[pixelbend]

Hi all,

I have a 99 Cherokee Sport that has a starting issue. The Jeep never starts on the first crank. You can hold it down and it's just uh, uh, uh, uh. Turns over fine, but never hits. If I turn the key back to off then crank it again, sometimes it starts, sometimes, more of the same. If it does start, it is doggy, you have to give it some gas to get it to smooth out. Third time is always the charm, it starts up on the first revolution, just like it's supposed to. Nice and smooth.

So does anyone know what would cause this?

Thanks!

[88XJSport]

Check your fuel pressure and make sure it is at 32psi with key on. You should leave your key on for a few seconds before cranking and see if that helps at all. For the roughness right at startup, try bench cleaning your throttlebody, and the idle air controller motor, and that should clear things up.

[Jeremy_Cherokee]

I would definitely try to put the key to the "on" position for a couple of seconds and let the fuel get to the injectors, then crank it over. If that helps it's probably a fuel pump, or at least something to do with the delivery of fuel.

[gregmondro]

I'd suspect the pressure regulator. A local guy was having the same problem and that is what fixed it.

The regulator is that little round metal peice on the top of the plastic lid that the line connects to inside of the fuel pump assembly.