1997 Jeep Cherokee: won't start

6 of the 390 complaints about the 1997 Jeep Cherokee describe won't start.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 13 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2026
1
2021
2
2020
8
2019
45
2018
11
2017
33
2016
24
2015
34
2014
53
2001
2
2000
2
1997
6
1996
2
1995
3
1993
2
1992
1

What owners say

Filed Feb 14, 2015 · Fuel system · 9,237 miles · GA

The jeep shut down on the hwy,wouldn't start had get a tow. Spent over 500 dollars on repairs and tow ,four days later it did the exact same thing. Lucky I was home is time .waited two day's went outside and it started with no problem .im not driving it anymore its to much trouble.

Filed Aug 24, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · FL

1997 jeep grand cherokee laredo 4.0l i6 began stalling in 2010 under seemingly random conditions. Replaced several parts (spark plugs, wires, distributor cap & rotor, ignition coil, PCM) over the past four years to no avail. The difference currently is that the stall now only seems to occur at temperatures less than 65-70 degrees f. The colder the environment, the worse stall probability. Colder temps also increase probability vehicle will not start after a stall. Vehicle will always fire up on a cold start. Stall occurs at varying speeds (including at idle), but above approximately 40 MPH stall becomes what seems like a misfire. Believe I have narrowed the problem down to an intermittent connection in the wiring harness, either at the gray PCM connector (closest to body), or in the wire leading to this connector. Putting enough pressure on the wires under the PCM in a certain direction will cause the vehicle to hiccup or stall. Only code ever shown related to stall was the unspecific p0351 ignition system code. Fortunately, if a stall occurs at higher speeds, engine/vehicle speed must still drop to a certain level before power steering/braking are lost. Otherwise vehicle would be too dangerous to drive. Nevertheless this is still a hazardous condition.

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Engine · TX

Car will not start anymore, it used to turn off at lights, or stop signs. Now it just wont turn on at all. I see a lot of complaints about this same issue. What can be done without costing me a fortune.

Filed Jul 30, 2001 · Fuel system · PA

In february of 1998 we received a letter dated february 19, 1998. The letter described a possibility of an inaccurate fuel guage due to a fuel level sending unit. We called the dealer and were told to wait for notification from the factory. Notification never came. We checked on other occasions by phone or when the vehicle was in for service. We were told nothing. On two occasions, one recently our vehicle had to be towed for a no start condition. When the vehicle was examined it was found to be out of fuel (on both occasions). We took the vehicle in to have the problem rectified and was told our vehicle was not involved in the recall (the federal safety agency campaign # (97v194000). We contacted chrysler and were told in so many words "sorry we can not help". I find it difficult to understand how we received the letter in the first place, and secondly why the vehicle would be doing exactly what the letter and from what I understand the recall bulletin says it will do.

Filed Feb 20, 2001 · Electrical · CA

While traveling 40mph vehicle stalled and died. No prior warnings, and vehicle would not start. Towed it to dealer.

Filed Jan 14, 2001 · Fuel system · VA · 2 injuries

Parked car would not start until mechanic banged on gas tank. Mechanic indicated something was wrong with fuel pump. Have you had any notice of fuel pump service recalls for 97 jeep cherokee's?.