My 1996 jeep grand cherokee wouldnt start,acted like a dead battery. (had battery and alternator tested both good) when I jumped it it started right up but as soon as I took my foot off the gas it died..no matter how long we let it charge it would not remain running unless I was giving it some gas?

Harvey N Tawatao

• 3854 Answers
• Posted on Jun 21, 2009

SOURCE: jeep will not start unless you give it gas

It sounds like the idle air control valve (IAC) may be stuck with carbon build up. You can ether remove the IAC, or if your lazy like i am, buy two cans of Throttle body cleaner. Just follow the instruction on the can and pay attention to the IAC, try to spray the Throttle body cleaner hose towards the IAC. DO NOT USE CARB CLEANER, it's too corrosive to the gaskets used on throttle body's. If your going to remove the IAC, The idle air control valve is located on the back of the throttle body. It has an oval electrical connector and two torx screws holding it in. Unplug the connector, remove the two screws then lightly tap the body with a soft faced mallet to loosen it from the body. Once you have it out and prior to installing a new valve clean the seat inside the throttle body where the idle control fits. This must be very clean! Installation is in the reverse order. Btw, to save some cash, pull the valve out and clean it, this usually fixes the problem for quite a while. Look for crushed / cut, just any signs of damage to the wire harness to your IAC. After you have cleaned the IAC and still have the problem, you may have a bad IAC and needs to be replaced. Good luck and hope this helps. 

SOURCE: I HAVE A 94 JEEP

Check the Belt Tensioner. If the Tensioner is not Keeping the Belt Tight it will Drain the Battery Pretty Fast.Please Rate my Response, I need all the Help That I can Get! Thanks!

SOURCE: 04 jeep grand cherokee, acts like dead battery, starts after

Sounds like ignition switch problem.

SOURCE: 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee intermittent voltage drop, lose electric

I wont list this as a solution, but it seems that working in the area of the alt may have moved around some wiring...the alt may be OK but perhaps an adjacent wire (maybe a ground) is not well connected. Also check crimped on wire loops on alt connectors..they like to corrode at the crimp where it crushes on the actual wire.

SOURCE: put a new alternator in 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine light on

Ive had this similar problem in the past with my 2000 Grand Jeep Cherokee. Ive found by putting the Jeep in neutral ...it started right away. Good luck