[bradleyheathhays]

So I got this '96 Jeep Cherokee XJ that cranks but doesn't start. It's got around 180k on her but I keep everything in good shape. Batt seemed strong.

I used to drive it everyday but this past year I've driven it only about twice a week. It's been just slightly slower to start in the last couple of months, but just barely slower. Was guessing it had something to do with aging plugs or something.

Drove it yesterday and everything was normal like always, sat overnight and today it cranked but didn't catch.

Any ideas on where to start?

 

[SlammedRanger]

Start with the basics. Fuel spark and air. Best way to check fuel is see if it will fire on starting fluid. Go easy because it can hurt mas airflow sensors. See if it pops off on that. Before that i would check if the fuel pump primes. Could just be a fuel pump fuse or relay if it doesnt. Next plug wires cap and rotor.

 

[mrbb]

I'd start with battery pull and have load tested
the lack of use alone can drain a battery

 

[SamUK]

In this order....

Battery, fuses, relays.. (battery must be GOOD/NEW, 12.4+v)

Plugs, plug leads, rotor arm & distributor cap (if it has them), fuel pressure (at injector rail).

Have you checked resistance across the MAF/MAM?

 

[bradleyheathhays]

So far I've been able to run a couple tests..

Hooked up a fuel pressure gauge and first key turn got it up to only 20psi. Second turn got it up to 45. And third and subsequent turns got it up to 48. It only fell to 43 after 2 minutes so I think that means the fuel pressure is good.

Hooked up a spark tester between a plug and wire and it didn't light at all when cranked so I'm guessing I've got a spark problem. I'll start by doing a tune up with new rotor, cap, wires and plugs then see what happens.