Stalling and rough idle problem.

1,220

Asked by dolfan Nov 09, 2011 at 08:50 PM about the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2002 Grand Cherokee 4.0l recently started  having rough idle problems. I did a tune up..changed the plugs.....replaced the coil rail.....air filter.....gas filter. The idle is still rough and now it stalls suddenly. It has stalled while I was highway driving.....sitting at a light...ect. It doesn't seem to be the fuel pump as I can hear it come on when I turn the key. Anyone have any ideas what it could be?

Thanks!

Dolfan

47 Answers

7,185

If you can HEAR the fuel pump, then that might be the issue. Normally fuel pumps get really noisy when they are beginning to fail. Due to clogged fuel filters the pump fails soon after. Replace both or get the fuel pressure checked at the fuel rails on the engine. Other possible issues could be crank sensor or intake MAF sensor. Wouldn't hurt to take some MAF sensor cleaner to it and also clean out your throttle bottle. I think there is a idle control sensor in the throttle body near the butterfly valve. Check that too.

81 people found this helpful.
1,220

Thanks Matt. I changed out my cranksaft postion sensor. I got the error code off the odometer and AutoZone said it was the sensor. I just swapped it out so we'll see if it stalls again. If not I'll look into the fuel pump. Thanks again. I'll let you know how it goes.

37 people found this helpful.
1,220

I have had no more stalling or rough idling so I guess it was the crankshaft sensor. Thanks again for the response Matt.

32 people found this helpful.
350

I had a similar problem with my 2000; finally solved with new fuel filter. the fuel filter is also the fuel pressure regulator.

35 people found this helpful.
360

Just so I understand, on a 2002 jeep Cherokee the fuel pressure regulator is inside the fuel filter ???

36 people found this helpful.
520

My 2004 grand jeep stalls out when I stop at a light what could it be

52 people found this helpful.
540

Ive the same problem .. just changed the crank sensor .. Still stalls and no break and steering also freezes .. Its very dangerous .. Sbody pls help . Can it be the mass sensor ??

54 people found this helpful.
650

I have a 1988 jeep cherokee n it has a rough idle n a miss. It starts up fine n sometimes the rpms well stay at 3000 rpms. I sometimes have to turn the engine off n back on for the rpms to drop down to abt 1000. Then it wants to lug down while im driving on the highway then it picks back up again

65 people found this helpful.
270

My jeepnhas done this a few times. It ended uo being the relay sensor or the throttle positioning sensor. Both are under 40 bucks and very easy to change.

27 people found this helpful.
260

Previously I changed the O2 sensors and throttle positioning sensor on my 2004 to fix idle issues. 2 years later having idle issues again the vehicle wants to idle at 1500 - 2000 RPM. Should I replace fuel filter and fuel pump?

26 people found this helpful.
400

I was experiencing da same problem until I found out theres a fuel filter & theres a fuel pressure regulator on my 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I changed out the fuel pumps 5-5 times in 2weeks because I installed a fuel fil5er instead of a fuel pressure regulator. Looks the same but different name & different part #. Price is different too. I wasn't getting any pressure after the fuel filter but before the filter I was getting good reading. If you take off the fuel filter or pressure regulator blow air into the inlet & barely block the outlet. If it's good, there will be no air coming out on return line. Hope it helps you out. I thought the fuel pumps we're bad til I made this discovery. Now it runs like a gazelle.

30 people found this helpful.
350

What would cause my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo to stall out on the freeway after 20 30 miles and then have rough idle until it cools off and it runs fine

35 people found this helpful.
400

Could be a faulty coolant sensor sending false signal to the computer

10 people found this helpful.
100

My jeep grand Cherokee Laredo didn't start today the first time I tried to start it. It started the second time. Any ideas. Its been idling rough. I just had started replaced and new battery put in not too long ago. Hoping its not a fuel pump problem

10 people found this helpful.
490

So i have had the same issue.2002 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0 The fix for me for the high idle was the throttle position sensor (TPS) <--- easy fix, but still had errors and misfires. Getting codes for coils and or computer. I opend up the fuse box after a month of not finding the problem and wiggled around the injector fuse. Stalled the engine. So i cleaned out the fuse slot that did have corrosion in it . it now says running but ever once in a while it sputters . I am going to look at all the connections in the fuse box this weekend and ill report if i find the fix.Im affraid i put a bad Engine position sensor in it. So far i have changed out the TPS, Engine and cam position sensor, The computer and spark plugs.

18 people found this helpful.
370

I’ve got an 03 GC 4.0 i6 and twice in the last 2 weeks it has stalled while idling. First time was while stopped at a light and second time was last night in my driveway maybe 30 seconds after I started it and put it in drive to pull into garage. I’m going to get a fuel filter replaced and an oil change and see if that helps at all. Anyone have any ideas what else it could be if that doesn’t work?

23 people found this helpful.
490

@Evan03WJ do you have any error codes when it stalls or engine light on ? You can (on my jeep at least ) turn the key to the on position 3 times without turning the engine over ( accessory position before it cranks over ) and leave it there on the third turn of key. It will display any error codes on your digital display where your miles are. youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV4-3o1lsN0

11 people found this helpful.
370

@Michael yeah I just figured that trick out and got P 0320 which upon further investigation means Distributor/Crankshaft position sensor is bad. The symptoms listed include dying when idling so I’m going to try that instead. Hopefully this should work.

14 people found this helpful.
490

I got that same error P 0320 the cam sensor is easy to replace but the crank sensor is kinda of a pain. DO not get the cheaper one. get a mopar OEM one. I now have to replace the 55$ one after only 2 days it was bad. i got with this one a on amazon .https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EFTQJG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00? ie=UTF8&psc=1 also there is a way to get to it from under the dash. its not to bad this way. I tied a string around the old one when i pulled it out and attached it to the new one . so i could get the wire harness to the passenger side. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q2Q4X-RP3s

14 people found this helpful.
70

Jeep 2000 Cherokee kept stalling and just simply cutting out while I was driving. Changed out the PCM for about $170. It was super easy to install. Dealers and mechanics will tell you $1,500. Pure rip-off. Do it yourself and as I said, super easy to do. Still was giving me the same issues. Read that it could be the Crank Shaft Position Sensor. I purchased one at Advance Auto Parts for about $40 dollars and had it installed for $53 dollars at Tire Choice. Better having them install as it's a bear to get to and simply easier for them at that price. Jeep has been running awesome since changing out the part. Hope this helps.

7 people found this helpful.
490

yea just be careful. i got that same one or a after market Crank Position Sensor. had to swap it out for an Original Jeep one, Because it was faulty. IMO its better to spend the extra 35$ for a good one.

6 people found this helpful.
110

I have an 02 Grand Cherokee with a 4.0 IL6 and yes, the fuel pressure regulator is combined with the filter under the vehicle in front of the fuel tank. However, I also have a pressure regulator at the fuel rail! does this mean someone swapped the engine with an older model? I bought this used from a private party. I never heard of any vehicle using 2 fuel pressure regulators. Has anyone ever saw or heard of this?

11 people found this helpful.
200

Hi I got a 2001 jeep grand cherokee v8 4.7 my jeep only starts if I press the gas pedal all the way down then the car Shakes at idle rpms go up and down sometimes it dies the car is drivable but everytime I stop at a red light it dies on me but it starts right up again like I said only if I press gas pedal to the floor car does have power when I Step on it on freeway only problem is at idle just shakes a lot and it hesitates when I start to accelerate and it smells líke gas alot ive changed coil packs fuel injectors and throttle position sensor car is still the same please let me know something thank u

20 people found this helpful.
150

Try opening the gas tank cover and leaving it open for a few minutes. I know this sounds rudimentary, but this seems to work every time this has happened to my vehicle (twice). Still trying to get to the bottom of this, but feel like humidity/ heat is causing fume buildup that chokes the engine to an extent. I have a 2003 Grand Cherokee. Let me know if this is a quick fix for anyone else.

15 people found this helpful.
120

My 2011 Jeep Cherokee stared running with a rough idle and it started to die on me stopping at red lights and stop signs had coils and harness changed out, but now it is will still die, with no control of steering or brakes. Not for sure what to think, very dangerest I don't feel comfortable driving it any more. The shop has drove it and it hasn't died on them., it only has under 28,000 miles on it. Thanks for any info.

12 people found this helpful.
90

I upgraded my fuel injectors and now it idle bad until it warms up....I changed the map and throttle position sensor and still know luck....can someone one please let me know if u have any idea on how to fix the idle

9 people found this helpful.
60

Did you ever figure it out mine does same thing I put it in neutral going down interstate at 70 all lights go out and recrank to reset the computer runs fine a little ways then over and over and over the cops are going to end up righting me a ticket Don't ever by another JEEP cherokee02 model

6 people found this helpful.
60

Need some info I started my Jeep and started just fine then put it in drive it took off slow then I put it in nutritional tried to rev it up and wouldn’t do that then I turned it off and did it again and it didn’t happen

6 people found this helpful.
10

Does idle speed fluctuate significantly? Have you tried the idle air control valve?

1 people found this helpful.
60

Hey guys I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited 4.7l and it keep low idling at stops and sometimes stalls. I’ve replaced the IACV and TPS and also cleaned out the throttle body when I put a CAI on the Jeep. Anyone know what else it could be ? Always starts up fine and has no issues other than low idling and stalling when I come to a stop.

6 people found this helpful.
60

I have the same problem with mine, 2001 GCherokee 4.7 V8 additional to that, black smoke comes out the exhaust. Very irritating. Please assist.

6 people found this helpful.
30

I also had the same problem. Found a leaking vacuum hose. Fixed it and it stopped shaking and wanting to die on me.

3 people found this helpful.
110

I'm sure many of you still have this problem and its quite the nasty one at that. Heres what I did. I went through the process of elimination by first UNPLUGGING test running REPLUGGING (one at a time) the O2 sensors, the MAT, MAP, TPS etc etc. every possible sensor all the way down to the purge canister valve. NO luck. I get a scanner and watch all the sensors in particular the O2s. All looks normal then all the sudden both O2s go lean, the engine start running like crap and or stalls. wait a 30 seconds and restart and smooth as can be until sudden lean again! If it stays running it cycles through this rough idle period for about a minute then smooths out for about 40 seconds then repeats almost like clock work. So I waltz on down to my local Dodge dealer and ask to speak to their head master mechanic guru and explained (I know how to speak mechanic IE open loop closed loop ) all that jazz above. Basically he said the drive train mechanicals are bullet proof even at 200k if maintained but the PCU is garbage. He explained further that there is no logical reason for the PCU to go haywire like that, it just isnt a sensor but rather the PCU itself. OKAY I toddle back to the ranch and remove the PCU, shorten the screws, put it all back together and BAM! no more issues. Basically what I'm getting at here is dont blow hundreds of dollars on sensors. Just do the process of elimination like I did and if that doesnt work get a 130 dollar scanner that can scan ALL the systems. By watching the O2 sensors it gave it all away and consulting with the Great and powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee Grand PooBah I narrowed it down to the PCU itself.

11 people found this helpful.
100

I've had the same issue except mine idles rough and nearly stalls while in park. If I touch the gas pedal it will bog down and nearly die out once I release the pedal it idles back up. It now barely will stay running at idle.

7 people found this helpful.
100

I've had the same issue except mine idles rough and nearly stalls while in park. If I touch the gas pedal it will bog down and nearly die out once I release the pedal it idles back up. It now barely will stay running at idle.

3 people found this helpful.
80

So I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited with the 4.7l, I’ve had a problem that started a few weeks ago and need guidance. It idles in park fine and I’ve checked for vacuum leaks by spraying carb cleaner on my vacuum lines to see if the engine would rev up but no luck. It stalls when it’s cold and I pull up to a red light. It seems like it drops out of gear and when it pops back into gear it struggles and stalls I have no idea what’s going on but I’ve already sunk 4K in other parts into my Jeep and I’m getting angry/upset that now it’s doing this someone please help.

8 people found this helpful.
30

I've got a 04 jeep grand Cherokee that Randomly dies. I've put a new Thermostat in it fixed it for a few days then did it again. So i put a new coolant temperature sensor on it. Fixed it a few days no it acts like its not getting fuel. So i switched the windshield wiper relay with the fuel pump relay. Agin fixed it for a few days . The fan wont kick on high unless the coolant temperature sensor is unpluged. If its plugged in the fan wont kick on at all. An help would be great

3 people found this helpful.
70

If replacing the plugs coil rail map mafia 02 sensors fail like my issue did.... Check your valve ground and battery. My battery read fine but.... It was not I replaced my valve ground and added fluid to my battery**notrecomended to mess with a battery but it showed me my issue. ******* so any way my 4.0 on 03 Jeep would run rougher than sand paper than to. I cleaned replace and just went mental on it all lmao. But this seems to be a common problem with any ECM operated car which is most. The Mopar ground straps are crap. And my battery was not very old either but it worked like a charm

7 people found this helpful.
60

Check small wiring harness behind breather that is bolted to intake manifold. Excessive heat from engine melted wires together causing my problems. Separated and rewired, problem solved. Good luck

6 people found this helpful.
20

Try the cheap fix first which is fuel filter because the fuel pressure regulator is in the filter then I would think crank sensor.

2 people found this helpful.
10

SUCCESS: Same problem. Running poorly stalling at stops and lights. Oil pressure would spike up then drop suddenly. Had camshaft sensor change, replaced oil place sensor and cleaned all ground wires. Nothing worked until I changed mechanics and they suggested the coil pack be changed. Voila - runs like a new machine.

1 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2007 jeep grand Cherokee laredo 4wd with the 3.7l v6 sohc, my jeep shut off on my fiance while driving, luckily my brother was able to tow it back. It started but ran rough, wouldnt idle kept wanting to die. I hooked it up to a diagnostic computer and it read multiple misfire, cylinder 5 misfire, crank shaft sensor. I then changed all 6 spark plugs, all 6 ignition coils and the crank shaft sensor. Programmed the computer to relearn all 3. No difference. I replaced the fuel pump and regulator this past week along with the injectors. The only two other things I can think of is possibly the cam sensor or the throttle body itself. Any suggestions? Really hoping it didnt jump time.

2 people found this helpful.

I've seen many responses on this topic, yet there is no definitive approach or resolution. I'd like to post my scenario and some background, hopefully to toggle that one DIY'ers brain and get an idea of next steps. I have a 2001 Grand Cherokee 4.0. My problem started about 1.5yrs ago when the car turned off at a stop sign. Started it back up, no problems and went on my merry way. The next several weeks this got more frequent. As the temps in Chicago dropped, I found it harder and harder to start my car in the mornings. It went from 3-6 cranks to get it started, to now 40+ cranks! And when the engine does start turning over, it rough-idles for a few seconds, then sputters and dies. I wait a minute, restart, it rough idles for a minute, then sputters. After a few attempts, the car will start up and remain on, but still rough idles. I'll shut it off, and back on a few times, and the rough-idling get's less and less. Eventually, the car starts to act and sound normal. Now the main rub here is the following: This is not an issue in the summer time, only the winter! Here's what my buddy and I have done so far, in order: 1. Replaced Fuel Filter and regulator (one piece) from Napa 2. Replace spark plugs with Champion Double from Napa (with .035 gap) 3. Replace Coil pack/rail from Napa (at the time of spark plugs) 4. Replaced Camshaft Position Sensor and Synchronizer from Advanced Auto (followed instructions to get engine at Top-Dead-Center by handcranking and aligned synchronizer to appropriate position before installing) There's another piece I replaced last year, just can't remember which one it was. So as you can see, I'm at a loss here. This shouldn't be rocket math, it's a Jeep for Christ sake. Anyone have these symptoms and tried the efforts I have, with a different path to try next?

40

if it is a cold winter recurrence, take a look at the battery temp sensor under the battery tray. Unplug socket. Take a Digital volt meter (DVM) and check for 9000 (9K) ohms on the sensor pins. If open, will not show anything. It's a problem that will not allow the PCM to operate properly. Good luck

4 people found this helpful.

Cold weather issue? I have not driven the 2001 WJ (243,000 miles) for three months. Half a tank of gas is 2.5 - 3 months old. Jeep battery had to be charged. Jeep started right up after charging and drove it around, but the Jeep stalled about 10 minutes into the traffic light ride - 55 mph slowing down for the red light, and the Jeep stalled - startled me - have never experienced this behavior. Glided to the shoulder, started right up, and drove it back home (10 miles) with no stops until the driveway turn and into the garage - going into the garage the what to stall behavior started again. Do you think it is bad gas? Poured in a 12 oz bottle of ISO HEET and topped off the gas tank with fresh 13 gallons yesterday. It drives okay, some stop signs no issues, some stop signs seem like there isn't enough gas starting to stall. I started it up this morning sat in the driveway, watching gauges and notetaking. Everything was fine until 6 minutes (at which time the engine gauge was reading a normal operating temp. The rpm dropped below 1, and the engine seemed to struggle for gas. Gently revved engine to 1 rpm - 1.5 rpm engine runs no coughing, choking, stuttering. Gently ease the foot off accelerator rpm drops below 1, which is normal during idle, BUT the engine acts like it is not getting enough gas - stalling. BAD GAS? Smells normal. What to do next? Drive it around the neighborhood to use up gas and keep adding fresh gas? Let it run in the driveway to use up gas? I don't know what to do with 20+ gallons of gas if siphoned. Ideas? Nothing else has happened besides sitting for a few winter months in a heated garage.

In the evening I arrived everything worked and in the morning this problem arose. Jeep WJ 2001 engine idling problem. The engine skips and cannot be driven, this fault cannot be driven. According to recharging, is the alternator defective? The Check Gages, ABS, Parking brakes warning light also came on.The number of kilometers also flashes. Thank you all for any advice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-N3YlF5NrY&t=73s

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