SOMEBODY PLS HELP ME W MY 96 XJ

[markusamongus]

Ok so I have a 96 xj 4.0 sport 2wd 4 door
The jeep runs incredibly strong and has 205k on it. It started the infamous having to turn it over 3 to 4x to start and remained that way for about 3 weeks. I had driven it about 40 miles to go visit a friend - stayed about 1hr - go to leave and it will not start...cranks but no start. Figured it was the cps so changed it w a new oem one I had stashed away. Still nothing. Began trying to diagnose - I have spark and all sensors tested correctly on the ohm meter. All fuses good. So I started looking at fuel issues - when I turn key to the on position- the fuel pump relay never comes on and I have 0 pressure at the schrader valve. However when I try to actually crank it I have 45lbs of fuel pressure at Schrader valve. I'm confused and need to get the ole XJ going again. Any suggestions?? Thanks

 

[Saudade]

So you have no fuel pressure when the key is on (not start)? Then turn the key to Start and you have 45psi?

 

[markusamongus]

That's correct

 

[markusamongus]

I don't have pressure until I actually try to crank the jeep - with key in the "on" position, even after cycling 3 or 4x to on and waiting I have no pressure until I actually try to crank