Lately the jeep has been taking 3 to 4 seconds of cranking before the engine kicks on... I don't think it is the battery b/c radio, lights, etc.. all work fine...

Once its on everything seems to run fine... anyone else have this problem or know what it may be??

Thanks!

Let the fuel pump prime before you crank. I turn the key to the on position and then put my seat belt on. Then it cranks right up.

I'm not an expert on batteries, but I wouldn't rule out the battery based on the radio, lights, etc as I'd imagine that the starting of the engine puts a much greater load on the battery vs. lights or the radio.

Interesting ... I'll have to try that too ... not driving the Jeep daily and noticing it's not starting up right away like it was before.

Yeah I was thinking it may be the fuel pump going.. I am going to try the above also...

The battery is only a year old so I am pretty sure it's not the culprit..

If it takes a while to start after it's been sitting a while like overnight, but it starts right up if it's been running in the last 30-60 minutes, then it's a leaky anti-drainback valve and not the fuel pump itself.

Located inside the pressure regulator that sits outside the gas tank on top of the fuel pump, this valve's purpose is to keep the fuel line/fuel rail/fuel injectors full of pressurized fuel for a fast start. When it leaks, that fuel drains back down into the gas tank like after it's been sitting over night. The delay in starting is the time needed for the fuel pump to get the fuel back up from the tank to the fuel rail and injectors.

You have to drop the tank to replace it but that's not a particularly hard job. Just make sure it's as empty as possible before you start. eBay has fuel pressure regulators for sale most of the time, that's the module you need that has the valve inside.

i have the same problem. but it wont happen when i try to show someone the problem. but i have a new battery and new fuel pump unit. luckily its still in warranty. gonna try that this week hopefully. but yes Jerry that is more than likely the problem.

Thanks!!.. You described my problem perfectly with the long cranks only after hours of the jeep sitting... that is most likely it!

I have exactly the same problem. I've just replaced the fuel filter/regulator few weeks ago and didn't help.

Same here. '97 TJ 4-cyl. w/207k. Just got a new cat, PCM/ECU update, and fuel sender ala open recall when I bought it a month ago. Now mine cranks for a second or two longer to start. I'll have to try the pump-prime method. Batt is a year old Napa gold and recent tune...

My '04 has a similar problem... only my long cranks happen if I try to start the jeep shortly after turning it off. Hasn't caused me troubles yet... other than minor irritation. But I was curious if others experienced something like this.