89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
03-09-2005, 10:03 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
Glen
engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
Glen
03-10-2005, 12:12 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
I could see a short in the brake light circuit sucking so much
power that your computer wouldn't work, but disconnecting the line to
that switch, and the engine won't run makes no sense, the line is
terminated there. I once had a similar problem where is would hit the
brakes and engine would die, but actually my knee was hitting the column
where the ignition switch was coming apart. The only thing I could
suggest is double check every connection, looking for hot spots where a
couple of wire could have melted together.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
power that your computer wouldn't work, but disconnecting the line to
that switch, and the engine won't run makes no sense, the line is
terminated there. I once had a similar problem where is would hit the
brakes and engine would die, but actually my knee was hitting the column
where the ignition switch was coming apart. The only thing I could
suggest is double check every connection, looking for hot spots where a
couple of wire could have melted together.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
03-10-2005, 12:12 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
I could see a short in the brake light circuit sucking so much
power that your computer wouldn't work, but disconnecting the line to
that switch, and the engine won't run makes no sense, the line is
terminated there. I once had a similar problem where is would hit the
brakes and engine would die, but actually my knee was hitting the column
where the ignition switch was coming apart. The only thing I could
suggest is double check every connection, looking for hot spots where a
couple of wire could have melted together.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
power that your computer wouldn't work, but disconnecting the line to
that switch, and the engine won't run makes no sense, the line is
terminated there. I once had a similar problem where is would hit the
brakes and engine would die, but actually my knee was hitting the column
where the ignition switch was coming apart. The only thing I could
suggest is double check every connection, looking for hot spots where a
couple of wire could have melted together.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
03-10-2005, 12:12 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
I could see a short in the brake light circuit sucking so much
power that your computer wouldn't work, but disconnecting the line to
that switch, and the engine won't run makes no sense, the line is
terminated there. I once had a similar problem where is would hit the
brakes and engine would die, but actually my knee was hitting the column
where the ignition switch was coming apart. The only thing I could
suggest is double check every connection, looking for hot spots where a
couple of wire could have melted together.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
power that your computer wouldn't work, but disconnecting the line to
that switch, and the engine won't run makes no sense, the line is
terminated there. I once had a similar problem where is would hit the
brakes and engine would die, but actually my knee was hitting the column
where the ignition switch was coming apart. The only thing I could
suggest is double check every connection, looking for hot spots where a
couple of wire could have melted together.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
03-10-2005, 07:20 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
Glen Hudgin did pass the time by typing:
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
Without a wiring schematic I can't give you more than suggestions.
First the basics:
Do you have an aftermarket alarm system on your Jeep?
Go through and check every fuse.
Assuming you have an automatic transmission, try starting the Jeep
in Neutral. (possibly the park safety/interlock switch) But that
usually results in a no-start.
<wild guess>
Something in the ignition circuit has lost its ground and is finding
one through the brake lamp system. (actually if something is, the lamps
should glow) When you press the brakes that puts 12v to the lamp and
interferes with the engine operation. Try putting a jumpercable between
the engine block and the frame. If that works then it's your engine
ground strap that has rotted.
</wild guess>
--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
Without a wiring schematic I can't give you more than suggestions.
First the basics:
Do you have an aftermarket alarm system on your Jeep?
Go through and check every fuse.
Assuming you have an automatic transmission, try starting the Jeep
in Neutral. (possibly the park safety/interlock switch) But that
usually results in a no-start.
<wild guess>
Something in the ignition circuit has lost its ground and is finding
one through the brake lamp system. (actually if something is, the lamps
should glow) When you press the brakes that puts 12v to the lamp and
interferes with the engine operation. Try putting a jumpercable between
the engine block and the frame. If that works then it's your engine
ground strap that has rotted.
</wild guess>
--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
03-10-2005, 07:20 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
Glen Hudgin did pass the time by typing:
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
Without a wiring schematic I can't give you more than suggestions.
First the basics:
Do you have an aftermarket alarm system on your Jeep?
Go through and check every fuse.
Assuming you have an automatic transmission, try starting the Jeep
in Neutral. (possibly the park safety/interlock switch) But that
usually results in a no-start.
<wild guess>
Something in the ignition circuit has lost its ground and is finding
one through the brake lamp system. (actually if something is, the lamps
should glow) When you press the brakes that puts 12v to the lamp and
interferes with the engine operation. Try putting a jumpercable between
the engine block and the frame. If that works then it's your engine
ground strap that has rotted.
</wild guess>
--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
Without a wiring schematic I can't give you more than suggestions.
First the basics:
Do you have an aftermarket alarm system on your Jeep?
Go through and check every fuse.
Assuming you have an automatic transmission, try starting the Jeep
in Neutral. (possibly the park safety/interlock switch) But that
usually results in a no-start.
<wild guess>
Something in the ignition circuit has lost its ground and is finding
one through the brake lamp system. (actually if something is, the lamps
should glow) When you press the brakes that puts 12v to the lamp and
interferes with the engine operation. Try putting a jumpercable between
the engine block and the frame. If that works then it's your engine
ground strap that has rotted.
</wild guess>
--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
03-10-2005, 07:20 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
Glen Hudgin did pass the time by typing:
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
Without a wiring schematic I can't give you more than suggestions.
First the basics:
Do you have an aftermarket alarm system on your Jeep?
Go through and check every fuse.
Assuming you have an automatic transmission, try starting the Jeep
in Neutral. (possibly the park safety/interlock switch) But that
usually results in a no-start.
<wild guess>
Something in the ignition circuit has lost its ground and is finding
one through the brake lamp system. (actually if something is, the lamps
should glow) When you press the brakes that puts 12v to the lamp and
interferes with the engine operation. Try putting a jumpercable between
the engine block and the frame. If that works then it's your engine
ground strap that has rotted.
</wild guess>
--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
Without a wiring schematic I can't give you more than suggestions.
First the basics:
Do you have an aftermarket alarm system on your Jeep?
Go through and check every fuse.
Assuming you have an automatic transmission, try starting the Jeep
in Neutral. (possibly the park safety/interlock switch) But that
usually results in a no-start.
<wild guess>
Something in the ignition circuit has lost its ground and is finding
one through the brake lamp system. (actually if something is, the lamps
should glow) When you press the brakes that puts 12v to the lamp and
interferes with the engine operation. Try putting a jumpercable between
the engine block and the frame. If that works then it's your engine
ground strap that has rotted.
</wild guess>
--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
03-10-2005, 08:34 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
That should be a dead mesh ground strap from the rear of the engine head
to the firewall.
There is a 99% chance your vehicle is stealing the ground through the
brake pedal and light circuit.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
to the firewall.
There is a 99% chance your vehicle is stealing the ground through the
brake pedal and light circuit.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
03-10-2005, 08:34 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
That should be a dead mesh ground strap from the rear of the engine head
to the firewall.
There is a 99% chance your vehicle is stealing the ground through the
brake pedal and light circuit.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
to the firewall.
There is a 99% chance your vehicle is stealing the ground through the
brake pedal and light circuit.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
03-10-2005, 08:34 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 89 Jeep Cherokee 4L Weird starting problem
That should be a dead mesh ground strap from the rear of the engine head
to the firewall.
There is a 99% chance your vehicle is stealing the ground through the
brake pedal and light circuit.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
to the firewall.
There is a 99% chance your vehicle is stealing the ground through the
brake pedal and light circuit.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Glen Hudgin wrote:
>
> My Cherokee starts fine but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it kills the
> engine. If I keep my foot on the brake pedal it won't start. I tried
> disconnecting the wire to the brake light switch but if I do this it won't
> start. The brake lights work fine and the hazard lights work so I don't
> think the switch is the problem. Does anybody know what this problem is?
> Glen
