I posted this a while back but I think its time to try again. I have a 1998 Cherokee Classic, it almost always takes three trys to start. That is 90% of the time, maybe 5% on the first or second and 5% more than three. I cannot understand it. Now I had received the suggestion that the CPS (Crank Position Sensor) could be the problem and recently when it stopped dead I had that replaced. I am running again but the three trys to start is still there. It is not the battery or starter, they turn over very well and obviously the key switch must be working for all that turning over. I even wrote to Car Talk but haven't heard from them. I can't see something like a fuel filter since the Jeep runs well once started. Any suggestions?

I'm not for sure but I own a 87 Cherokee and although haven't had the same symptoms, I was told by a mechanic friend that a common issue for the 4.0 jeeps is also a cam position sensor and the throttle position sensor (both common starting and idle issues for the jeep according to what he said) I don't know this for sure but, thought I might pass it on as this guy works on many jeeps and has numerous years experience as a mechanic both dealership and private shop. It may be worth looking into. As for my own thoughts about it, I'm thinking that maybe you should have your fuel pressure tested and see where it stands. My Jeep does slow start and I've thought alot about my fuel pressure and the injectors, fuel pump, etc...they both play key roles in how your vehicle starts. Otherwise, you are possibly at an electrical issue as in maybe your distributor module going out, maybe the distributor gear itself, wires, plugs, or even so far as the starter not kicking out the correct voltage when it kicks over. The two basic factors for why a vehicle typically won't start is either lack of fuel or lack of electrical spark. This is what leads to your sensor issues, timing, fuel pumps, injectors, etc.... Just keep those basic principals in mind and try to reduce it by individual factors or you will be playing the trial  and error game and spending big bucks when it may be a simple solution right under your nose. Many auto parts stores (Checker, Bumper to Bumper) will test your electrical for you free of charge ( I used to manage both of these stores) and that will test battery, alternator, starter. Autozone will perform a free test as well that is alittle more in depth and can narrow more down right up to plug wires and plugs. As for the fuel pressure test...the testor is much less expensive then the shop test and easier to perform then you might expect. Buy yourself a repair manual, look up the pressure setting for your vehicle. Follow the instructions included with the tester and you will have a better answer there as well without the expensive diagnostic charge a shop will hit you with. Let me know if this all helps and if you need to know more, let me know and I'll do what I can to assist you. Good luck Russ

Russ

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