97 wrangler cranks but won't start

[darkangel32987]

1997 Wrangler SE 2.5L 4Cyl.
Here's the jist. Started up.. backed up like 5 feet and it dies. It's not starting now. Cranking just fine. It seemed that it just wasn't sparking like the iginitoin coil went out, but i bought one and there are still no sparks... literally put a screw driver in a spark plug connector and held it and did not feel a thing. Where else do I need to go from here?

[Invisibleman]

Thats a classic "CKP" sensor...known for going out this way in 97-2003 wranglers. It stands for "crankshaft position sensor" It costs about 67 bucks for auto trnny, 122 for manual...don't know why the cost difference. Should not be a hard job to do. Research it a little....I'm gonna bet 90 percent thats your problem unless you have a car alarm screwing things up. Good luck.

[tomvid]

That does sound right. However, you should get a check engine light on when that goes bad. It did for my 97 anyway. It is a really easy fix. It has a wire conector and it threads in like a standard bolt.

[darkangel32987]

Thanks Invisibleman... The Jeep runs yet again for another day :-)

It probly did pull a check engine light but the battery wasn't connected well and after a few cranks it disconnected so it erased the computer.

[jeep mechanic]

my exhaust header pipe came loose and the hot exhaust cut thru the crank position sensor harness. i had to go to autozone theres was $127.00 plus tax