98 cherokee starting problems

When my Jeep sits for a period longer that a couple of hours, the starter has to turn for 8-15 seconds before the engine cranks. I checked the fuel pump pressure, but it is holding. Any suggestions on what the problem is?

When my Jeep sits for a period longer that a couple of hours, the starter has to turn for 8-15 seconds before the engine cranks. I checked the fuel pump pressure, but it is holding. Any suggestions on what the problem is?

Do you mean that the starter has to turn the engine over for 8-15 seconds before the engine starts. Or do you mean the starter has to turn over 8-15 seconds before it turns the engine over. Dale :banghead: :grinno:

When my Jeep sits for a period longer that a couple of hours, the starter has to turn for 8-15 seconds before the engine cranks. I checked the fuel pump pressure, but it is holding. Any suggestions on what the problem is?

Try this...turn the key on, make sure AC is off....then wait until the fuel pump stops making a buzzing sound...the turn the starter key.

The fuel injection is depressurizing when sitting, so you need to build up pressure again with the electric fuel pump. Mine does this.

If you want to change the check valve, I believe you need to change the fuel pump unit in the tank. Sounds expensive, Huh?

Do you mean that the starter has to turn the engine over for 8-15 seconds before the engine starts. Or do you mean the starter has to turn over 8-15 seconds before it turns the engine over. Dale :banghead: :grinno:


The engine turns over but does not light up. If I wait for a few seconds with the key in the on position it will crank the first time. Like what the second posts suggests. If this is leaky fuel injectors is the only thing I can do is replace them?

The engine turns over but does not light up. If I wait for a few seconds with the key in the on position it will crank the first time. Like what the second posts suggests. If this is leaky fuel injectors is the only thing I can do is replace them?

The fuel is not loosing pressure at the injectors, but at the check valve for the injection....which is in the fuel tank in the fuel pump. I just start it this way....wait for fuel pressure to build. YOu can pay to have the tank dropped and the fuel pump replaced if you want. I am interested in what that costs you.

The fuel is not loosing pressure at the injectors, but at the check valve for the injection....which is in the fuel tank in the fuel pump. I just start it this way....wait for fuel pressure to build. YOu can pay to have the tank dropped and the fuel pump replaced if you want. I am interested in what that costs you.

We just had a 2001 Cherokee with this problem, replacing the fuel pump module with a new check valve did not fix the problem. the owner is out $600 and the problem is not fixed. we even got the part from jeep, but it did not fix his problem, his going to take it to the dealer to see if there is any software updates, I asked him to keep me posted of the outcome

On '97 and later year models the fuel pressure regulator can be replaced without having to replace the entire fuel pump assembly. It's still a pricey undertaking if you have a mechanic do it. The fuel tank still has to be dropped.
Have the fuel pressure tested, this will determine if the fuel pump or pressure regulator is bad.