Jeep starting issues (newbie here)

Hello all, I have a 2001 SE that is giving me some problems. Hope you wonderful folks can help me find the problem.

Issue-
#1) Jeep has a hard time starting back up after I have driven it around and only let it sit in the parking lot for less than 30 mins. Those quick run into the store for something and come right back kinda deals. It will usually take 2 cranks to get it going. No issues starting when it sits for an hr or even days. It will start right up.

#2) When I fill up the tank and try to start it up again it's even worse. Like it's not going to start up again. It will take 4-5 cranks to start it. It also kind of sounds like it is bogged down, maybe? It's more of a softer crank if that makes sense. Once it starts it sounds like it might stall. I'll rev it up drive off and it's all good. Issue #1 sounds like a normal start-up but just needs a second try to get going. I also put in Heet after filling up thinking there might be h2o in there.

I tested the battery and tried to test the alternator. Not sure if I did the alternator 100% correctly, but the volts that did show up were good. Battery sitting overnight was 12.6. While running it and turning everything on it sat around 13.8-13.9 might be a little low.

FYI I am not the best at mechanics/cars but I am eager to learn and fix the easier things on this Jeep. I have found it very satisfying to DIY with the help of youtube than to bring it into the repair shop.

Mahalo for any advice/feedback.

fourpointzero said:

@hear that happens to me on hot days. After a long run and I shut the Jeep off, I return shortly to turn the key and I get nothing. Turn it again, sometimes it cranks and starts. On rare occasions (hotter days) I need three attempts till it fires right up. But it never turns over or clicks. Its a "turn" and nothing. I suspected a hot cable issue. For the record, relatively new battery and a new starter. I believe @JeepJeep1 's engine turns (if Im reading your message correctly) but it doesn't fire right up.

@JeepJeep1 I would do a search on the forum for "Crankshaft Position Sensor" as your symptoms seem to resemble an issue with that. Keep in mind its a suggestion. There could be other similar reasons, up to or including a fuel delivery issue causing the delayed start.

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Thanks @fourpointzero and @hear I will check it out. I am also going to do a fuel pressure test and look at the purge valve. The jeep does turn over just struggles and usually takes a few tries.