Two problems related to crankshaft position sensor have been reported for the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was driving my Jeep to work all of a sudden it bucked and backed fired 2 times and then completely shut down no steering but was able to get to side of road restarted got it back home this has happened many times cant count how many times, I have had it towed home 4 times this year because of this problem and couldnt restart sometimes it bucks and feels like its going to shut down but restarts by its self without turning key this happens at any speed changed tps, crank sensor, starter, fuel pump, pick up coil,distributor cap and rotor plugs and wire, alternator now inside dash lights are starting to flash dim and bright. I bought it 2009 used with a little over 100,000 miles ran great but the last couple years been having trouble with this situation every time I change things it will work for awhile and then starts to act up again.
I have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee that stalls. Hot or cold, night or day, idling at a light or going 75mph down the interstate. I have had the fuel pump replaced, the fuel system cleaned, the O2 sensor replaces, the water pump replaced, the crank sensor replaced, the map sensor replaced, and the ignition coil replaced (I do still have the old ignition coil). It's in the shop now, and after doing some online research, I have found hundreds of people having the same problem, most of them being charged an outrageous amount of money by Jeep dealers who, ultimately, do not fix the problem. I would not be so concerned, but like many Jeep owners, I have small children. The problem started almost a year ago, happens daily, and if it should happen on a busy road or highway when I am going 60+mph, I am concerned about my safety and that of my kids.