Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'94 Jeep Cherokee, 5 Minute Stall
Q:
The
engine just quits on my '94 Jeep Cherokee after driving 5 to 10 min. I
have replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs & wires and the distributor
cap....What else can I check?
-
Steph
A:
First,
you're not checking you're replacing parts. This is a costly way to approach
a problem. If the problem is so persistent you should be able to time
a drive to a repair facility for diagnosis. But then again if it is anything
like what happens when a problem vehicle comes to our shop, the problem
goes away. You know the dentist and the tooth ache scenario? It is unlikely
that the parts or related parts to the items you've replaced are the cause
for your engine just shutting down. With Jeeps I'm more inclined to inspect
critical inputs to the computer. Component failures that I have seen that
are heat related on Jeeps have been the crankshaft position sensor. When
this sensor drops out (fails) the computer just stops doing about anything.
The signal from this sensor is a critical input and without it the vehicle
will not run. Why? The signal from the crankshaft position sensor allows
the computer to know when to provide spark and fuel. The Jeep just becomes
a boat anchor until the signal returns. A problem as persistent as you're
describing should be easily diagnosed. Once you have the diagnosis and
know what has to be replaced life gets simpler.
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