I've got a few problems with my Jeep. I only used it about 50 times last year, but now it is my primary car and I want to get it running good again.

1. Main problem is that sometimes when I start it, it won't stay running. As soon as I let go of the gas, it stalls (which is a problem when shifting). Usually after a couple of tries, it'll run on its own just fine. A few weeks later, it'll do the same thing. It's got 130K miles and I've never changed the plugs, could that be it? Could be the battery because everything resets after this happens (radio, clock, etc).

2. Didn't pass smog in CA. I just moved from there to upstate NY (shipped the car). I don't know what the emissions regs are here, but I'm thinking I need a new cat converter and O2 sensor.

3. Over the years, if I make a long trip (like 10 hours or so), the jeep'll just shut down on the highway. I think it is a fuel filter/pump problem. What do you think?

I'm not a mechanic, but I do most of my own work to save money. I've got the repair manual. What should I do?

The first thing I would do would be to tune up your vehicle. Check the plugs and re-gap or replace as necessary. Also check your psark plug wires, since you have 130K on them. Check ignition timing.

I'd also check things like fuel filters, etc.

Because of stuff resetting, I'd check the battery and the alternator output. If you have another vehicle (or a friend) with the same size battery, swap for a while and see if that affects the problem.

After that, see if you still have the intermittent problem.

First things first...what in the world are we working on here?
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

crank trigger most likely. Maybe a fuelpump going south but not likely. Pumps usually just go out with no warning
Also could be a coil wire breaking down.

97 Wrangler TJ 4.0

Got a new battery yesterday. Changing the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor today. Fuel filter is a pain in the butt cause its in the tank and I'll have to change the pump too (so I've heard). How do I deal with the cat converter? Looks like its welded in.

Leave the converter alone until you KNOW it needs replacing.
When bad they usually rattle with loose parts inside or stop up and the exhaust flow is impeded.
Good job on the plugs... Just one more vote for not changing them so damn often!
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />