I have been having an issue with starting my 1997 Wrangler for a while. I can always get it to start, but when starting the first time of the day, I always have to follow the same routine.
The routine goes....
- turn key to initiate electrical and gauges; all lights come on, radio comes on, Check Engine light stays on, none of the gauges register (battery and gas gauge do not move), key off.
- turn key again, same thing with electrical, CEL, and gauges, key off.
- turn key a third time, all electrical and gauges operate properly, CEL goes off, Jeep starts.
If I attempt to start the Jeep on the first two steps, I never have any luck. If it is real cold in my garage (I'm in Northern Colorado), the Jeep will maybe start on that third key, but if not, always on the next attempt. During Spring/Summer, it will start on the third key on.
My assumption has been that the fuel pump/fuel pressure regulator needs to be changed as it seems that fuel is not getting to the engine as it should, and is also draining back into the tank. (I also have trouble starting the Jeep on inclines at all times; doesn't matter if it is hot or cold.) My 4x4 shop also believes that the fuel pump needs replacement as well, but they, and I, are confused by having to key the Jeep three times in order for gauges to actually register. That seems like an additional issue.
Has anyone seen this before, or have any experience with this issue? I am fine with dropping the tank and replacing the pump assembly, but am wondering if there is anything else I should be checking into prior to that.
Any help or insight is appreciated.
Thanks!
The routine goes....
- turn key to initiate electrical and gauges; all lights come on, radio comes on, Check Engine light stays on, none of the gauges register (battery and gas gauge do not move), key off.
- turn key again, same thing with electrical, CEL, and gauges, key off.
- turn key a third time, all electrical and gauges operate properly, CEL goes off, Jeep starts.
If I attempt to start the Jeep on the first two steps, I never have any luck. If it is real cold in my garage (I'm in Northern Colorado), the Jeep will maybe start on that third key, but if not, always on the next attempt. During Spring/Summer, it will start on the third key on.
My assumption has been that the fuel pump/fuel pressure regulator needs to be changed as it seems that fuel is not getting to the engine as it should, and is also draining back into the tank. (I also have trouble starting the Jeep on inclines at all times; doesn't matter if it is hot or cold.) My 4x4 shop also believes that the fuel pump needs replacement as well, but they, and I, are confused by having to key the Jeep three times in order for gauges to actually register. That seems like an additional issue.
Has anyone seen this before, or have any experience with this issue? I am fine with dropping the tank and replacing the pump assembly, but am wondering if there is anything else I should be checking into prior to that.
Any help or insight is appreciated.
Thanks!