1988 JEEP CHEROKEE dead battery

with manifold pressure information.
Knock Sensor
The knock (detonation) sensor, located in the cylinder head,
provides an input signal to the ECU whenever detonation occurs. The
ECU then retards ignition advance to eliminate the detonation at the
applicable cylinders.
Speed Sensor
The speed sensor (or crankshaft position sensor) is mounted
at the flywheel/drive plate housing. The sensor detects the flywheel/
drive plate teeth as they pass during engine operation and sends an
electrical signal to the ECU, which calculates engine speed.
The flywheel/drive plate has a large trigger tooth and notch
located 90
and 12 small teeth before each top dead center (TDC)
position. When a small tooth or notch pass the magnetic core in the
sensor, the build-up and collapse of the magnetic field induces a
small voltage signal in the sensor pick-up windings.
The ECU counts these signals representing the number of teeth
as they pass the sensor. When a larger trigger tooth and notch pass
the magnetic core, a higher voltage signal is sent to the ECU. This
indicates to the ECU that a piston will be at the TDC position 12
teeth later. The ECU either advances or retards ignition timing as
necessary according to sensor inputs.
Battery Voltage
Battery voltage input to the ECU ensures that proper voltage
is applied to the injector. The ECU varies voltage to compensate for
battery voltage fluctuations.
Starter Motor Relay
The engine starter motor relay provides an input to the ECU,
indicating the starter motor is engaged.
Wide Open Throttle (WOT) Switch
The WOT switch is mounted on the side of the throttle body.
The switch provides a voltage signal to the ECU under wide open
throttle conditions. The ECU responds to this signal by enriching the
air/fuel mixture delivered to the injector.
Closed Throttle (Idle) Switch
This switch is integral with the idle speed actuator (ISA)
motor. The switch provides a voltage signal to the ECU, which
increases or decreases the throttle stop angle in response to engine
operating conditions.
Transmission Gear Position Indicator
The gear position indicator is mounted on vehicles equipped
with automatic transaxles. It provides a signal to the ECU to
indicate that the transaxle is in a driving mode and not in Park or
Neutral.
Power Steering Pressure Switch
The switch increases the idle speed during periods of high
power steering pump load and low engine RPM.
A/C Switch
The A/C switch sends a signal to the ECU when the air
conditioner is operating and when the compressor clutch must be
engaged to lower the temperature. The ECU, in turn, increases engine
speed to compensate for the added load of the air conditioner.
FUEL CONTROL









\









\








\









\









\









\









\






 
ABBREVIATION DEFINITION 










\








\b
\









\









\









\









\









\






B/P Backpressure 

BAC By-Pass Air Control 

BAP Barometric Absolute Pressure Sensor 

BARO Barometric 

BBDC Before Bottom Dead Center 

BCM Body Control Module 

BDC Bottom Dead Center 

BHP Brake Horsepower 

BLK Black 

BLU Blue 

BMAP Barometric & Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor 

BOO Brake On-Off Switch 

BP Barometric Pressure sensor 

BPS Barometric Pressure Sensor 

BPT Backpressure Transducer 

BRN Brown 

BTDC Before Top Dead Center 

BTU British Thermal Unit 

BVSV Bimetallic Vacuum Switching Valve 

Baro. Barometric 

Batt. Battery 

Bbl. Barrel (Example: 4-Bbl.) 

Blst. Ballast 

Blwr. Blower 

Brkr. Breaker 











\








\









\









\









\









\









\





\f

"C" ABBREVIATION TABLE
"C" ABBREVIATION TABLE







\









\








\









\









\









\









\








ABBREVIATION DEFINITION 










\








\b
\









\









\









\









\









\






C Celsius (Degrees) 

C(3) I Computer Controlled Coil Ignition 

C(4) Computer Controlled Catalytic Converter 

CANP Canister Purge solenoid 

CARB California Air Resources Board 

CAT Catalytic Converter 

CB Circuit Breaker 

CBD Closed Bowl Distributor 

CBVV Carburetor Bowl Vent Valve 

cc Cubic Centimeter 

CCC Computer Command Control 

CCD Computer Controlled Dwell 

CCM Central Control Module 

CCO Converter Clutch Override 

CCOT Cycling Clutch Orifice Tube 

CCW Counterclockwise 

CDI Capacitor Discharge Ignition 

CEC Computerized Engine Control 

CFI Central Fuel Injection 

CID Cubic Inch Displacement 

CID Cylinder Identification sensor 

CIS Continuous Injection System 

CIS-E Continuous Injection System-Electronic 

CKT Circuit 

CLR Clear 

CNG Compressed Natural Gas 

TCC Torque Converter Clutch 

TCCS Toyota Computer Control System 

TDC Top Dead Center 

TDCL Total Diagnostic Communication Link 

TFI Thick Film Ignition system 

TGS Top Gear Switch (cancels SIL in top gear) 

THERMAC Thermostatic Air Cleaner 

THS Transmission Hydraulic Switch 

TP/TPS Throttle Position Sensor 

TPI Tuned Port Injection 

TPS Throttle Position Sensor/Switch 

TS Temperature Sensor 

TSB Technical Service Bulletin 

TTS Transmission Temperature Switch 

TV Thermovalve 

TWC Three-Way Catalyst 

Temp. Temperature 

Trans. Transaxle/Transmission 











\








\









\









\









\









\









\





\f

"V" ABBREVIATION TABLE
"V" ABBREVIATION TABLE







\









\








\









\









\









\









\






 
ABBREVIATION DEFINITION 










\








\b
\









\









\









\









\









\






V Valve 

VAF Vane Air Flow sensor or circuit 

VAPS Variable Assist Power Steering 

VAT Vane Air Temperature 

VATS Vehicle Anti-Theft System 

VBATT Vehicle Battery Voltage 

VCC Viscous Converter Clutch 

VIN Vehicle Identification Number 

VIO Violet 

VLR Volt Loop Reserve 

VM Vacuum Modulator 

VM Vane Meter 

VOM Volt-Ohmmeter (Analog) 

VPWR Vehicle Power supply voltage (10-14 volts) 

VREF Voltage Reference (ECA supplied reference voltage 

VRV Vacuum Regulator Valve 

VSC Vehicle Speed Control sensor or signal 

VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor or signal 

VSV Vacuum Switching Valve 

Vac. Vacuum 

Volt. Voltage 











\








\









\









\









\









\









\





\f

"W" ABBREVIATION TABLE
"W" ABBREVIATION TABLE







\









\








\









\









\









\









\








ABBREVIATION DEFINITION 










\








\b
\









\









\









\









\









\






W/ With 

W/O Without 

WAC WOT A/C Cut-off switch or circuit 

WAC Wide Open Throttle A/C Switch 

WHT White 

WOT Wide Open Throttle 

YEL Yellow 

\003
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 .

\003
TR O UBLE S H O OTIN G - B ASIC P R O CED URES

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended
to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle
configuration. The purpose of this Trouble Shooting
information is to provide a list of common causes to
problem symptoms. For model-specific Trouble Shooting,
refer to SUBJECT, DIAGNOSTIC, or TESTING articles available
in the section(s) you are accessing.
ACCESSORIES & ELECTRICAL
CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended
to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle
configuration. The purpose of this Trouble Shooting
information is to provide a list of common causes to
problem symptoms. For model-specific Trouble Shooting,
refer to SUBJECT, DIAGNOSTIC, or TESTING articles available
in the section(s) you are accessing.
BASIC CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION








\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Vehicle Will Not Dead battery Check battery cells,
Start alternator belt
tension and alternator
output
Loose or corroded battery Check all charging
connections system connections
Ignition circuit or switch Check and replace as
malfunction necessary









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Alternator Light Loose or worn alternator Check alternator drive
Stays On With drive belt tension and
Engine Running condition, See Belt
Adjustment in TUNE-UP
article in the
TUNE-UP section
Loose alternator wiring Check all charging
connections system connections
Short in alternator light See Indicator Warning
wiring Lights in STANDARD
INSTRUMENTS in the
ACCESSORIES &
EQUIPMENT section
Defective alternator stator See Bench Tests in
or diodes ALTERNATOR article
Defective regulator See Regulator Check in





 







\

 OK   NOT OK  




\b 







\b 








\









\









\














\









\









\



 


* Check Pick-Up coil for   * Adjust or replace as  

correct resistance value.   necessary.  










\









\









\




\b









\









\









\


\b 








\









\









\








 








\




 

NOT OK   OK  








\b 



\b 








\









\









\














\









\









\



 


* Replace Pick-Up coil if   * Check control module for  

not to specification.   good ground connections.  










\









\









\




\b









\









\









\


\b 




 

OK  




\b 








\









\









\









\









\





 

* If vehicle fails to run at this point, go to  
 the appropriate article in the ENGINE  
 PERFORMANCE section.  









\









\









\









\









\




\b 








\









\









\






\b








\









\









\









\









 







\

OK   NOT OK 




\b 







\b








\









\









\
















\









\









\








* Check wires from the battery/  * Replace ballast resistor 

ignition switch to the coil.   if the measured resistance 

Also check the coil primary   value is not within 

and secondary resistance.   specification. 










\









\









\






\b









\









\









\




\b

STARTER TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended
to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle
configuration. The purpose of this Trouble Shooting
information is to provide a list of common causes to
problem symptoms. For model-specific Trouble Shooting,
refer to SUBJECT, DIAGNOSTIC, or TESTING articles available
in the section(s) you are accessing.
BASIC STARTER TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION








\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Fails Dead battery or bad Check battery charge
to Operate connections between and all wires and
starter and battery connections to starter
Ignition switch faulty Adjust or replace
or misadjusted ignition switch
Open circuit between Check and repair wires
starter switch ignition and connections as
terminal on starter relay necessary
Starter relay or starter See Testing in STARTER
defective article

Open solenoid pull-in See Testing in STARTER
wire article









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Does Not Weak battery or dead Charge or replace
Operate and cell battery as necessary
Headlights Dim
Loose or corroded battery Check that battery
connections connections are clean
and tight
Internal ground in See Testing in STARTER
starter windings article
Grounded starter fields See Testing in STARTERS
Armature rubbing on pole See STARTER article
shoes









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Turns Starter clutch slipping See STARTER article
but Engine
Does Not Rotate
Broken clutch housing See STARTER article
Pinion shaft rusted or See STARTER article
dry
Engine basic timing See Ignition Timing in
incorrect TUNE-UP article
Broken teeth on engine Replace flywheel and
flywheel check for starter pinion
gear damage









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Will Not Faulty overrunning See STARTER article
Crank Engine clutch
Broken clutch housing See STARTER article
Broken flywheel teeth Replace flywheel and
check for starter pinion
gear damage
Armature shaft sheared See STARTER article
or reduction gear teeth
stripped
Weak battery Charge or replace
battery as necessary
Faulty solenoid See On-Vehicle Tests in
STARTER article
Poor grounds Check all ground
connections for
tight and clean
connections
Ignition switch faulty Adjust or replace
or misadjusted ignition switch as
necessary









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Cranks Battery weak or Charge or replace
Engine Slowly defective battery as necessary

Engine overheated See ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM article
Engine oil too heavy Check that proper
viscosity oil
is used
Poor battery-to-starter Check that all
connections between
battery and starter are
clean and tight
Current draw too low or See Bench Tests in
too high STARTER article
Bent armature, loose pole See STARTER article
shoes screws or worn
bearings
Burned solenoid contacts Replace solenoid
Faulty starter Replace starter









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Engages Engine timing too far See Ignition Timing in
Engine Only advanced TUNE-UP article
Momentarily
Overrunning clutch not Replace overrunning
engaging properly clutch. See STARTER
article
Broken starter clutch See STARTER article
Broken teeth on engine Replace flywheel and
flywheel check starter pinion
gear for damage
Weak drive assembly See STARTER article
thrust spring
Weak hold-in coil See Bench Tests in
STARTER article









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Drive Defective point assembly See Testing in STARTER
Will Not Engage article
Poor point assembly ground See Testing in STARTER
article
Defective pull-in coil Replace starter
solenoid









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Starter Relay Dead battery Charge or replace
Does Not Close battery as necessary
Faulty wiring Check all wiring and
connections leading to
relay
Neutral safety switch Replace neutral safety
faulty switch
Starter relay faulty Replace starter relay