Jeep won't start

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I have a 96 Grand Cherokee 4.0 It has been running fine and this morning I went out to take the wife to work and it was like the battery was dead, nothing. I jumped it and it would crank over but wouldn't fire. I then heard a clicking noise under the shift console.

I replace the O2 sensors 3 years ago when it wouldn't start and that fixed the problem. Back then it would crank but not fire. Do you think it could be the sensors again or something else. I tried to pull up the codes and it didn't show anything, but seemed to be reacting very slowly, so the reading didn't take. We only have this one vehicle, so I need to get it back to going ASAP. Any ideas guys?
 
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Does it have one of those crazy fuel cut off switches that activate when its bumped if so maybe its that. Just taking a WAG. Hope ya get it back on the road soon,
 
I had a friend with a Jeep Comanche around the same year or older that had a similar problem. It ended up being some type of switch that went bad as I remember. I believe it was located somewhere in the under carriage. But it could be a fuel pump issue, computer chip issue, etc.

Hope it is diagnosed quickly for you and is a simple fix.
 
It might be your crank shaft position sensor. I just replaced one on mine. It will cut off your gas and spark if it goes bad. It plugs in on top of the bell housing and runs up to the intake, drivers side. It could be a few things, but if you get no gas or spark, I would bet it's your CSPS....Good Luck!
 
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Clicking noise – Fuel pump relay?
Unreadable codes – ECM (computer) ?
Crank position sensor or Cam position sensor frequently cause a no-start

Also found people with a similar problem : http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic253451.htm
One guy had bad relays….

This leads toward the computer (ECM) : http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Your_96_J...lso_has_a_good_ignition_coil_what_could_it_be

Others suggesting the Crank position sensor.

I would check the relays first, crank sensor second, ECM last (most expensive)

Also check the wiring on the crank sensor, O2 sensors, fuel pump, and their connectors for damage or corrosion.
 
I just check your OP closer, get the battery charged (or replaced) If it starts then the alternator is likely bad. Just about any auto parts store can test your battery and alternator.
If it doesn’t start then start checking relays , sensors, ECM, etc.
Good Luck
 
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Today's computers don't want to see less than 12VDC. Start with a good battery as others have mentioned.
 
Did you not have any power to anything? When you turn the key does anything light up on the instrument cluster? Did the dome light come on? No power to anything would indicate a battery or cable problem.

If you have plenty of electrical power then check the neutral safety switch if it's an automatic.
 
Sorry for not getting back to you all sooner.

I had it towed this morning to my mechanics. I just got off the phone with him and he said they have just begun looking at it and trying to figure out why it isn't getting spark.

I just called him and mentioned the relays or crank sensor, so we should be on the way to a speedy repair.

Thank you all for your help.

I will post back here if I need more help or if it is fixed.

Steve
 
I'm guess someone mentioned a common problem on the Jeep 4.0 injected motors (so I've read) is a bad Crank Position Sensor. I see you towed it, otherwise I would've asked -- Do you have fuel? Spark? Anyway good luck!

Michael
 
Sorry, I should have given more info. Yes, this morning the battery was dead. The mechanic put the battery on the charger first thing this morning and then began checking for the problem this afternoon and discovered it was getting no spark. He was going to get an OEM Jeep crank sensor this afternoon and give that a try. I will call him mid morning tomorrow to see if that did the trick.

I got online and told the symptoms to a 20 year Certified Jeep mechanic and he said it was either the Crank sensor or the cam sensor, but advised to try the crank sensor first as that is very common for my year of Jeep. He said if the crank sensor is bad it won't give spark to the plugs.

Anyway, that is all I know at this point. Again I very much appreciate everyones input on this. You have been a big help.
 
Sorry, I should have given more info. Yes, this morning the battery was dead. The mechanic put the battery on the charger first thing this morning and then began checking for the problem this afternoon and discovered it was getting no spark. He was going to get an OEM Jeep crank sensor this afternoon and give that a try. I will call him mid morning tomorrow to see if that did the trick.

I got online and told the symptoms to a 20 year Certified Jeep mechanic and he said it was either the Crank sensor or the cam sensor, but advised to try the crank sensor first as that is very common for my year of Jeep. He said if the crank sensor is bad it won't give spark to the plugs.

Anyway, that is all I know at this point. Again I very much appreciate everyones input on this. You have been a big help.
 
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