1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Reader Question: I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4. I filled the tank yesterday and washed it then on my way home, it stutters and then at a stop light it dies.

It was hard to start back up but it started and ran for about a block. I did this three more times to get it home a couple of blocks away. I let it sit overnight and now it will not start at all. It turns over fine but nothing happens. I saw an error code on the dash that said 1492 and 340. 340 means battery is over heated. 1492 is a crankshaft position sensor.

What is really wrong? I need help.

Richard

Hey Richard,

You must be missing one of the key ingredients to start a gasoline engine, spark, fuel, and compression. Since you just washed the vehicle, there is a chance that the engine compartment received water and possibly got the crankshaft sensor or other electrical sensors wet?

You might want to open the hood and make sure things look DRY, and blow the engine off with air from a leaf blower if it appears to be wet.

Check to see if you have spark at the spark plugs, if not. The crankshaft position sensor would be a great place to start your testing. If you have spark at the spark plugs, then I would test for fuel pressure.

Can you hear the fuel pump “whine” for 2 seconds when you turn the ignition key to the ON position? If not, you will need to check for power to the fuel pump and work from there.

If you want to tackle this yourself, you will need some tools and a manual for the step-by-step test procedures. I love Alldata, it is online, and you access the information instantly.

Here is the link if you are interested:

Online Auto Repair Manual

Blessings,
Austin Davis