In the last week, engine has stalled three times, at very slow idle, or very
low speed. I have then noticed that all of a sudden, it is sluggish to
start. Engine turns over real robustly, but takes much longer than normal
to start up.
Engine runs great after start, except for the three stalling occurances in
one week. At normal or high speeds, perfect performance. Good pep. No
noises.
I am not a mechanic, but I suspect a fuel delivery problem. Perhaps fuel
filter or fuel pump ? I have done the ignition switch on and off three
times in sequence, but I get no error code. Just reads "done" after the
third switch.
In this model, is the fuel pump in the gas tank, as is the case with some
Jeeps ? Where is the fuel filter ?
Am I on the right track ?
Any commnents or advice will be appreciated.
James
Time to test ign and fuel delivery. ;-)
Just some thoughts!
--
later,
dave AKA vwdoc1
88 XJ 4.0 auto
"James" <no o...@bellsouth.com> wrote in message
news:94Gdne6H6cg7pXnX...@posted.localnet...
Please elaborate !!
CPS sensor and throttle body problems are valid points I would think...
thanks !!
James
------------------------------------
My first thought is the CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor). It's job
is to give the computer timing information. Once the engine is running
the computer will "guess" on timing if it has to.
Find the connector that runs back to the CPS sensor and unplug/replug
it a couple of times. Sometimes corrosion will cause a problem, but
they do fail. I've replaced mine once already and it was doign exactly
what you describe.
But before doing that, pull the codes and see what the Jeep knows.
http://www.wjjeeps.com/faultcodes.htm
> I am not a mechanic, but I suspect a fuel delivery problem. Perhaps
> fuel filter or fuel pump ? I have done the ignition switch on and
> off three times in sequence, but I get no error code. Just reads "done" after the third switch.
Fuel delivery problems will cause knocking/sag at "wide open throttle".
Fuel injection is different from the old carb system where engine
vacuum could overcome a failing pump.
The coolant sensor question deals more with long warm-up time.
If you have an ohmmeter they are fairly easy to check. The most I've
ever had to do with mine was clean the connection.
--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
On Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:33:53 -0400, "James" <no o...@bellsouth.com>
wrote:
A good engine scanner plugged into the ECM could tell you the coolant
temperature the ECM sees along with other things.
A weak/defective Camshaft Position Sensor could also be the culprit.
"Ashton Crusher" <de...@moore.net> wrote in message
news:t1r8e5livnbc91cf3...@4ax.com...
I'm not a mechanic either, except for the problems I've corrected on my
Jeep.
Some inexpensive things to consider....
#1. check all vacuum hoses (ouch).
#2. test the TPS with a volt meter (download your TPS version specs)
#3. test the fuel pressure (PSI) from the injector rail.(DL specs)
I really wouldn't think it is the pump because you ARE getting gas,
rather maybe the fuel regulator (chump change) at the rail, or even
upstream by replacing the fuel filter (more chump change).
You'd be surprised at the havoc a malfunctioning TPS (throttle position
sensor) causes.
Ken
1987 Jeep Cherokee / 4.0L / 270k miles
I had the OBD test done, and it showed no errors. Several days after my
first post, the problem seemed to have disappeared. I have now put about
1000 miles on the car, and cranked it close to a hundred times, and it now
cranks perfectly each time. No stalls/ slow idle/ etc.
What gives ? Could I have had a speck of dirt or trash in the fuel filter
and it flushed itself out ? Will the problem likely show up again
tomorrow ?? Is the CPS so weird that it can show intermittant failure,
and seem to be ok for a while ?
My plan (unless I see stronger advice here) is to drive it and enjoy the
ride, and if the problem appears again, to start checking the various
problem areas addressed here.
thanks again everyone !!
James
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Keep an eye on the weather.
Quite a few sensor problems crop up when it's hot.
They might have also disconnected/reconnected some of the
harness. That can clean the crudbunnies that build up.
--
DougW
Although the engine still starts perfectly, all of a sudden this morning I
had a very hard time keeping it running at idle. I went through a drive
thru for some coffee, and literally had to recrank it about six times to
make it through. This was only after about a mile of driving from my home.
For the rest of the day it has been perfect.
From my original post, there were many logical suggestions. Two of these
were a possible bad CPS, and possible throttle body problem, perhaps needs
cleaning. Out of these two, which would you suspect more strongly ?
My OP is quoted again below, but keep in mind that it is starting perfectly
now, and has been for about two weeks. After several weeks of running
perfectly, I get this slow idle problem again this morning.
Thanks !!
James
--------------------------------------
I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4.7 liter engine. 198,000 miles.
I've got the old Renix system, but mine will pull this crap on me twice a
year: once in the Fall then again in the Spring. There seems to be a
particular range of weather conditions that will make it damned near
impossible to pull up to a stop sign without stalling until it gets nice
and warm. Never have figured this one out.
If you haven't done it yet, cleaning the throttle body really well is always
a good start. I make a pass at all my cars about once a year - usually in
the early Fall - and I've seen the throttle body so full of crud that it's
a wonder they run at all. Pay particular attention to the Idle Air Control
port - even a little buildup in there will cause problems. I've seen that
as a common issue on every MPI fuel system I've owned over the last 20
years or so. Just make sure you get a sensor safe cleaner!
--
Will Honea