Hesitating XJ

Help. We have an '89 XJ with the 4.0 that we keep at our winter home in Mexico and it has recently started hesitating at light load in overdrive. Feels like the ignition is completely turned off for just an instant. It may happen once or twice in 20 miles or it may do it every minute or so. If we shift out of overdrive and increase the revs a bit, it either doesn't do it or we can't feel it because of the increased engine speed. I've replaced the plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and run through two cans of injection cleaner and checked all the vital connectors, including the one to the CPS, which has given me trouble in the past. I'm leaving for Mexico this week and would like to take down with me any replacement parts that might solve the problem. Anyone run across this phenomenon before?

Thanks in advance,

Reply to
Rod Frazier
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Reply to
L.W.(ßill)

Thanks - Probably a good idea.

Reply to
Rod Frazier

See if it does the same thing in 1st/2nd at low speed, light load - about the same conditions you would get in a parking lot cruising around looking for a parking spot. That was the final step on my 88 when I was trying to get it to run right and a new O2 sensor cured that. If it's just under load, like high or overdrive when it's pulling hard, Bill had the best idea: CPS and a real tuneup.

Reply to
Will Honea

It couldnt hurt to carry a fuel pump relay. KH

Reply to
Kevin in San Diego

Thanks, Kevin. Thanks, Will. It just does it on the road, often when you start up a slight incline requiring just a very light additional load. I guess I'll have to bite the financial bullet and take down a pocket-load of sensors and relays. The local mechanics have no diagnostic equipment and the nearest dealer is two hours away in La Paz and may also be not too well equipped or trained. This may be my primary winter project. At least then I can answer the eternal question of "What do you do all winter in Baja"?

Reply to
Rod Frazier

Reply to
Will Honea

Good ideas. I actually changed a CPS a couple of years ago when the problem was just a poor connection but have repressed just how difficult it was. I suppose it'll all come back to me. For sure I'll do the check-the-connectors drill first, with all fingers and toes crossed. I'd much rather be fishing than skinning knuckles.

Reply to
Rod Frazier

Just remember if you are stuck and suspect the cps, just unplug it and plug it back in. That often yeilds a start and will work for a while KH

Frazier)

Reply to
Kevin in San Diego

KH

Cherokee that had been to two different mechanics by doing the same thing. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked for me this time. The symptoms are different from anything I've had before. I suspect one problem is that the car now lives all year about a hundred yards from the ocean, and corrosion is incipient. I think I'll make Kragens happy today and pick up every sensor I think might be faulty. It galls me, but I don't see another recourse. I'll honk as we pass through San Diego (coming from the Central Valley).

Reply to
Rod Frazier

Beep Beep KH

Reply to
Kevin in San Diego

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