xj starting issue

GSRswapandslow

GSRswapandslow

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Location
Taylorsville
so..i have a 98 xj. it runs fine, but has a weird starting issue.
i can crank and crank and crank when i get in it...and it won't crank. occasionally it'll crank till it sputters and then just dies. BUTTTTTTTTTT if i try to crank it...then turn it off, and crank again it fires the first time EVERYTIME and does perfectly...

any ides as to why it'd do this?
 
crank position sensor?
dirty ignition switch?
bad plug wire?
check fuel pressure? (hack way, cycle key 3 times, try to crank [pressurises lines])

(if its not turning over, check the NSS)
 
i'll check, but not sure if it's something along those lines

if it had issues cranking on the 2nd try...i'd agree and would have checked those, but the 2nd crank starts like a brand new truck
 
what about if you start the truck have it running, cut it off and try to crank back? fuel pressure leak down test may be in order.. set a gauge on it and let it sit..
 
GSRswapandslow said:
if i do that, it cranks right up perfectly

it's ONLY when it sits for a while

i had thought about fuel pressure...maybe it's the fuel relay?
Click to expand...

the relay just is only to power the pump.. it wouldn't make it leak down..

I believe it is a single ended fuel system on a 98.. which means the regulator/check valve is in the tank.. (and may or may not be available separately from pump)

if you can consistently cycle the key and get it to crank, then either you have a slow leak in a gas line (which you'd know if you park on asphalt) or the check valve may be weak.. any trouble revving to redline(may indicate filter plugged or weak pump.. most pumps require new filter to validate warranty)? i'd check for a slow fuel leak first, then go from there..

all else fails and you just don't wanna sink money in it yet, just cycle the key from off-on-off-on-start to start.. but thats more wear on the ignition switch and I *think* those are notorious ones.. at least AZ/ADV replacements are (I know someone who's gone through like about 3 replacements or so!)
 
Me and my buddies have had several do this.Some have done it for years so I wouldn't worry,it's just one of the many xj ticks.
 
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