1994 JEEP CHEROKEE warning light

SERVICE BRAKE DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
Component Inspection...................... 8
Diagnosing Parking Brake Problems.......... 10
Diagnosing Service Brake Problems........... 8
Diagnosis Procedures...................... 7
General Information........................ 7Master Cylinder/Power Booster Test.......... 11
Power Booster Check Valve Test............ 11
Power Booster Vacuum Test................ 12
Preliminary Brake Check.................... 7
Road Testing............................ 7
GENERAL INFORMATION
The diagnosis information in this section covers
service brake components which include:
²disc brake calipers
²disc brakeshoes
²drum brake wheel cylinders
²drum brakeshoes and brake drums
²drum brake support plates
²parking brake mechanism
²master cylinder/combination valve
²vacuum power brake booster
²brake pedal and brakelight switch
²brake warning light
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES
Service brake diagnosis involves determining if a
problem is related to a mechanical, hydraulic or vac-
uum operated component. A preliminary brake
check, followed by road testing and component in-
spection are needed to determine a problem cause.
Road testing will either verify proper brake opera-
tion or confirm the existence of a problem. Compo-
nent inspection will, in most cases, identify the
actual part responsible for a problem.
The first diagnosis step is the preliminary brake
check. This involves inspecting fluid level, parking
brake action, wheel and tire condition, checking for
obvious leaks or component damage and testing
brake pedal response. A road test will confirm or
deny the existence of a problem. The final diagnosis
procedure involves road test analysis and a visual in-
spection of brake components.
PRELIMINARY BRAKE CHECK
(1) If amber antilock light is illuminated, refer to
Antilock Brake System Diagnosis. However, if red
warning light is illuminated, or if neither warning
light is illuminated, continue with diagnosis.
(2) Check condition of tires and wheels. Damaged
wheels and worn, damaged, or underinflated tires
can cause pull, shudder, tramp and a condition simi-
lar to grab.
(3) If complaint was based on noise when braking,
check suspension components. Jounce front and rearof vehicle and listen for noise that might be caused
by loose, worn, or damaged suspension or steering
components.
(4) Inspect brake fluid level:
(a) If vehicle has one-piece master cylinder, fluid
level should be to 6 mm (1/4 in.) of reservoir rim. If
vehicle two-piece, removable reservoir, correct level
is to top of indicator rings in reservoir.
(b) On models with ABS brakes, preferred level
is to MAX mark on reservoir. Acceptable level is
between MAX and MIN marks.
(c) Remember that fluid level in the front and
rear reservoir compartments will decrease in pro-
portion to normal lining wear. However, if fluid
level is abnormally low, look for leaks at calipers,
wheel cylinders, brakelines and master cylinder.
(5) Inspect brake fluid condition:
(a) Fluid should be reasonably clear and free of
foreign material.Note that brake fluid tends to
darken over time. This is normal and should
not be mistaken for contamination. If fluid is
clear of foreign material, it is OK.
(b) If fluid is highly discolored, or appears to con-
tain foreign material, drain out a sample with a
clean suction gun. Pour sample in a glass container
and note condition.
(c) If fluid separates into layers, obviously con-
tains oil, or a substance other than brake fluid,
system seals and cups will have to be replaced and
hydraulic system flushed.
(6) Check parking brake operation. Verify free
movement and full release of cables and foot pedal or
hand lever. Also note if vehicle was being operated
with parking brake partially applied.
(7) Check brake pedal operation. Verify that pedal
does not bind and has adequate free play. If pedal
lacks free play, check pedal and power booster for be-
ing loose or for bind condition. Do not road test until
condition is corrected.
(8) If components inspected look OK, road test the
vehicle.
ROAD TESTING
(1) If amber warning light is illuminated, problem
is with antilock system component. Refer to Antilock
Brake System Diagnosis.
JBRAKES 5 - 7

(2) If red warning light is illuminated, or if neither
warning light is illuminated, make several stops and
note pedal action and brake response.
(3) Check brake pedal response with transmission
in Neutral and engine running. Pedal should remain
firm under steady foot pressure. If pedal falls away,
problem is either in vacuum booster or master cylin-
der.
(4) During road test, make normal and firm brake
stops in 25-40 mph range. Note faulty brake opera-
tion such as pull, grab, drag, noise, fade, pedal pul-
sation, etc.
(5) Inspect suspect brake components and refer to
problem diagnosis information for causes of various
brake conditions.
COMPONENT INSPECTION
Fluid leak points and dragging brake units can
usually be located without removing any compo-
nents. The area around a leak point will be wet with
fluid. The components at a dragging brake unit
(wheel, tire, rotor) will be quite warm or hot to the
touch.
Other brake problem conditions will require compo-
nent removal for proper inspection. Raise the vehicle
and remove the necessary wheels for better visual ac-
cess.
During component inspection, pay particular atten-
tion to heavily rusted/corroded brake components
(e.g. rotors, caliper pistons, brake return/holddown
springs, support plates, etc.).
Heavy accumulations of rust may be covering se-
vere damage to a brake component. It is wise to re-
move surface rust in order to accurately determine
the depth of rust penetration and damage. Light sur-
face rust is fairly normal and not a major concern (as
long as it is removed). However, heavy rust buildup,
especially on high mileage vehicles may cover struc-
tural damage to such important components as
brakelines, rotors, support plates, and brake boosters.
Refer to the wheel brake service procedures in this
group for more information.
DIAGNOSING SERVICE BRAKE PROBLEMS
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT OPERATION
The red brake warning light will illuminate under
the following conditions:
²for 2-3 seconds at startup as part of normal bulb
check
²parking brakes applied
²low pedal caused by malfunction in front/rear
brake hydraulic circuit (differential switch valve ac-
tuated)
If the red light remains on after startup, first ver-
ify that the parking brakes are fully released. Then
check pedal action and fluid level. A red light indi-
cates that the valve in the differential pressureswitch has been actuated. If a problem is confirmed,
inspect the hydraulic system and wheel brake compo-
nents.
On models with ABS brakes, the amber warning
light only illuminates when an ABS component has
malfunctioned. The ABS light operates indepen-
dently of the red warning light. Refer to the antilock
brake section for more detailed diagnosis informa-
tion.
PEDAL FALLS AWAY
A brake pedal that falls away under steady foot
pressure is generally the result of a system leak. The
leak point could be at a brakeline, fitting, hose,
wheel cylinder, or caliper. Internal leakage in the
master cylinder caused by worn or damaged piston
cups, may also be the problem cause.
If leakage is severe, fluid will be evident at or
around the leaking component. However internal
leakage in the master cylinder will not be physically
evident. Refer to the cylinder test procedure in this
section.
LOW PEDAL
If a low pedal is experienced, pump the pedal sev-
eral times. If the pedal comes back up, worn lining
and worn rotors or drums are the most likely causes.
However, if the pedal remains low and/or the warn-
ing light illuminates, the problem is in the master
cylinder, wheel cylinders, or calipers.
A decrease in master cylinder fluid level may only
be the result of normal lining wear. Fluid level will
decrease as lining wear occurs. It is a result of the
outward movement of caliper and wheel cylinder pis-
tons to compensate for normal wear.
SPONGY PEDAL
A spongy pedal is most often caused by air in the
system. However, thin drums or substandard brake
lines and hoses will also cause a condition similar to
a spongy pedal. The proper course of action is to
bleed the system, or replace thin drums and suspect
quality brake lines and hoses.
HARD PEDAL OR HIGH PEDAL EFFORT
A hard pedal or high pedal effort may be due to
lining that is water soaked, contaminated, glazed, or
badly worn. The power booster or check valve could
also be faulty. Test the booster and valve as de-
scribed in this section.
BRAKE DRAG
Brake drag occurs when the lining is in constant
contact with the rotor or drum. Drag can occur at
one wheel, all wheels, fronts only, or rears only. It is
a product of incomplete brakeshoe release. Drag can
be minor or severe enough to overheat the linings,
rotors and drums.
5 - 8 BRAKESJ

ABS SYSTEM OPERATION
INDEX
page page
Acceleration Switch....................... 41
Combination Valve....................... 42
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)............... 41
General Information....................... 39
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)................ 39
Ignition Switch........................... 42Master Cylinder.......................... 40
Pedal Travel Sensor...................... 41
Power Brake Booster..................... 40
System Relays.......................... 42
System Warning Lights.................... 42
Wheel Speed Sensors..................... 41
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Jeep antilock brake system (ABS) is an elec-
tronically operated, all-wheel brake control system.
Major components include the master cylinder, vac-
uum power brake booster, ECU, hydraulic control
unit (HCU) and various control sensors (Fig. 1). The
ABS brake system is available on XJ and YJ models.
The antilock hydraulic system is a three channel de-
sign. The front wheel brakes are controlled individually
and the rear wheel brakes in tandem (Fig. 2).
The antilock system is designed to retard wheel
lockup during periods of high wheel slip when brak-
ing. Retarding wheel lockup is accomplished by mod-
ulating fluid pressure to the wheel brake units.
The ABS electronic control system is separate from
other electrical circuits in the vehicle. A specially
programmed electronic control unit (ECU) is used to
operate the system components.
System components include:
²electronic control unit (ECU)
²wheel speed sensors and axle shaft tone rings²hydraulic control unit (HCU)
²tandem master cylinder with central valves
²vacuum power brake booster
²pedal travel sensor
²acceleration switch
²main relay and pump motor relay
²ABS warning light
²pump motor sensor
HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU)
The hydraulic control unit (HCU) consists of a
valve body and pump/motor assembly (Fig. 3).
The valve body contains the electrically operated
solenoid valves. It is the solenoid valves that modu-
late brake fluid apply pressure during antilock brak-
ing. The valves are operated by the antilock
electronic control unit (ECU).
Fig. 1 Antilock Components (XJ Shown)
Fig. 2 AntiLock System Basic Layout
JBRAKES 5 - 39

4). The engine intake manifold serves as the vacuum
source for booster operation.
The booster is mounted on the engine compartment
side of the dash panel. The master cylinder is
mounted on attaching studs at the front of the
booster. The master cylinder central valves are di-
rectly actuated by the booster push rod.
The pedal travel sensor is mounted in the forward
face of the booster shell. The sensor plunger is actu-
ated by the booster diaphragm plate.
PEDAL TRAVEL SENSOR
The pedal travel sensor signals brake pedal posi-
tion to the antilock ECU. The sensor signal is based
on changes in electrical resistance. The resistance
changes occur in steps that are generated by changes
in brake pedal position. A resistance signal gener-
ated by changing brake pedal position, will cause the
ECU to run the antilock pump when necessary.
The sensor is a plunger-type, electrical switch
mounted in the forward housing of the power brake
booster (Fig. 5). The sensor plunger is actuated by
movement of the booster diaphragm plate.
The tip on the sensor plunger is color coded. The
tip must be matched to the color dot on the face of
the brake booster front shell (Fig. 5).
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS
A sensor is used at each wheel. The sensors convert
wheel speed into an electrical signal. This signal is trans-
mitted to the antilock electronic control unit (ECU).
A gear-type tone ring serves as the trigger mecha-
nism for each sensor. The tone rings are mounted at
the outboard ends of the front and rear axle shafts.
Different sensors are used at the front and rear
wheels (Fig. 6). The front/rear sensors have the same
electrical values but are not interchangeable.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU)
A separate electronic control unit (ECU) monitors,
operates and controls the antilock system (Fig. 7).
The ECU contains dual microprocessors. The logic
block in each microprocessor receives identical sensor
signals. These signals are processed and compared si-
multaneously (Fig. 8).
The ECU is located under the instrument panel. It
is located at the right side of the steering column.
The power up voltage source for the ECU is through
the ignition switch in the On and Run positions.
The antilock ECU is separate from the other vehi-
cle electronic control units. It contains a self check
program that illuminates the amber warning light
when a system fault is detected. Faults are stored in
a diagnostic program memory and are accessible
with the DRB II scan tool.
ABS faults remain in memory until cleared, or until af-
ter the vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
ACCELERATION SWITCH
An acceleration switch (Fig. 9), provides an addi-
tional vehicle deceleration reference during 4-wheel
drive operation. The switch is monitored by the anti-
lock ECU at all times.
The switch reference signal is utilized by the ECU
when all wheels are decelerating at the same speed.
Equal wheel speeds occur during braking in undiffer-
entiated 4-wheel ranges.
Fig. 5 Pedal Travel Sensor Location
Fig. 6 Wheel Speed Sensors
JBRAKES 5 - 41

SYSTEM RELAYS
The ABS system has two relays, which are the
main and motor pump relays. The motor pump relay
is used for the motor pump only. The main relay is
used for the solenoid valves and remaining system
components. The main relay is connected to the ECU
at the power control relay terminal.
The pump motor relay starts/stops the pump motor
when signaled by the ECU. The start/stop signal tothe ECU is generated by the pedal travel sensor. Re-
fer to the ABS schematic at the end of this section
for circuit details.
IGNITION SWITCH
The antilock ECU and warning light are in
standby mode with the ignition switch in Off or Ac-
cessory position. No operating voltage is supplied to
the system components.
A 12 volt power feed is supplied to the ECU, re-
lays, solenoid valves, and warning light when the ig-
nition switch is in the ON, Start and Run positions.
Refer to the ABS system schematic at the end of this
section for details.
SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS
Two warning lights are used. The standard brake
system light is red. The antilock system light is am-
ber. Both lights are in the instrument cluster. The
amber ABS light is in circuit with the ECU and op-
erates independently of the red brake light.
The amber light indicates antilock system condi-
tion. It is in circuit with the valve body solenoids and
main relay. The light illuminates (flashes) at
start-up for the self check. The light then goes out
when the self check program determines system op-
eration is normal.
If an ABS fault occurs either during the start-up
self check, or during normal operation, the amber
light remains on until the fault is corrected.
COMBINATION VALVE
A combination valve is used with the ABS system
(Fig. 2). The valve contains a front/rear brake pres-
sure switch and proportioning valve. The valve is
connected between the master cylinder and hydraulic
control unit (HCU).
Fig. 7 Anti-Lock ECU
Fig. 8 ECU Dual Microprocessor Schematic
Fig. 9 Acceleration Switch
5 - 42 BRAKESJ

ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION
INDEX
page page
ABS Operation in Antilock Braking Mode....... 43
ABS Operation in Normal Braking Mode....... 43
Acceleration Switch Operation............... 45
ECY Operation.......................... 46HCU Pump and Pedal Travel Sensor Operation . 44
HCU Solenoid Valve Operation.............. 43
System Power-Up and Initialization........... 43
Wheel Speed Sensor Operation............. 45
SYSTEM POWER-UP AND INITIALIZATION
The antilock system is in standby mode with the
ignition switch in Off or Accessory position. The an-
tilock electrical components are not operational.
Turning the ignition switch to On or Run position
allows battery voltage to flow through the switch to
the ECU ignition terminal.
The ABS system is activated when battery voltage
is supplied to the ECU. The ECU performs a system
initialization procedure at this point. Initialization
consists of a static and dynamic self check of system
electrical components.
The static check occurs immediately after the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position. The dynamic
check occurs when vehicle road speed reaches ap-
proximately 10 kph (6 mph). During the dynamic
check, the ECU briefly cycles the pump to verify op-
eration. The HCU solenoids are checked continu-
ously.
If an ABS component exhibits a fault during ini-
tialization, the ECU illuminates the amber warning
light and registers a fault code in the microprocessor
memory.
ABS OPERATION IN NORMAL BRAKING MODE
The ECU monitors wheel speed sensor inputs con-
tinuously while the vehicle is in motion. However,
the ECU will not activate any ABS components as
long as sensor inputs and the acceleration switch in-
dicate normal braking.
During normal braking, the master cylinder, power
booster and wheel brake units all function as they
would in a vehicle without ABS. The HCU compo-
nents are not activated.
ABS OPERATION IN ANTILOCK BRAKING MODE
The purpose of the antilock system is to prevent
wheel lockup during periods of high wheel slip. Pre-
venting lockup helps maintain vehicle braking action
and steering control.
The antilock ECU activates the system whenever
sensor signals indicate periods of high wheel slip.
High wheel slip can be described as the point where
wheel rotation begins approaching zero (or lockup)
during braking. Periods of high wheel slip occur
when brake stops involve high pedal pressure and
rate of vehicle deceleration.The antilock system retards lockup during high
slip conditions by modulating fluid apply pressure to
the wheel brake units.
Brake fluid apply pressure is modulated according
to wheel speed, degree of slip and rate of decelera-
tion. A sensor at each wheel converts wheel speed
into electrical signals. These signals are transmitted
to the ECU for processing and determination of
wheel slip and deceleration rate.
The Jeep ABS system has three fluid pressure con-
trol channels. The front brakes are controlled sepa-
rately and the rear brakes in tandem (Fig. 10). A
speed sensor input signal indicating high slip condi-
tions activates the ECU antilock program.
Two solenoid valves are used in each antilock con-
trol channel (Fig. 11). The valves are all located
within the HCU valve body and work in pairs to ei-
ther increase, hold, or decrease apply pressure as
needed in the individual control channels.
The solenoid valves are not static during antilock
braking. They are cycled continuously to modulate
pressure. Solenoid cycle time in antilock mode can be
measured in milliseconds.
HCU SOLENOID VALVE OPERATION
Normal Braking
During normal braking, the HCU solenoid valves
and pump are not activated. The master cylinder and
power booster operate the same as a vehicle without
an ABS brake system.
Antilock Pressure Modulation
Solenoid valve pressure modulation occurs in three
stages which are: pressure increase, pressure hold,
and pressure decrease. The valves are all contained
in the valve body portion of the HCU.
Pressure Decrease
The outlet valve is opened and the inlet valve is
closed during the pressure decrease cycle (Fig. 11).
A pressure decrease cycle is initiated when speed
sensor signals indicate high wheel slip at one or
more wheels. At this point, the ECU opens the outlet
valve. Opening the outlet valve also opens the hy-
draulic return circuit to the master cylinder reser-
JANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION 5 - 43

PARKING BRAKE LEVER REMOVAL (XJ WITH FULL
CONSOLE)
(1) Release parking brakes, if necessary.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Remove adjusting nut from tensioner rod. Then
temporarily secure equalizer to nearby chassis com-
ponent with wire.
(4) Remove nuts attaching lever support plate to
underside of floorpan.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) On models with manual transmission, remove
shift knob, boot and bezel.
(7) On models with automatic transmission, re-
move shift handle cap and remove plunger, spring
and T-lock (Fig. 7).
(8) Remove shift handle and shift bezel (Fig. 7).
(9) Remove console cover screws (Fig. 8).(10) On models with power mirror switch, pry
switch out of console cover and disconnect switch
connector (Fig. 8).
(11) Remove console cover from base (Fig. 9).
(12) Remove console base.
(13) Disconnect brake warning light wire connec-
tor at lever.
(14) Remove lever and cable tensioner assembly
from floorpan.
(15) Move cover and boot aside for access to lever
arm (Fig. 3).
(16) Remove E-clip and pin that connect tensioner
to lever arm (Fig. 3).
Fig. 6 Hand Lever And Cable Tensioner Components (XJ)
Fig. 5 Tensioner Boot Seated In Cover
Fig. 7 Automatic Transmission Shift Handle
JPARKING BRAKES 5 - 59

PARKING BRAKE LEVER INSTALLATION (XJ WITH
FULL CONSOLE)
(1) Assemble lever and tensioner (Figs. 3 and 4).
Be sure E-clip is fully engaged in retaining pin (Fig.
3).
(2) Verify that tensioner boot is fully seated in
cover (Fig. 5).
(3) Position assembled lever and tensioner in floor-
pan.
(4) Connect brake warning light wires to switch on
lever.
(5) Install console base and cover.
(6) Connect power mirror switch wire to switch
and install switch in console cover.
(7) On automatic transmission models, install shift
bezel and shift handle.
(8) On manual transmission models, install boot,
bezel and shift knob.
(9) Raise vehicle.
(10) Insert tensioner rod in equalizer and install
adjusting nut on tensioner rod.
(11) Install nuts attaching lever support plate to
floorpan and lever.
(12) Adjust parking brakes. Refer to procedure in
this section.
PARKING BRAKE LEVER REMOVAL (XJ WITHOUT
CONSOLE)
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove nuts attaching lever support plate to
underside of floorpan.
(3) Remove adjusting nut from tensioner rod. Then
temporarily secure equalizer and cables to nearby
chassis component with wire.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Raise lever cover at rear and tilt it forward
(Fig. 10).
(6) Remove cover attaching screws. Or, if cover is
attached with rivets, drill out and remove cover.
(7) Disconnect brake warning light wire at lever.
(8) Remove lever and tensioner assembly from
floorpan.
(9) Move cover and boot aside for access to ten-
sioner retaining pin and clip.
(10) Remove pin and E-clip that secure tensioner
to lever arm and separate lever and tensioner.
PARKING BRAKE LEVER INSTALLATION (XJ
WITHOUT CONSOLE)
(1) Assemble lever and tensioner (Figs. 3 and 4).
(2) Verify that tensioner boot is properly seated in
cover (Fig. 5).
(3) Position lever on floorpan and insert lever
screws through floorpan. Be sure lever cover and seal
are in place between lever and floorpan.
(4) Connect brake warning light wires to switch on
lever.
Fig. 8 Console Cover Screws And Power Mirror
Switch Connector
Fig. 9 Console Cover And Base
5 - 60 PARKING BRAKESJ