94 Jeep Cherokee won't start
45

Asked by Stephanie Sep 22, 2015 at 08:30 PM about the 1994 Jeep Cherokee SE 4-Door 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently bought a 94 Jeep Cherokee 2.5 l4, manual 4x4 SE. Old owner
said they were smelling gas right before it stalled while they were driving.
That was in October of 2014 and it hasn't been started since. I checked the
compression but didn't do a wet compression test so I'm not sure how
accurate the results were. Was 42, 63, 87 and 120. Of course the battery
was dying so halfway through I hooked up jumpers, not sure if maybe the
faster cranking made the results spike. Changed the plugs and wires, cap
and rotor. Poked at the valve on the fuel rail and it's getting pressure just
not sure how much. I'm thinking about getting into the engine to see if there
might be coolant in there. Haven't checked the timing chain yet cuz I'm
having a hell of a time getting the tensioner off. I heard there was a trick to
get the codes on it by flipping the key to accessory a few times but I can't
get it to work. If anyone has ANY suggestions at all as to what I should do
next that would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure if it's getting spark or
not. I've got the radiator taken out and the valve cover off so I can get to
the heads and check for cracks and such. Thank you!

3 Answers
223,675

Rowefast answered 9 years ago

Wow, you have your hand full. I can make a few suggestions one being is you need a good battery for diagnostics. Low cranking speed will affect the compression test, and the compression test can tell you if there is a blown head gasket, or possible cracked head. Sounds like it hasn't run in a year, so the only reliable compression readings you will get is from the wet test as you call it. Compression needs to be 120 lbs. min. and vary no more than 15 percent. Fuel pressure is a must. They smelled gas so it needs to be checked never the less. And spark, need to get spark, check everything. The timing part I would not worry about until it starts because it was running before, and probably has not ben disturbed. I'll be watching for questions, along with the other guys here, there a good bunch.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 94 Jeep Cherokee won't start 3 Answers

    I recently bought a 94 Jeep Cherokee 2.5 l4, manual 4x4 SE. Old owner said they were smelling gas right before it stalled while they were driving. That was in October of 2014 and it hasn't been star...

    1994 Jeep Cherokee SE 4-Door 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 94 jeep cherokee won't start has fuel and spark? 4 Answers

    I've replaced the distributed and roter first but no change so I replaced the crank position sensor but still the same the last thing I tryed was replacing the ignition coil I'm lost now it start...

    1994 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4-Door 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 95 jeep Cherokee won't start 21 Answers

    I have a 95 jeep Cherokee sport 4x4 with the 4.0 it's been driving fine came home yesterday and went to leave maybe an hour later and now it just turns over but won't start I have spark I replaced ...

    1995 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2-Door 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 96 Jeep Cherokee won't start 1 Answer

    I have a 96 Cherokee with the 4.0l. Was running and randomly won't start back up. It's getting 50psi of fuel pressure, and has good spark. Replaced cam sensor and crank sensor. No check engine ligh...

    1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4-Door 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport won't start. 1 Answer

    The battery is fine but the engine does not start. The gear shift can not be moved out of park.

    2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4-Door 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Cherokee

Looking for a Used Cherokee in your area?

CarGurus has 1,693 nationwide Cherokee listings starting at $4,950.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Jeep Cherokee Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    swtcat13
    Reputation
    4,080
  • #2
    JimRoy
    Reputation
    3,740
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,720
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
109 Great Deals out of 3,319 listings starting at $3,900
Used Jeep Wrangler
112 Great Deals out of 5,120 listings starting at $6,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
19 Great Deals out of 323 listings starting at $9,900
Used Ford Explorer
83 Great Deals out of 2,039 listings starting at $2,999
Used Ford F-150
320 Great Deals out of 15,926 listings starting at $1,954

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.