ZJ cranks but won't start

[highjeeps]

deleted

[highjeeps]

bad coil ... replaced it ... now it starts like a champ!

[Linda]

I used to go through a coil once a year in my 4.0L 93 ZJ. There was a problem with the wiring harness between the PCM and the coil on the 93 models (maybe other ones too). The replacement P/N can be found on ZJ newgroups.

I had the coil fail on a Labor Day camping trip. We spent 5 days in an RV park in Overgaard waiting for a new one. The only garage in town took the whole weekend off and didn't have the correct coil in stock. Fortunately for us the tow truck driver also managed the RV park.

I had the coil go out on the start of a trip down the Rubicon Trail. Replaced it, but one of the bolts holding the coil on screw fell out during the replacement and it shredded the serpentine belt a few miles from the start of the trail. We couldn't find the bolt so bought another one from the NAPA in town. The lost one got stuck in the belt. It made for a late start. I had a spare coil, but not a spare belt. There was only one other 4.0L Jeep in the group. Fortunately the owner, Tom Z, was carrying a spare.

I had the coil fail intermittently up in Moab. It totally ruined a week-long vacation because I couldn't figure it out. Ask me if there is a place in Moab that knows anything about automotive electrical systems. The closest place was the Jeep dealership in Grand Junction. It cost $1300 to have the Jeep hauled back to Phoenix. It took another two weeks of driving it around the neighborhood before it completely failed.

Oh yeah, once it failed in the parking lot a work. I didn't have the tools or a spare coil with me. Steve was working out of town so I had it towed home so I could take care of it.

[highjeeps]

Man, talk about bad experiences. Fortuately for me, this is the first one I've had go out in 130,000 miles (that I remember any way). I will definately start carrying a spare!