4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: Possible fuel pump problem, throttle position sensor, wrangler sport

Question
I Have a 2000 Wrangler Sport with the 4.0 engine.  It has recently been difficult to start, and I do not believe it has anything to do with electronics. It has always started immediately and this problem came on slowly in the last 2 months.  I previously owned a 1997 and had the same problem. The 1997 eventually would not start at all and it was the fuel pump.  It seems almost the exact same problem.  I hate to spend 500.00 dollars for a internal fuel pump, if it may not be the problem.  Any advise on testing or is this typical problem when a TJ fuel pump starts to go bad.   Thanks   Randy,   Bethlehem Pa.

Answer
Randy,

This should be an easy one to troubleshoot.  This could be, nothing more than water in the fuel, a plugged fuel filter or plugged fuel injectors.  I would run a good grade fuel injector cleaner through a couple of tanks of fuel, and see if it helps.  Also, on the fuel rail, there is a valve (similar to a tire valve) that is used to test fuel pressure.  If the pressure is low, and it is due to a clogged, or dirty fuel filter, this can burn out a fuel pump if the filter isn't changed.  There are some sensors, such as the "throttle position sensor" that can cause a problem similar to this.  If the fuel system checks out ok, I would find a reputable shop, and have them run an electronic diagnostic on your Jeep.

  Carl