inconsistent starting problem

[bd1963]

I have a 98 Grand Cherokee Laredo. This same thing happened about a month ago. Since then, i haven't had any problem (starts and runs great) until yesterday when it happened again.
I tried starting it and it turned over just fine but wouldn't start. After holding the gas pedal to the floor (thinking it might be flooded) and letting it turn over for probably fifteen seconds it started. It sputtered alot at first but then smoothed out. As soon as i took my foot off the pedal it died (as if it weren't getting fuel). Started it again.... same thing happened. Started it again and let it run for about a minute while giving it a little gas (rev to about 1000 rpm). Took my foot off the pedal and, of course, it died. Started it again (again giving it a little gas), put it in reverse, let off the gas and it died. Not only did it die, but it was as if i had taken the battery cable off because all the lights went off and the clock reset itself to 12:00 (just as it does when the battery goes dead). Started it again (while giving it a little gas), backed it out, put it in drive and it was fine!!! Again, this exact same thing happened a month ago! Something about putting it into Drive clears it up. I took it to the shop and had it put on the analyzer but it didn't show any problems.

[thoriason]

Hey I just had the same problem on my 96 limited, and it was the idle level controler motor, have that checked out, sounds like the same thing my jeep was doing.

[bd1963]

Thanks for the info.
Did you have the problem with it acting like the battery had been disconnected also?

[thoriason]

Nope, not yet anyway, probably something for me to look forward to in the future, you know how these jeeps are, always surprising ya!!!! Later, BRI

[Silver_88]

I have a 97 JGC V8 and I wont idle when i first start it. Could it be my idle level controller motor? Is it hard to replace and where is it?

[thoriason]

this most likely is your problem, if so you will need to replace it or sooner or later it will go out completely and your jepp will not continue to run. I'm not sure exactly where it is cause I had my mechanic replace mine, but it is an easy replace. Later