1996 Jeep Cherokee from North America - Comments

Cuts off while going down the road and at traffic lights. Hard to restart. Had timing sensor replaced after several trips to the shop wherein they could not figure out what was wrong.

Three months later the same problem started again. Keeps shutting off. Replaced the computer module.

Two days later, transmission fluid started pouring out on the manifold. Also, the engine cutting off problem happened again, plus it also began shutting off at high speeds, and then when it decelerated to about 35 miles per hour it would cut back on. Dealer still has it in the shop and can't figure out what is wrong. This problem with the engine cutting off has now continued for the entire 9 months that I have had this vehicle and no solution is in sight.

This would be a nice vehicle if the engine would stay on consistently. It handles well and has great pickup. It is frustrating, however, to own a vehicle that the dealer does not know how to fix and refuses to go down the road without cutting off.

I've had a similar situation with a 1996 sport version, no 4wd on it, it might be different. I was about to replace the fuel pump, but while at the mechanic's shop when the gas tank was down, we discovered the inner fuel pump's filter was all dirty. Replaced it and had not have a proble with the engine cut-off thing any more. You may want to give it a try.

You might want to check your crankshaft position sensor. The wire going to the sensor gets very loose and will cause the engine to shut off at just about any time. The sensor is mounted on top of the trans. bell-housing (two bolts). Remove the sensor and test it with an ohm meter. If you don't feel like testing it, new sensors are fairly cheap at your local parts store. Just an idea for ya.

Eric H.

I had the same problem and it turned out to be the crankshaft positioning sensor. You need 1/4 in sockets and multiple extentions w\swivel joint.

Good luck..!!

I had a similar problem and the problem lied in the relay box. Replaced relays multiple times, but yet problem continues.

I also had a problem with the engine cutting off. Strangely enough, it turned out to be a bad battery. Low juice seems to cause strange, and unexpected symptoms. With the new battery, problems immediately disappeared. Even my mechanic didn't catch the problem.

Hey, I had a similar problem, I would be going down the road and the engine just completely shut off. We took it to dealerships and mechanics,. They couldn't find anything so I tried replacing the ignition coil. The ignition coil has oil in it to keep it from overheating. Well, the oil resevoir broke and it would overheat, shutdown and wouldn't crank up for about an hour. I hope it helps somebody.

I have a 96 Sport and has also had the out of nowhere shutoff. At first, some friends told me it might be the coil, but I ended up bring it into the shop and it was the crank sensor. After having that replaced, hasn't shutoff while I was driving since.

I was troubled to find this information for I too have had this exact problem and have replaced all parts mentioned with exception to computer module which I am now being told needs replaced. Engine cuts out at stops and all speeds including on freeway which is dangerous. Have replaced both crankshaft and cam sensor, new battery, fuel filter have run full anyalysis of electrical and fuel systems and problem still exists. Extremely frustrating because jeep will run a full day and then boom your dead on the side of the road. Had always wanted a cherokee and this is my first - and last.

My car, 96 Cherokee Jeep had a transmission leak. I got it fixed, but then thereafter, I began having another problem, which was the engine turning off at high speeds, low speeds and stops at traffic lights.

After about 2 hours of rest, the jeep would start up again, but then the next day, it would die all over again in the middle of the road. I took it back to the mechanic who could not find anything wrong with it, which was very frustrating because I continued to get stranded for hours.

Finally, I learned it was the Cam shaft sensor, which sits on top of the transmission. My hunch! When the mechanic fixed the transmission, he accidentlly messed with the Cam Shaft, which sits on top of the transmission area.

I could not prove this... in effect, I ended up having to pay for a new Cam shaft Senor.

So----if your car starts going dead just after a repair to your transmission... you can bet that during the transmission repair, your Cam Shaft senor got inadvertantly messed with.

I too own a 96 Jeep Cherokee, mine is specifically a 4 wheel drive and 4.0 liter. I bought the vehicle used in 99, and around 01 experienced trouble with the engine cutting off at stops. After replacing spark plugs, wires, and fuel filter, the Jeep ran fine until 04, when I did it again.

I recently replaced my fuel filter in December, but continued to have trouble keeping the engine idling after starting it up. This morning I was driving down the road at 40 miles/hour and the engine cut off. I had to wait about 45 minutes before I could start it again (foot had to be on accelerator the entire time), when it then died again a half a mile down the road.

I've read these posts, and I would like some opinions. Should a try to replace the crank shaft sensor (around $68) first? Or should I try replacing the ignition coil ($29.00). Or should I replace something else first? Any information would be appreciated.