We have a 96 jeep grand cherokee v6 with about 177,000 miles on it...today for the first time we try to start it and it will only run if you keep your foot on the gas and then you can obviously smell gas...would this sound like a fuel filter problem...we did hear the fuel pump when we did the test by turning on the key it does make its noise so we were thinking maybe clogged filter..i am sure it has been a while since a new one was put on...and would changing the filter be a job for someone who can change oil and doesnt have a lot of car knowledge...we are trying to learn and read the haynes and all the tips...we can do oil and small stuff...thanks in advance

A couple thoughts....

Could be the catalytic converter clogging up. Check the exhaust and see if there is a good amount coming out; also, see if you can rev the engine up to about 3500rpm. If it's sluggish at higher rpm then that may be your problem.

The throttle position sensor might be the problem also, but it's less likely with the smell of gas. Fuel filter (and air filter) aren't a bad idea either.

Sounds like an idle air valve problem

That, too. (Dang, all those sensors anyway!)

Well we changed the fuel filter and have it running now...im thinking it is running as it was before..the only other thing that is puzzling now is that the clock in the center was flashing 12:00 and with the wrong date...we keep setting it and when we go to restart it is doing the same thing...i dont know how the 2 problems would be related think it may just be something else that happened...did notice a loose neg bat terminal, tried to get it tighter but it looks as if the terminal has been used very well so it will need replaced..i dont know if that would knock it off just enough to "short it" ..who knows...We are just trying to learn a little about cars and try to do some of the work ourselves...thanks for the replies...

Could it possibly be your TBS? Throttle Postion Sensor?

ChevyGirl027, did you get it running?

If it start then dies immediately or you press the gas pedal slightly it stays running, it's the IAC (Idle Air Control) Valve. make sure the electrical connection to the IAC is connected, if it is then start the jeep and hold the gas pedal in for about a minute or 2 then let go, does it stay running?

I had this problem for a couple months before figuring it was the IAC valve, mine would only do it first thing in the morning (1st start of the day) after that it would start up and run fine. When it would stall after it starts I would have to start it and hold the gas pedal in for about a minute before it would stay runnin.

Yeah the fuel filter change seemed to be the trouble for now...as soon as we changed it everything seemed to work...

Nice that it was something simple.