Hello to all. I am a newbie in this forum so I am grateful for being allowed in this forum and I appreciate any input related to my 2004 Liberty issue. After I replaced the coolant/antifreeze reservoir and the radio, it is very difficult to start the engine and when it runs, it does it with a heavy lean fuel mixture. I replaced the air intake temp sensor (OBD2 code) yet the problem persists.when turning over the engine it occasionally starts very slow and without power and if I press the gas pedal it runs rough and splatters fuel drops thru the muffler. Any ideas guys? Thanks for your time and knowlege.
Trouble starting and runs with a lean fuel mixture
- Thread starter piroco66
- Start date
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Are there any stored codes or engine light currently on?
Is it possible any water or coolant got in past the coil pack seals?
When was the last time new ZFR6F-11G NGk spark plugs were installed?
TB Cleaning also clean the IAC see post #10 : https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/idle-air-control-no-screws.44826/
Is it possible any water or coolant got in past the coil pack seals?
When was the last time new ZFR6F-11G NGk spark plugs were installed?
TB Cleaning also clean the IAC see post #10 : https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/idle-air-control-no-screws.44826/
The only code was air intake temp sensor and I installed a new one, code is gone now. Coolant could have passed the coil seal, would that cause it to start with difficulty and then start running lean air/fuel mixture? Some times the starter turns over a few times and then locks and I get click when I turn the key for a couple of minutes. Then the starter turns over again for a next attempt and locks again. I will check the coolant in coils possibility tomorrow. Sparks are a couple of weeks old (Iridium) and injectors are a week old, it was working fine until I changed the coolant reservoir. I even thought I might have caused the problem when I disconnected the A/C panel vacuum switch to install a new radio. I truly appreciate your feedback.
Billwill
Full Access Member
See LibertyTC 's comment above about the correct plugs to use and the correct gap. Iridiums have a bad reputation.
How strong is your battery...have it Load Tested at a Battery Specialist and are the battery terminals clean and tight and negative battery lead going to chassis also clean and tight and there are 2 grounding straps grounding the engine to chassis.....all theses cables need to be clean and tight all ends or Starter Motor gets a voltage drop.
If the above is OK you may need a new Starter Solenoid or Starter. Check cables going onto solenoid /starter are on tight.
There is a Starter Relay in the relay box under the hood...swap it over with an identical one next to it.
How strong is your battery...have it Load Tested at a Battery Specialist and are the battery terminals clean and tight and negative battery lead going to chassis also clean and tight and there are 2 grounding straps grounding the engine to chassis.....all theses cables need to be clean and tight all ends or Starter Motor gets a voltage drop.
If the above is OK you may need a new Starter Solenoid or Starter. Check cables going onto solenoid /starter are on tight.
There is a Starter Relay in the relay box under the hood...swap it over with an identical one next to it.
Always refer to your owners manual, or on the under hood sticker for spark plug type.
The Jeep will not like the iridium's, you need the copper core NGK ZFR6F-11G. Gap is .040 inch.
You do not want moisture/coolant interfering with coil packs. Pull coil packs, check each coil pack has the rubber seal.
Use compressed air to blow out any wetness. (A computer dust off spray can can do it)
Then compressed air along spark plugs / Replace with the correct plugs/gap. A trickle charger can be used to try to restore the power back.
As Bill mentioned, you need to know that your battery can pass a load test & all terminals are clean & tight etc...
If a new battery is required, consider an AGM battery (absorb glass mat) size Group 34. They last longer & have more stored cold cranking power, & you won't get corrosion to terminals again.
The Jeep will not like the iridium's, you need the copper core NGK ZFR6F-11G. Gap is .040 inch.
You do not want moisture/coolant interfering with coil packs. Pull coil packs, check each coil pack has the rubber seal.
Use compressed air to blow out any wetness. (A computer dust off spray can can do it)
Then compressed air along spark plugs / Replace with the correct plugs/gap. A trickle charger can be used to try to restore the power back.
As Bill mentioned, you need to know that your battery can pass a load test & all terminals are clean & tight etc...
If a new battery is required, consider an AGM battery (absorb glass mat) size Group 34. They last longer & have more stored cold cranking power, & you won't get corrosion to terminals again.
