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Chrysler Repair/my 99 Jeep Cherokee won't start first thing

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Expert: Roland Finston - 6/30/2009


Question
My Jeep won't start first thing when it has been sitting overnight.  Then around 10:00 or so it will start and consistently rest of the day.  It does turn over but just never quite catches.  What could it be?

Answer
Hi Jody,
The best approach is to get the fault codes that may be stored in the engine control module. Try the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if the mileage changes to show a 4-digit number preceeded by a P. Let me know and we'll go from there. I don't have manuals about the Jeep engines, but let me know the code if you get one. If no codes appear then go to an Autozone parts store for a free readout using a plug-in reader.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

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Roland Finston

Expertise

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 9pm CT and try to respond within 20 minutes. If I am shown as "MAXED OUT" try again at the 'top' of the hour as I may be answering another question or am otherwise busy. I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2006 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty. There are answers on file to more than fifteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. I don't have manuals for truck or Jeep (except'04-'06).

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Shortest average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1). "Top expert of 2010" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts. "Volunteer of the month" at Allexperts (June, 2011).

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