
A leaky injector will give you a small puff of black smoke on start and you will be able to smell it easily.
Low pressure on first key cycle won't set a code.
If key on, key off, key on then start works then put a pump in it.
A leaky injector will give you a small puff of black smoke on start and you will be able to smell it easily.
Low pressure on first key cycle won't set a code.
If key on, key off, key on then start works then put a pump in it.
Last edited by ETexas XJ; 07-30-2012 at 07:18 PM.
#11
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Good stuff all. Bottom line is measure twice cut once. Doing the pressure tests to isolate the problem can (or will) save you some cashola in the long run.
#12
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
So if I understand correctly, first look for a leaky injector and if I find one, replace. If no leaky injector, then replace fuel pump?
This morning I tried waiting 10 seconds with the ignition on before cranking. It still did not start. Next crank, started right up. So waiting for pressure to build did not work.
This morning I tried waiting 10 seconds with the ignition on before cranking. It still did not start. Next crank, started right up. So waiting for pressure to build did not work.
#14
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7
If I were you I would buy one injector and keep switching it out and hope to find a bad one before you buy a fuel pump module.It might be a lot of work but its cheaper than the pump module.
#15
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I did not hear the fuel pump but I don't ever recall hearing the fuel pump in this car. I have had other cars where I can hear it.