Cherokee wont start, see if you can figure it out

[jaarcher]

I have a 91 xj 4.0l when the tempature outside (not the engine) is warm say 40 degrees or higher, my xj is fine, if the temp drops(the colder it is the longer it takes) and I have not run the beast for several hours (more then 8) it will not start, but wait, by not starting i mean; normally when you turn the ignition on two dummy ligths come on in the dash, i.e. the maintaince required light, and the check engine light, well if its cold these two lights do not come on, now, some how this relates to the fuel pump, the injectors, and the spark, as soon as these lights turn on everything works and the world is in order one again, my problem is the lights only come on if its warm enough out, and if its sits long enough with the ignition turned to the one postion. My problem is not, the starter, altenator, distributor, sync, cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires, fuel pump, cps, tps, o2s, coil, as i have replaced all of this things in the last few months so if you think you have an answer please enlighten me i would appreciate any help in this area...

[JScot]

I'm not sure this will help but I had turn signal problems with my other car last year. In warm weather it worked fine. In cold weather the right turn signal wouldn't work. It got worse over time and later hardly worked at all even in warm weather. The problem was worn contacts in the turn signal steering column module. Apparently in warm weather the metal contacts were expanded just enough to make contact and in cold weather they shrunk. The whole unit was replaced and everything went back to normal. Is it possible that your ignition switch has a similar contact wear problem?

[Tim Knapp]

I'd say it's the PC board behind the dash.

[uuncle]

sounds like a weak relay !!

[deuce32s]

I was wondering if you found the solution to you starting problem. I am having the same problem on my 94 xj with the 4.0 It took me about 3 minutes to get it started this morning. After I start it once during the day it seems to be fine the rest of the day but that first start is a killer.

[92xjr]

Yeah I am also having the same problem, only mine is done now it wont start at all, it used to be if I left the key in the on position for a little while the fuel pump relay would start clicking progresively getting louder and then the fuel pump would come on and it would start up, now no clicking no nothing, it turns over fine but I dont get any fuel or spark...any help greatly appreciated,
thanks, Joe

[CaptainZoom]

I had the same problem with a Volvo (I know..) I had years ago.
Turned out to be oxide on ground cable connected to the starter.
A quick rubadub with a fine sandpaper on the pin where the ground cable goes, did the trick