Jeep Cherokee (1993 - 2001) - 98 2.5 Engine shutting off/conking

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Sat 13 Feb 2010 13:25
98 2.5 Engine shutting off/conking - mscherokee
I have a '98 Jeep Cherokee Sport with some engine/electrical problems.

The Jeep was parked for a while so this may attribute to the problem.

I have two scenarios where the Jeep conks out.

1. When idling, if I rev the Jeep and take my leg of the accelerator the Jeep will conk out and the "Engine Check" light starts flashing. Switching on and off the key resets it. This is an intermittent problem and only happens one in 40 or 50 times.

2. More seriously: When driving along at cruise speed the Jeep will just lose power and die (which means a loss of steering as well as other obvious things). This also flashes on the "Engine Check" light. But I have realised, the same as above, if I turn off the key and on again it "resets" the system and the Jeep starts fine again and drives away. This is also intermittent and can happen 4-5 times in 30 minutes or once a week.

For both problems the stop button loses power.

I have taken out and cleaned the mechanical stop button and it is/was fine.
I have unplugged the accelerator near the pedal with no interference.
I have unplugged the temp sensor with no interference.

I have also found (using a volt meter), that when problem number 1 occurs the stop button loses power the minute I take my foot off the accelerator.

I haven't approached the electronic control units yet.

Thanks in advance for your time and opinions.
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Sat 13 Feb 2010 17:42
98 2.5 Engine shutting off/conking - mscherokee
'98 2.5 TDi Jeep Cherokee Sport

A correction on scenario 2 above:
The Jeep cuts out when decelerating from any speed (not cruising)i.e. if I remove my foot from the the accelerator and start changing down for a stop or bend.

This refinement ties in with number 1 more also in that it is related to removing my foot from the accelerator.


Today, I disconnected the battery leads and shorted them for 10 minutes to reset the ECU (supposedly). Did not stop the problem. Also checked fuse units in the engine bay and beside the accelerator pedal, no rust or damage.
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Sat 13 Feb 2010 18:07
98 2.5 Engine shutting off/conking - MerlinTec
Hi
Most likely problem with this model is the crank shaft sensor for none start and cutting out when driving. Not sure it's related to taking your foot off the throttle but it is what I would try first.
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Sat 13 Feb 2010 19:17
98 2.5 Engine shutting off/conking - mscherokee
Great,

I just found that sensor today after reading some of your other posts. Didn't realise the Diesel engines had it.

I should note that there isn't any starting problems, just cutting out.

I'll update later after I check it out that sensor, thanks for the reply.
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