I have a 1997 TJ with the four banger (70k miles). Recently the engine has been cutting out at random intervals while driving. It simply loses power for anywhere between 2 – 30 seconds and then proceeds to drive normal. It feels as if someone is cutting a power switch to the engine and then just flipping it back on.

At first, it only died in this manner if it had not been run for a few days and was just started up. However, now it does it on the freeway after a thorough warm up. When it loses power on the freeway it is very brief and usually followed by a few pops from the exhaust. The pops also take place in city driving as well after these incidents.

The loss of power was intermittent at first and now has become much more frequent.

I have no idea where to start looking. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

I forgot to mention that the CEL light is permanently on due to some Chryler code so I don't know if the current condition has caused the CEL light to come on or not. I will check the cluster for codes tonight and post up.

What kind of power loss, electric or fuel?

electric: I would check the crank sensor. It is located on the bell housing on the drivers side. It is held on by two bolts. I think it'll take a 10mm to get them off. (It's been a while.)

fuel: Check the fuel filter.


These little engines have few problems. We run one in our shop rig. Very reliable motors for the most part. I would normally say vacuum, but with vacuum, it is usually running bad none stop. Hope it helps. Keep me informed.