'96, 4.0, Starts, Won't Idle

[XJBOY1]

Hi everyone,
I'ts been a long time since i've needed any help with this XJ but last time you guys were right on with advice so here it goes. I haven't been using the jeep for awhile, it sits and within about 2 weeks the battery goes low. I figure its the alarm draining it but thats not why I'm here. I had to jump it a few days ago cause the batt got low, let it run for about 30 mins and let it sit. Today I had to jump it again but it wouldn't start at first. When I pressed the gas pedal while starting it ,it started, however it would die immediately when I let go of the gas. As long as I had my foot on the pedal a little way down, it would stay running and actually sounded fine:confused: From what I searched, I'm thinking TPS? Does this sound like a TPS problem, if not than any ideas ?.
Also, when it was running in the recent past I noticed a "whirring" noise coming from the front of engine. It changes as RPMS change. It sounded like it was from the P.S. pump, checked level and it was fine. Do bad P.S. pumps make that kind of noise? I haven't isolated exactly where noise is coming from, I fear maybe a water pump?:eek: It has about 90k miles on it, had it since 30k.If I need a TPS where to go? Do some places have higher quality parts than others?Napa, Autozone,Pep boys???
This Jeep's been very dependable for the last 5 years(except for alarm draining battery, characterized by a constant chirping when batt is low)and I'd like to have it dependable again especially before winter.:shiver:
Thanks very much in advance for any help or suggestions:yelclap:

George

[Kejtar]

when's the last time you had the throttle body cleaned?

Kejtar

[XJBOY1]

Thanks for the reply,

I had throttle body, injectors,cps,cap, rotor,plugs, wires, cleaned/replaced in Dec. 2001 at 69700 miles by a dealer, along with emission control inspection, and your usual fluid changes. I usually do the stuff myself but was lazy that time around:shhh: It wasn't a progressively worse problem with the idle, this is the first time it's been like this ,any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

George

P.S. Kejtar, :cool: eagle, Polish White Eagle correct?

[Kejtar]

cleaning a throttle body would be a very good idea as it;s close to two years since you had that done. I'd recommend taking it off and cleaning it off the jeep..... After you do that, see what happens.

Kejtar
P.S. You're very much correct

[XJBOY1]

Thanks for the reply,

I replaced the TPS and it fired right up. The " whirring" noise is still there and the more I listen to it the more it sounds like it's coming from the power steering pump. I also bought a new water pump to throw on there in the future. The pump and TPS weren't as expensive as I feared so I bought both. As for the suggestion of cleaning the throttle body, what is the best way to do it? just a can of carb clean? I might clean it per your suggestion just for the peace of mind. Thanks

George:thumbup:

[juicexj24]

They make a cleaner for throttle bodies that you will need. Don't use carb cleaner. Unbolt everything, unhook the sensors, pull it out and spray it very good with the cleaner. I lay mine on an old towel. Also I use a old toothbrush to get into the areas with the most black build up. This works great. After you clean it put it back on, bolt it up but don't over tighten the bolts holding down the throttle body. They can strip out pretty easy. You will notice a better driving jeep and more mpg. I do mine about every three months with the old change. Might me a bit much but I don't mind doing it. Hope this helps, Juice

[Carpcommando]

I have a '96 as well and have experienced a number of odd electrical issues as well as the PS whirring noise.

Most of the electrical issues were due to the absurd battery temperature sensor circuit failing and causing the alternator to under charge the battery... I went through 2 batteries before realizing I had a charging issue.

I would check to see if the alternator is putting out 14 volts at various engine speeds. If the voltage is too low you will have weird problems with idle and starting as well as the engine warning lamp turning on. A low voltage to the computer and other sensors will play hell on a proper running engine...

The whirring sound I had turned out to be PS pump...since new the PS pump never worked as well as I thought it should...so after 120K miles I replaced and then wished I had replaced much sooner!

At 120K miles I replaced the PS pump, radiator hoses, water pump and thermostat.

Good Luck,

Mike