97 Cherokee (hard to start)

[slain]

I have a 1997 Cherokee with an I6 that takes a significant amount of cranks of the engine before she'll fire up. Once she's warm she'll turn right over. Replacing the crank position sensor has been suggested. Does anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?

[Death Wobble]

I had a similar problem last summer with my '88 where it would crank, but not start at all.  All I did was disconnect the 2 halves of the CPS connector, blow on them, and reconnect them.  Started right up, no hesitation.  Your results may vary.    P.S. I haven't replaced the CPS yet.

[(Tattoo) Jack]

 
  This might seem obvious, but have ya checked for OBD "Codes"? In a carbureted engine (which I know this isn't) and it was hard to start when cold, but not when hot, would tell me to check the choke 'cause the fuel mixture isn't rich enough. Maybe a Sensor in the TB?? The easiest thing to do is to re-set the computer/sensor parameters. Disconnect the battery, turn the ignition key on (as if to start) for 30 seconds, reconnect the battery, start the engine and let it idle for 3 minutes. DO NOT touch the gas peddle, just let it idle. This hypothesis is, of course, based on very limited experience, or more precisely, a WAG , but I hope it helps.

  Tattoo

[slain]

No ODB codes. I replaced the crank position sensor this weekend which wasn't fun but it's replaced. BTW...the service manuals tells you to go through the top to get to it which I found to be impossible. I needed like 3-4 extensions to reach it from underneath. The bolts at 11mm...btw. The CPS that was on the engine looked to be original, so I just replaced it with a new one which was 116.00 instead of cleaning it. It starts a lot better now.

[(Tattoo) Jack]

  OK...  I was wrong, BUT I did say it was a WAG

   Tattoo

[slain]

hrmm the CPS didn't fix the problem. I hate these kind of problems.

[emgraz]

Guess it's back to the drawin board!!!   

Erica