97 Wrangler is hard to start

[bopdj]

It will not start unless I switch the ignition key on and off 3 or 4 times. After the vehicle starts it runs fine until I shut it off. Then it's the same problem. Had the vehicle tuned up (wires, plugs, air filter, ect) and it did not correct the problem. I know the fuel filter is part of the fuel pump and before I do the $300.00 fuel pump replacement I would like to see if anyone has any minor repair suggestions. Thank You

[nitsudg]

hello. sorry to hear you are having the same trouble. please let me know if you figure out why the car is doing this.

thanks a lot.
[email protected]

[revis]

Originally Posted by nitsudg

hello. sorry to hear you are having the same trouble. please let me know if you figure out why the car is doing this.

thanks a lot.
[email protected]

I too am having the same problem with my 1999 wrangler 4.0 engine. Purrs like a kitten when cranked but sometimes has to turn over too many times to start it up, but sometimes it starts up on the first time. If anyone finds out what is causing this problem please let me know [email protected] thanks

[hundahunta]

NO: 14-06-97
SUBJECT: Fuel Pump Diagnosis
DATE: Jul. 3, 1997
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Symptoms may include no start, rough idle, long crank times, driveway die outs or erratic fuel pressure. A new fuel pump has been released which delivers improved performance. This pump should be used whenever fuel pump failures are encountered.

DIAGNOSIS:
Basic fuel system diagnostics should be used as outlined in the appropriate service manual. A brief recap of the basic diagnostics follows:

Fuel pressure specification - 49 psi - plus or minus 5 psi.

High fuel pressure indicates problems with the fuel pressure regulator. Refer to the service manual for regulator diagnosis. Do not replace the fuel pump for high pressure.
Low fuel pressure - Low pressure could indicate a pump problem or it could indicate a plugged fuel filter or restricted fuel line or no fuel in the tank. Be sure to check these items before replacing the fuel pump.
Fuel System Leak down - When checking fuel pressure be sure to check the integrity of the system after shut down. With the fuel pressure gauge connected, shut the engine off and observe the pressure gauge. The system should maintain at least 24 psi for five minutes after shut down. If the pressure bleeds off quicker, it could indicate that an injector is leaking down or that the pressure regulator is leaking. This can lead to driveablitiy problems and require further diagnosis.
NOTE:IN RARE CASES WHERE MULTIPLE FUEL PUMP FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON THE SAME VEHICLE, A BUILD UP OF RESIDUE MAY HAVE ACCUMULATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE PRESENCE OF THIS RESIDUE IS NOT EASILY IDENTIFIABLE. THE RESIDUE CAN PASS THROUGH THE IN TANK FILTER AND CONTAMINATED THE PUMP ROTOR. IF MULTIPLE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WITH NO OBVIOUS INDICATION OF THE CAUSE, CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE MADE TO REPLACING THE FUEL TANK TO AVOID FUTURE PROBLEMS.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Quanity Part No. Description
1 04762964 Pump Module - 1994-1995 XJ
1 04798941 Pump Module - 1996 XJ
1 04883261 Pump Module - 1996 ZJ
1 04897754AB Pump Module - 1997 TJ - 15 gallon tank
1 04897755AB Pump Module - 1997 TJ - 19 gallon tank

[josiah22]

I have a 97 Wrangler and the same thing is happening to me. I thought it might be electical so I got a new battery and that did not fix it. I now think its the fuel filter or fuel pump. I want to be sure before I drop the money for it. Please let me know if you find out.
Thanks,
[email protected]

[bopdj]

Originally Posted by josiah22

I have a 97 Wrangler and the same thing is happening to me. I thought it might be electical so I got a new battery and that did not fix it. I now think its the fuel filter or fuel pump. I want to be sure before I drop the money for it. Please let me know if you find out.
Thanks,
[email protected]

My problem turned out to be the fuel filter/fuel pump. I had the pressure checked and the fuel pump had to be replaced. On this vehicle the filter can't be replaced without replacing the pump. Advance Auto has a replacement for about $100.00 tax included and shop time is 2 hrs. If you go this route remember to run your gas tank to near empty because repair shops will charge extra to remove the tank if there is fuel in it and then they will keep the fuel.

[tomvid]

Turned out to be the crankshaft position sensor. although it came with an error code. Engine light on.

[tecumsa]

Originally Posted by bopdj

My problem turned out to be the fuel filter/fuel pump. I had the pressure checked and the fuel pump had to be replaced. On this vehicle the filter can't be replaced without replacing the pump. Advance Auto has a replacement for about $100.00 tax included and shop time is 2 hrs. If you go this route remember to run your gas tank to near empty because repair shops will charge extra to remove the tank if there is fuel in it and then they will keep the fuel.

My '97 started out similar (hard to start) and has now advanced to choking while it's running. Problem is that when my mechanic attached a pressure guage the problem disappears. Remove the guage and the problem is back. We're at the point of just replacing the pump, but how do you decide which pump? I went to the Advance Auto site and they list a number of pumps from $89 to $388. Without removing the pump and taking it up there to look them over (my mechanic doesn't want to tie up his bay for that long, and I don't blame him), how do you decide which pump to buy?