Starting issues 97 cherokee 4.0

need to check fuel pressure.
With out proper fuel pump pressure engine will not start or run. Here is a way to try to start engine. turn key on but do not crank engine over, turn key off, then turn key back on, do not crank engine over. Repete 3 or 4 times. This gets fuelpressure up to where it should start. Have fuel pump pressure tested. Replace pump as needed.

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No kill switch. You may have a fuel pump pressure issue, it may being losing pressure after shut down due to a faulty fuel pump check valve. Do a fuel pressure leakdown test, start the engine with a fuel pressure test gage hooked to the test port on the fuel supply rail to the fuel injectors, looks like a tire valve. Start the engine and run it and check for leaks at the pressure port to the test gage, repair as needed, once you are sure the test gage is leak free shut the engine down, if the fuel pressure bleeds down very quickly then you need to replace the fuel pump.

I'm going to assume you mean Chevy Suburban.
Did you check fuel pressure before and after you replaced the fuel pump ??
Are you getting spark to the plugs ?

You check the fuel pressure while the engine is running or cranking if it won't start.Should not go up or down drastically.Should stay within 10 lbs. variance. don-ohio

fuel filter...fuel pressure regulator...fuel injector(s) leaking...fuel injector(s) bad

Signs of a Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator
the vehicle will not start, if a bad regulator. Usually, this is a problem that is encountered in the morning when you start your vehicle. Many a times, the engine starts, but stalls shortly after starting. check the fuse and relay for pump. also remove line to fuel pressure regulator and if fuel in line, replace fuel pressure regulator. check for spark and also the timing belt. its one sign of not starting. if car runs fine on spray, I would not say its the timing belt or chain.

ck fuel rail, for fuel pressure. if no pressure replace pump and sock.

The problem may be that it has 55 psi instead of 60-65. Could be the fuel pressure regulator or the fuel pump itself. I have read that these engines need 60 psi minimum to start reliably. Also with the engine off, look down the throttle body with a flashlight and see if the intake appears wet inside, indicating leaking central injectors. There is an upgraded injector assembly available with pressure regulator at autoparts stores. Requires 4-5 hours to replace with experienced mechanical skill level. Would definately upgrade if the pressure regulator needs replaced anyway.

Also check the vaccum hose from the fuel pressure regulator to the intake manifold, it is right on top, to the front right of the valve cover where the fuel lines attach to the fuel rail, there is a small vaccum hose that runs from the regulator to the intake manifold, I have a 93 grand cherokee limited w/ 4.0L 6cyl, it was hard to start at times, wouldnt start at times without starting fluid spray and had your symptoms at idle, running rough like it wanted to stall like it was out of gas, I had various opinions ranging from fuel pump was bad to the fuel filter to the fuel presure regulator, the fuel pump relay ,etc....after replacing the relay and having the same symptoms, some digging brought me to this vaccum hose, wich had a break in it, when it was replaced it allowed the regulator to have the correct fuel pressure output and solved all the afforementioned problems way cheaper than the suggested alternitives. good luck.

Is it fuel injected or carb??? Try holding the gas pedal to the floor while turning the jeep over. This sometimes makes gas pump thru to the cylinders. Have you changed the fuel filter???? I know alot of jeeps have a fule filter with a bypass back to the tank, and sometimes the filter will be bypassing to the tank instead of the the motor. Check it out?????