'96 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L/ won't start

[youngie22]

So we where lightly over working the jeep in yard. Long story short, we backed up over a pile of grass and pulled forward again. The Motor instanly shut down. we got out and looked and saw that the grass and dirt pile pulled the caty from the header pipe. So assuming it just lost all back pressure and quit, we ran and got a clamp and got it all hooked back up. Then would turn over and turn over but no start. Looked for wires that were loose, checked fuses, found there is no spark, sounds like fuel pump is engaging, but we smell no fuel coming through. Hooked it up to computer, and there were no codes to be read. computer (first time either of us had used one) said all things were fine! Where to start now??? start buying stuff and hoping it works? Cam shaft/ crank sensor? distributer? what do you guys think? any one been here before? Please let me know what you think. Don't really want to throw it on a trailer and haul it to town. But My buddy needs a vehicle soon! Thanks alot guys

[Jeremy airjer W]

If you look in between the intake and the firewall you should be able to see the crank sensor bolted to the transmission bell housing. Check to see that its wiring harness is complete and still plugged in at the connector which should be attached to the intake near the firewall also.

[youngie22]

Been there tried that, all looks good. Do you think it could be the sensor itself or should that be read by diagnostic computer?

[CalamityJohn]

How hard did you hit the pile? Most newer vehicles have a fuel cut-off switch. In the event of a collision the switch shuts off fuel flow and must be reset manually before fuel can be delivered again.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Ford is the only one I am aware fo that has a fuel cut-off switch. Jeep uses an auto shutdown relay. It might be worth checking for 5 volt references at the crank sensor or 12 volts at the coil. You need to be ready with the meter and have somebody turn the key on or crank the engine over. The PCM will shut down the autoshut down relay after a couple of seconds of the key on unless the PCM detects the engine is running/cranking.

[MaskedMallard]

Have you tried to spray a very flamable starting fluid into the intake to help determine if you have a fuel or spark issue. Check compression to see if the timing chain is still intact.