97 jeep problem

crazyduetoiowa · #1 07-23-2004, 09:02 PM

Hey i have a 1997 jeep wranger. 4 cyl, automatic with 97k. sometimes when you start it it acts funny......Today i paid close attention.. i started it, the RPM's were going up and down(500 to maybe 1300). then when i gave it gas the rpm's would go down( really low, maybe 300 400) and the whole jeep would shake and rattle. so let it run for a min and gave it gas again and it was perfectly fine... i drove off and was on my way. This happens alot after the jeep sits for a few days. But its also done it after an hour of sitting.. its had a tune up( plugs, wires, cap, rotor) 4k ago but we put a new distributer cap and rotor on a few weeks ago. still having problems.... Any ideas would be great.

Thanks for your time Derek

fredjacksonsan · #2 07-27-2004, 08:05 AM

Fuel filter?

AAB · #3 08-07-2004, 08:50 AM

Hey Derek:

I posted in another forum, mines a 98, but manual and it does exactly the same. It happened about 4 months ago on my way to work, the RPM's just bounced up and down for about 5 secs. I pulled off the road, turned the car off and on again and continued driving. Never happened again until 2 weeks ago and now it's an everyday thing. It happens just 2-3 minutes after starting the car after it's been sitting for 1 + hours.
My Dad is certain that it's the Fuel Filter, but can't seem to locate where it is so he can see if he can change it by himself without going to a mechanic.

Any Idea's anyone??

crazyduetoiowa · #4 08-07-2004, 09:48 AM

Hey, do you have a 4 or 6 cyl? If you do find the fuel filter can you tell me where you found it? Ill look for it too. I posted mine another fourm site and someone said it could be leaky fuel injectures. But mine happens right at start up... Thanks

rivguy · #5 08-07-2004, 09:48 AM

the fuel filter on these models is not replacable - it is located in the tank and replaced with the fuel pump unit - the actual cause for the problem at hand is the fuel pump - when the vehicle sits the fuel pressure bleed down and it takes a while to build back up after starting - try cycling the key on and off a couple times before starting the engine - this will help build the pressure back up before the engine starts

crazyduetoiowa · #6 08-07-2004, 10:30 AM

Thats a new idea! Is there anyway the problem can be fixed? or is it just somthing I have to get use to? Thanks Derek

AAB · #7 08-07-2004, 11:52 AM

a few weeks ago before this problem came back, my jeep wouldn't start, at first I thought it was the fuel pump, but it turned out the relay switch was gone. I was so happy I didn't have to replace the pump. labour will be expensive I'm guessing cuz it's in the gas tank.

guess I jumped for joy too long. I'm guessing to solve the problem, I'm gonna have to replace fuel pump

crazyduetoiowa · #8 08-07-2004, 01:02 PM

tell me how yours turns out since its seems to be about the same as my problem! thanks, hope it doesnt cost you to much....

AAB · #9 08-08-2004, 12:21 AM

got an appt monday morning with mechanic. We'll see what the damage is then. I'll keep you updated.

aplummer · #10 08-27-2004, 06:30 PM

I'm glad I found this thread. I just bought a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. It has an inline 6, 4.0L. Sometimes it has won't start, other times it will start, then shake some, and stall. Sometime it will start right up. It definately has long crank times also.

It seems to be getting worse. I'm thinking maybe it IS the fuel pump? Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks!

crazyduetoiowa · #11 08-27-2004, 09:35 PM

okay, i took mine in to get fixed... it came back with a new distubuter and down stream oxy sensor. hope that helps....it was $400 to get fixed

JeepTom · #12 09-25-2004, 11:10 PM

I also have a '97, 2.5L. I was having all of the same problems, long start, shake when start, low RPM when start. It was the fuel pump. The pump was going down and was bleeding the line when the engine was turned off. Had to replace it, $400 due to labor for dropping the tank. Hope this helps.

Blair25 · #13 09-27-2004, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyduetoiowa

Hey i have a 1997 jeep wranger. 4 cyl, automatic with 97k. sometimes when you start it it acts funny......Today i paid close attention.. i started it, the RPM's were going up and down(500 to maybe 1300). then when i gave it gas the rpm's would go down( really low, maybe 300 400) and the whole jeep would shake and rattle. so let it run for a min and gave it gas again and it was perfectly fine... i drove off and was on my way. This happens alot after the jeep sits for a few days. But its also done it after an hour of sitting.. its had a tune up( plugs, wires, cap, rotor) 4k ago but we put a new distributer cap and rotor on a few weeks ago. still having problems.... Any ideas would be great.

Thanks for your time Derek

Could be a sensor, maybe O2, which will usually give you low R.P.M, or the idle sensor which gives you high R.P.M. O2 is easy to do yourself, idle sensor I paid for labour but know I know where it goes so will do myself next time.

MYBBYSAJP · #14 09-28-2004, 02:28 PM

On The Same Subject, My 97 Jp's Check Engine Light Just Came On. I Tried The On/off With The Ignition, And It Gave Me Code 55, "fuel System Lean", Would This Have Anything To Do With My Fuel Pump? Or Maybe Just The Air Filter, It Is About Time To Replace It. Thanks

Blair25 · #15 09-28-2004, 03:04 PM

If it is running lean then it could be a sensor, if the sensor is burned out, either your o2, which reads the oxygen coming out of engine just below the manifold, it will tell your computer to adjust the mixture to engine, should replace these once a year anyway, easy to do yourself. If it is idle sensor burnout it will also tell your computer to adjust the engine mix, can't stand sensors.

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