XJ wouldn't idle yesterday, seems fine today?

[inv3ctiv3]

So yesterday driving on my lunch break I noticed the "CHECK GAUGES" light on and when I stopped and turned it back on it was off...Fast forward to the end of the day I stopped at the store and when I went back and started the XJ it just died....Hmmm so I started it again and gave it some gas and it would run but if I let off the gas it would just die kinda like a vacuum leak so I limped it home and by the time it got home it seemed to idle ok but a little low. I popped the hood and wiggled the intake hose and inspected other things and it didn't stumble or do anything funny like if the intake boot was ripped so I thought nothing of it and this morning it started up fine and runs great....

I'm just concerned this is going to happen again at a much less convenient time so I rather get it taken care of now, have you guys heard of anything like this? Any sensors I I should replace or anything like that?

:cheers:

2001 XJ
140k miles
No mods other than spartan front diff locker

 

[sidewaysstarion]

sounds like a 97+ with a weak battery/failing alternator.

 

[inv3ctiv3]

sounds like a 97+ with a weak battery/failing alternator.

The battery terminal wires are corroded but I got one of those kits from a member on here with upgraded wires and everything just haven't installed it....Maybe I'll look into an alternator too?

 

[joe_peters]

The battery terminal wires are corroded but I got one of those kits from a member on here with upgraded wires and everything just haven't installed it....Maybe I'll look into an alternator too?

How about doing some tests?

1. Have your battery load tested with a carbon-pile tester: 1/2 CCA rating for 15 seconds and not drop below 10 volts.

2. Using your XJ mandatory multimeter check the voltage with the engine running and between the battery terminals--should be 13.5 to 15.5 volts.

 

[inv3ctiv3]

How about doing some tests?

1. Have your battery load tested with a carbon-pile tester: 1/2 CCA rating for 15 seconds and not drop below 10 volts.

2. Using your XJ mandatory multimeter check the voltage with the engine running and between the battery terminals--should be 13.5 to 15.5 volts.

Ok cool I'll do those checks and I bought a new 4AWG battery cable kit from Kelly Swip I just haven't installed it yet....I want a really good battery I can trust on the trail and at 140k I just kinda figured it may need an alternator but not sure which OEM is the best since there are sooooooo many.

 

[joe_peters]

Well, depending on the customer's time frame we usually have starters and alternators rebuilt by a local shop that gives us a 24 hour or less turn around time. If it has to go sooner then NAPA reman.