97 went dead without warning

[Jarlaxle]

Weird...on the hiway, and it just stalled. All the gauges stayed where they were (showing 50mph & ~1700rpm), now show.nothing with the key on. Err...help?

[Carves]

See if you can read any fault codes ...

Theres some tips and hints on how to ... in this thread ... http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11543


Theres a few possible causes ... so knowing the fault code will save you some effort, time and dollars.

[bluedragon436]

Will it try and turn over at all when you turn the key to start it?? Or does it just do nothing at all when you turn the key to the start position??

[cherokeemudslinger]

Sounds like a bad neutral switch maybe

[Jarlaxle]

It cranks and cranks, but won't start. Don't see how a bad NSS would make the gauges act weird and the engine stall. The CEL did NOT come on at any point.

[Carves]

FWIW ... its probably the crank sensor on the bell housing ...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/Engine/EngineA03.jpg



... but Ive had similiar symptons with a dodgy cam sensor in the distributor.


Various codes can be stored - Without the warning light on the dash illuminating.

... and .. Ive found that a dodgy crank sensor wont always cause a code .... damned electronic nonsense .. :bang: .. :D

[4.3LXJ]

I vote crank position sensor too. Common problem

[cherokeemudslinger]

Cap that's the one I was thinking about don't know why i typed the other one . I m sorry for that wrong info

[Jarlaxle]

Will a bad crank sensor make the gauges not work?

[cherokeemudslinger]

I did a little research . It seems that it can according to some other guys that had this same problem . One guy stated after it sit for about 20 min he went out and turned the key and the gauges went back to their normal position . But i just did a littlegoogling on this . I will try help you out further .

[xjrev10]

Will a bad crank sensor make the gauges not work?

No.

Also something else to check would be the ASD relay in the fuse box. I have no idea what the hell it does or controls but I have twice now had a no start problem and changing that relay fixed the problem. Once in a 98 XJ and a 91 MJ.

[Jarlaxle]

Weird...it was the fuel pump wire shorting to ground and popping the fuse. Strange.

[Brasscatz]

Hey, nice find! How did you find it?

[ArmyGuy45]

I vote crank position sensor too. Common problem

Agreed. I replaced my Crank and Cam sensor since they seem to go out in pairs. Cheap fix to!

To get to the Crank sensor you will need to jack it up real high and "hug" your tranny to get both bolts off.

[bluedragon436]

I need to pickup a spare CPS just in case mine decides to go out again!! LOL..