1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a hard time starting. It has new plugs. What else should I look for ???

Question

I have a 1999 V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 140,000 miles that has a hard time starting. I put in new plugs which helped a little bit put it still has a hard time starting. It turns over well but just won't start. Once it starts it runs fine. If you turn it off and restart it I have no problem, it starts right up. What else should I do. I thought about a new fuel filter, plug wires, and coil. As far as I know it has not had any work done in at least 100,000 miles. It is my girlfriends car so if you can help me become her hero she will bake me some cookies. Help!!!

Answer 1

It's obvious that your problem is when it is cold and has been sitting so an electrical connection could be the problem or a tired starter or battery.

Take the battery cable ends of the battery and wire brush them clean and grease and put them back on the battery , then do the same on the starter that will eliminate any problems there. This is the easy and cheap way to eliminate possible problems , its called preventative maintenance

But you said no work done in 100,000 miles so it might be time to change the starter or battery and right now would be a whole lot better than in the winter don't you think.

Answer 2

its the fuel pump!

Answer 3

You're on the right track. A new fuel filter wouldn't hurt to try, plus they are usually cheap and easy to install. Plug wires also are a good idea.

Basically, the first thing you should do is try to figure out if it is indeed an electical issue, or a fuel issue. Start out with the cheapest and most simple parts/remedies first. Then work your way into the more involved repairs if the simple repairs don't cure the problem. For example, try using a fuel injector cleaner additive in your gas tank (I prefer using Sea Foam). If that doesn't work, then try a fuel filter. It could be something expensive such as a fuel pump (which tend to go out around that time depending on how you drive).

If your "Check Engine" light is on, you may be able to diagnose the problem by getting your engine scanned using an OBD2 scanner (which stands for On Board Diagnostics). Some auto parts stores, such as Auto Zone, can scan your vehicle for free and tell you what could potentially be wrong (but only if your check engine light it on!).

Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. It could be several things that are causing your problem. Like I said, start out cheap and easy and move to the harder things until it gets fixed. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

100,000 miles with no work done!  Wow, you for sure need to get air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, oil change, flush the radiator, replace the belt, and im sure a few more things.