Looking for any ideas or suggestions here.

My 1999 Cherokee Sport 4.0L died on me suddenly and for no apparent reason on Sunday.  I was turning a corner and it was like someone just reached up turned off the key.  Since this has happened the check engine light is on and the gauges do not work, leading me to think it is some kind of electrical issue.  I am waiting on my friend who is a mechanic to work on it but am looking for any suggestions or pointers anyway.

Thanks in advance, so far I have found good answers and advice on this forum to my Jeep related issues.  I appreciate it!

Bill K.

Hmmm, usually it's the crankshaft position sensor when they don't run.

Gauges don't work? How can you tell if they work with the engine not running?

I'd check your electrical grounds, ALL of them at the battery and chassis and anywhere else. Clean them up, and see if the cables are still good. That may help.

-matt

With the key in the on/run position it should still show around 12 volts, whatever the fuel level is and the water temp (it was at normal operating temp).  The oil pressue I would expect not to show anything as well as the water temp if the engine was cold.

One thing I left out was that you crank and crank and it will not even try to start.

Here is a pic of what it would look like.  Should be on the driver's side inner fender in the engine bay.  Like I said though, I could not find it on my 99 so I don't know if they are on the 99's

Sounds like the problem I had with my jeep a few weeks back discussed here http://greatlakesxj.activeboard.com/index.spark?aBID=43793&p=3&topicID=32026408

I had the power on but the jeep would not crank. Check your NSS.....

Also check your relays and fuses. My 2 cents.


Ed.

aci4369 wrote:

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In your first post you made it sound like it died but now runs.  Then in the second it sounds like it is not starting so I am going to assume that it will not run??? 

 

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I guess I should have been more clear.  It will crank but does not start and doesn't even try to.  We haven't checked yet to see if it is getting fuel and/or spark.  Hopefully will know more today when he actually starts trying to find the problem.

I truly hate electrical problems...

 

i'd check the obvious stuff first... so basically, anything dealing directly with the ignition system. i had a very similar thing happen on my Honda. just flat out died for no reason and would just crank and crank and crank but made no attempt to fire.... it was my coil.