Our Jeep doesn't start very well, even though we just had service done on it. You have to turn on the ignition for a few seconds, stop, and then when you it again it starts just fine. If you've been driving for awhile and stop the Jeep, then turn it on again a minute or two later, it starts just fine. It is a 2000 Cherokee with a 6-cylinder engine and about 65,000 miles on it. Does anybody know what might be wrong?

It sounds to me like you could be drawing sludge into the fuel system. Try revving it and see if the engine note is "steady"?,If it "spits" then fades it is a blockage ,muck or water in the fuel tank. could also be a crushed or perished pipe on the fuel system or a choked fuel line filter(If fitted?). Take it back to the place where it was serviced and tell them the job has "not" been done to your satisfaction (Take a "Knowledgeable" friend with you to back you up)
Also check the breather(breather pipe) to the engine block is clear if this is "pinched" or heat damaged, then it produces the symptoms you describe.
You'll find it leads normally from the Air cleaner into the rocker cover at the top of the engine, it should be routed away from any "Hotspots" Try looking for this first. a "new" pipe is inexpensive and easy to fit

[This message was edited by bedstor on 06-21-02 at 12:46 PM.]

Without knowing a little more I'm not sure that I can provide much in the way of possibilities. Is it the cold start that is the problem? Does it happen any other time? Does it happen in the same way every time (first time in the morning, cold night, etc.)?

Some vehicles have a mixture heater between the throttle body and intake plenum to help with fuel vaporization on cold starts. If yours does, then I would look there.

What does your service tech say?

I really don't see the big problem here. I know of many vehicles that have been like that since the day they came off the lot. My '88 C-1500 is a 2 cranker, as are 2 '90 F-150's, a '93 Mustang, and a '97 Ram, owned by various folks I know. On cold engine (sitting 3+ hours), they take a few seconds of cranking, then you stop, then they'll fire right off the second time you crank. On warm engines, they all fire immediately.
Of course, if this is a new condition that started right after your last service, go with bedstor's idea. Also, what kind of service was done?

All of these suggestions are great ! I just wonder if you try turning the ignition to accessory first if that would make a change ! Some models will open the fuel line and trickle a little fuel when you do this ! Try it and let us know !

I believe your Jeep is fuel injected and what you describe sounds to be a fuel pressure problem. When the vehicle is turned off and sits for a long period the pressure in the fuel system bleeds off. When you turn the key to the on position the fuel pump turns on and usually will build sufficient pressure in the system to start within seconds. If this pressure fails to build, the injectors fire but with inadequate pressure there is little or no fuel being delivered to the intake. By cycling the key off and back on you are starting the fuel pump again and on the second or third cycle there is then sufficient pressure to start the engine. I have seen fuel pumps do this for a long period of time and, conversely, I have seen them do this for a few days and then fail to the point where the vehicle will not start at all. All fuel injected vehicles have a pressure specification to start. I was with General Motors for many years, so I know their numbers but I'm sorry I don't know what they should be for Chrysler products. This is something that can be tested very easily by any qualified tech, so you may want to look into it.

There are a lot of good responses above. Of them, teeceeum hints that a service technician's advice is warranted. Because the problem may be one of several things, and hands-on diagnosis is a good idea. Unless you have feelings otherwise, my recommendation would be to have this done at your factory-authorized Jeep dealership.

SAE's suspicions have a sound basis. If the Jeep has received proper preventive maintenance thus far, I would bet on this being your problem. In this case with a Jeep, a gasket replacement may solve the problem in lieu of a fuel pump replacement. This sounds like a cheap fix, but may require several hours of labor at a reputable shop. I am just trying to prepare you for the bill!