Simple fuel starvation?

AlGee · **Posted:** Fri Oct 27, 2017 2:39 pm

May have basic fuel starvation problem but am too cautious (inexperienced) to proceed without seeking advice. Have just turned 89k on the CRD, previously trouble free life. owned since 13.5k, 2008. At 88.5k had sudden severe loss of power with very rough running but was able to shudder home (vehicle not in official limp home mode) with no black or white exhaust observed. Assumed fuel filter/separator problem - but had previously changed out at 78.5k. Had no error condition dash lights. Did not re-start vehicle before changing out to new filter. No sign of fuel leak. Changed filter, started up, ran well, no OBD errors logged. Drove 500 or so miles and then repeated power loss and running problem, again able to shudder home. Did nothing, let it sit a day, tried to raise OBD errors - though still no dash error lights. Started up like a charm immediately with no evidence of any problem or OBD code - might have done the same previously before changing the fuel filter but did not try starting first then.

Might have foreign matter in tank. Any other ideas? With no lift pump and with apparently no problem with the filter, not sure what else but don’t have experience with this fuel system and don’t have the facility here to drop the tank, will have to farm it out. Don’t know a KJ CRD experienced mechanic in Denver area.

Have computer file ‘2006 KJ-SM jeep manual.PDF’ with nice drawing of fuel filter environment with pointers on page 14-37 labeled ‘Draining water in fuel’ but no key - any help identifying the pieces? For now need to figure which line to blow back when cleansing the tank and like to identify the sensors.

Appreciate any help.

APC9199 · **Posted:** Fri Oct 27, 2017 3:05 pm

Its not impossible that your fuel is that bad, but it is unlikely the real problem. Realistically, it is amazing you've never had any air in fuel problems up until now with the stock system. Most people who own a CRD make a lift pump priority #1 (#2 if the timing belt is due :wink:

) to eliminate problems like yours. If you prime the fuel filter head until you get nothing but steady fuel coming out, run it for 10 or so miles, then prime it again and get any air...that is likely your problem. If you have the first generation fuel filter head (the one WITHOUT the blue connector on the front is the OLD one) then it may have finally cracked at the heater plug like many have done. Yours just may have taken longer than other peoples to do so. You could have also had a seal fail in one of the flexible lines near the fuel tank that is letting air in. I suggest making this a high priority, even if it doesn't immediately fix the problem you're having. It is worth every penny when you consider the positive effect it has on the entire fuel system.

Now, if the "limp mode" you experienced happened after the vehicle started to warm up or was completely warmed up according to the temp gauge, it is also possible you have a failing crank position sensor. It is a fairly inexpensive and easy thing to change, though it requires some contortionist abilities if you don't have a partner to help. I'm 6'2" and was able to fairly easily change mine out by myself from underneath in about an hour. I could do it in half the time now that I've done it once.

The crank position sensor would be the quicker and easier thing to try, but I still cant recommend a lift pump enough. There are guides here on the forum that can walk you through either procedure. If you can handle basic tools and maybe some simple wiring, you can handle doing either one of those repairs/modifications.

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Fri Oct 27, 2017 6:09 pm

X2 on everything that APC9199 covered.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Oct 27, 2017 9:28 pm

Installing an in-tank lift pump is one of the top two mods that can be done to a Jeep CRD! It totally eliminates all air infusion into the fuel system or any fuel starvation issues period!
Many members of this forum have done this to their Jeep.... :wink:

Lots of threads on LOST on how to do this!

95Z28A4 · **Joined:** Sun Mar 30, 2014 9:53 am **Posts:** 297

I purchased my wife's CRD in 5/2014 with 45K miles. It had minor issues with sucking air into the fuel. I changed to the 2nd gen fuel filter head, but it didn't help. I installed a Carter in-tank fuel pump and haven't had a problem with air in fuel since then. The CRD now has 148k miles. Carter part number is in my signature.

AlGee · **Posted:** Sat Oct 28, 2017 4:29 pm

Thanks AP69199, GordanadoCRD, WWDiesel and 92Z28A4 for the replies.

Do have original filter head. The problem showed up after well warmed from 15-30 Miles plus of driving.

Ordered late 68043089AA filter kit from Rockauto $86, they don't stock wiring adapter kit for it..
Christopher's Dodge, (local to me in Golden, Co) have been accurate and quick for bits and pieces for the CRD, got me wiring adapter kit 68043086AC, a newer update part no. for the kit from the previously cited 'AB' version.

Ordering the Carter pump as well, will be updating the hoses now, too. Returned to the Sir Sam initial page after neglecting to follow up on recommended spiff-ups. Had a couple of years back done the EHM, Fumoto, and fan change as well as a Teknosha electric brake controller, and did some custom RV wiring for a teardrop. Coming up on the timing belt change in spring and will finally do a bunch of the recommended changes and long over due upgrades.

Oh, yeah, ordering the crank position sensor, too.

Guess I needed a bit of a kick somewhere to get back with the program.

95Z28A4 · **Joined:** Sun Mar 30, 2014 9:53 am **Posts:** 297

On our 2006 CRD, the V6 gasser harness was not plug and play. I had to unpin and swap 4 wires for it to work properly. See my post on page 32 of this thread.

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Simple fuel starvation?

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