1988 JEEP CHEROKEE lock

GEN ER AL C O OLIN G S YSTE M S ER VIC IN G

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
GENERAL INFORMATION
General Cooling System Servicing
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
The following article is for general information only.
Information may not apply to all years, makes and models. See specific
article in the ENGINE COOLING section.
DESCRIPTION
The basic liquid cooling system consists of a radiator, water
pump, thermostat, electric or belt-driven cooling fan, pressure cap,
heater, and various connecting hoses and cooling passages in the block
and cylinder head.
MAINTENANCE
DRAINING
Remove radiator cap and open heater control valve to maximum
heat position. Open drain cocks or remove plugs in bottom of radiator
and engine block. In-line engines usually have one plug or drain cock,
while "V" type engines will have 2, one in each bank of cylinders.
CLEANING
A good cleaning compound removes most rust and scale. Follow
manufacturer's instructions in the use of cleaner. If considerable
rust and scale has to be removed, cooling system should be flushed.
Clean radiator air passages with compressed air.
FLUSHING
CAUTION: Some manufacturers use an aluminum and plastic radiator.
Flushing solution must be compatible with aluminum.
Back Flushing
Back flushing is an effective means of removing cooling
system rust and scale. The radiator, engine and heater core should be
flushed separately.
Radiator
To flush radiator, connect flushing gun to water outlet of
radiator and disconnect water inlet hose. To prevent flooding engine,
use a hose connected to radiator inlet. Use air in short bursts to
prevent damage to radiator. Continue flushing until water runs clear.
Engine
To flush engine, remove thermostat and replace housing.
Connect flushing gun to water outlet of engine. Flush using short air
bursts until water runs clean.
Heater Core
Flush heater core as described for radiator. Ensure heater
control valve is set to maximum heat position before flushing heater.

REFILLING
To prevent air from being trapped in engine block, engine
should be running when refilling cooling system. After system is full,
continue running engine until thermostat is open, then recheck fill
level. Do not overfill system.
TESTING
THERMOSTAT
1) Visually inspect thermostat for corrosion and proper
sealing of valve and seat. If okay, suspend thermostat and thermometer
in a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. See Fig. 1. Do not allow
thermostat or thermometer to touch bottom of container. Heat water
until thermostat just begins to open.
2) Read temperature on thermometer. This is the initial
opening temperature and should be within specification. Continue
heating water until thermostat is fully open and note temperature.
This is the fully opened temperature. If either reading is not to
specification, replace thermostat.
Fig. 1: Testing Thermostat in Anti-Freeze/Water Solution
PRESSURE TESTING
A pressure tester is used to check both radiator cap and

complete cooling system. Test components as follows, following tool
manufacturer's instructions.
Radiator Cap
Visually inspect radiator cap, then dip cap into water and
connect to tester. Pump tester to bring pressure to upper limit of cap
specification. If cap fails to hold pressure, replace cap.
Fig. 2: Testing Radiator Pressure Cap
Cooling System
1) With engine off, wipe radiator filler neck seat clean.
Fill radiator to correct level. Attach tester to radiator and pump
until pressure is at upper level of radiator rating.
2) If pressure drops, inspect for external leaks. If no leaks
are apparent, detach tester and run engine until normal operating
temperature is reached. Reattach tester and observe. If pressure
builds up immediately, a possible leak exists from a faulty head
gasket or crack in head or block.
NOTE: Pressure may build up quickly. Release any excess pressure
or cooling system damage may result.
3) If there is no immediate pressure build up, pump tester to
within system pressure range (on radiator cap). Vibration of gauge
pointer indicates compression or combustion leak into cooling system.
Isolate leak by shorting each spark plug wire to cylinder block. Gauge
pointer should stop or decrease vibration when leaking cylinder is
shorted.

HEA TE R S YSTE M T R O UBLE S H O OTIN G

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1989 HEATER SYSTEMS
Eagle Trouble Shooting
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSE
Little or No Air From Heater Floor Outlets.
* Misadjusted heater air door cable.
* Obstructed heater housing or ducts.
* Clogged heater core fins.
* Leaking air duct seals.
Little or No Air From Defroster Outlets.
* Defroster duct misaligned.
* Defroster cable incorrectly adjusted
* Leaking air duct seals.
* Defroster duct damaged.
Heat Output When Controls Are Off.
* Outside air cable misadjusted
* Outside Air door binding in housing.
Not Enough Heat With Controls Fully On.
* Low coolant or plugged heater core.
* Incorrect thermostat.
* Incorrect adjustment of cables.
* Heater System Air Leaks.
* Blend air door not in proper position.
Blower Will Not Run.
* Blown fuse.
* Loose connections or poor ground.
* Faulty switch, motor or resistor.
Blower Runs But Does Not Circulate Air.
* Intake blocked..
* Fan not attached to motor shaft.

Fig. 2: Typical Heater & Defroster Components
Courtesy of Chrysler Motors.
BLOWER MOTOR R & I
NOTE: On Cherokee and Comanche, blower motor and fan are removed
from engine compartment.
Removal & Installation
1) Remove heater core housing assembly. On all models, remove
blower motor electrical connectors. Detach screws retaining blower
motor assembly to heater housing. Remove blower motor and fan
assembly. On Cherokee and Comanche, detach fan retaining clip from fan
hub, if necessary. Remove fan from motor shaft.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. If removed, ensure
ears of retaining clip are over flat surface on motor shaft. Check
blower motor and heater operation.
CONTROL PANEL R & I
Removal & Installation
1) Disconnect battery ground. On Cherokee, remove lower
instrument panel. On all models, remove instrument panel bezel. On
Cherokee, remove clock and radio (if equipped).
2) On all models, remove heater control panel attaching
screws. Pull out control panel and disconnect vacuum hoses, wires and
cables. Note locations for reassembly reference. Remove control panel.
To install, reverse removal procedure.
CONTROL CABLES R & I
REMOVAL (CHEROKEE & COMANCHE)
Remove control panel. Detach cable from heater control panel.

IG NIT IO N S W IT C H & L O CK C YLIN DER

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1988 Ignition Switch & Lock Cylinders
JEEP
DESCRIPTION
The ignition switch and lock cylinder is typically mounted on
the steering column and actuated by an ignition key.
SERVICING
To gain access to ignition components on Jeep vehicles, the
steering column must be removed or lowered and the turn signal switch
must be removed.
CAUTION: The lock plate is held by high spring pressure. DO NOT
remove snap ring without using a compressor tool. If the
steering shaft has standard threads, use Compressor Tool
(J-23653); if the shaft has metric threads use Metric
Forcing Screw (J-23653-4).
CAUTION: Special care must be taken to avoid bumping, jolting or
hammering on the steering shaft and gearshift tube.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
LOCK CYLINDER
Removal
Turn lock cylinder clockwise 2 detent positions beyond
"OFF-LOCK" position. Compress lock cylinder retaining tab using a thin
bladed screwdriver and remove lock cylinder.
Fig. 1: Typical Column Type Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Removal
On most vehicles, push in to release lock retainer.
Installation
Insert key in lock. Hold cylinder sleeve, and turn key

clockwise until key stops. Insert cylinder lock into bore with
cylinder tab aligned with keyway in housing. Push cylinder in until it
bottoms. Rotate cylinder counterclockwise to engage lock sector, and
push in until cylinder tab engages in housing groove.
IGNITION SWITCH
Removal
Lower column and remove switch mounting screws. Disconnect
harness connector. Remove switch.
Installation
Move switch slider to "ACC" position. Move switch slider back
2 clicks to "OFF-UNLOCK" position. Insert remote rod in switch slider,
and position switch on column. Do not move slider. Install and tighten
screws.
Fig. 2: Rod-Actuated Ignition Switch

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IG NIT IO N S YSTE M - 2 .5 L W /R EN IX E LE C TR O NIC IG NIT IO N

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
Distributors & Ignition Systems
JEEP RENIX ELECTRONIC IGNITION
2.5L TBI: Cherokee, Comanche, Wagoneer, Wrangler
DESCRIPTION
The Renix electronic ignition system consists of a solid-
state Ignition Control Module (ICM), a distributor, a Top Dead Center
(TDC) sensor, and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
OPERATION
IGNITION CONTROL MODULE (ICM)
The ignition control module is located in engine compartment,
just left of battery. The ICM consists of a solid-state ignition
circuit and an integrated ignition coil that can be removed and
serviced separately.
Electronic signals from the electronic control unit to the
ICM determine the amount of ignition timing or retard needed to meet
various engine requirements. The electronic control unit provides an
input signal to the ICM. The ICM has only 2 outputs: a tach signal to
the tachometer and diagnostic connector, and a high voltage signal
from the coil to the distributor cap.
TDC SENSOR
The TDC sensor senses TDC and BDC crankshaft positions as
well as engine RPM. Sensor is located on left rear side of engine and
is not adjustable. Sensor is secured by special shouldered bolts to
flywheel/drive plate housing.
TESTING
1) Disconnect ignition coil wire from center tower of
distributor cap. Using insulated pliers, hold coil wire about 1/2" (13
mm) away from engine block. Crank engine and check for spark between
wire and engine block.
2) If spark occurs, reconnect coil wire to distributor cap.
Remove spark plug wire from one spark plug. Using insulated pliers,
hold wire about 1/2" (13 mm) away from engine block.
3) Crank engine and check for spark between wire and engine
block. If spark occurs, check fuel system for problems. If no spark
occurs, check for a defective rotor, distributor cap, or spark plug
wires. Replace parts as necessary.
4) If rotor, cap and wires are okay, check for loose or
corroded connections at coil terminals. If necessary, clean terminals
and wires. Ensure wires are properly seated on coil terminals and not
wedged between coil body and terminal. If okay, go to next step.
5) Check for loose connectors at ICM or ECU. Verify that wire
connectors are firmly plugged into ICM and ECU. Also check for loose
ICM or ECU ground wire connections at oil dipstick bracket. Clean and
tighten if necessary.
6) Load test battery to ensure battery is fully charged.
Replace battery if necessary. If battery is okay, check voltage
between terminals "A" and "B" of ICM connector while cranking engine.
See Fig. 1 .