1994 JEEP CHEROKEE Service Repair Manual

For diagnostics, refer to the appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures service manual for operation
of the DRB scan tool.
SPARK PLUGS
For spark plug removal, cleaning, gap adjustment
and installation, refer to the Component Removal/In-
stallation section of this group.
Faulty carbon and/or gas fouled plugs generally
cause hard starting, but they will clean up at higher
engine speeds. Faulty plugs can be identified in a
number of ways: poor fuel economy, power loss, de-
crease in engine speed, hard starting and, in general,
poor engine performance.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indi-
cates that a problem exists in the corresponding
cylinder. Replace spark plugs at the intervals recom-
mended in the maintenance chart in Group 0, Lubri-
cation and Maintenance.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective. Refer to the
following Spark Plug Condition section of this group.
CONDITION
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 24). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than ap-
proximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 1600 km (1000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with
MMT causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be
coated with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can
be misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the
combustion chamber. Spark plug performance is not
affected by MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are ba-
sically carbon (Fig. 24). A dry, black deposit on one
or two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking
valves or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon)
fouling of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused
by a clogged air filter or repeated short operating
times (short trips).
ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose de-
posits in the combustion chamber. These deposits ac-
cumulate on the spark plugs during continuous stop-
and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 25).
This short circuits the electrodes. Spark plugs with
electrode gap bridging can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yel-
low (Fig. 26). They may appear to be harmful, but
this is a normal condition caused by chemical addi-
tives in certain fuels. These additives are designed to
change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease
spark plug misfire tendencies. Notice that accumula-
tion on the ground electrode and shell area may be
heavy, but the deposits are easily removed. Spark
Fig. 24 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
Fig. 25 Electrode Gap Bridging
8D - 16 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

plugs with scavenger deposits can be considered nor-
mal in condition and can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation can also separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 27). Spark plugs with
this condition must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive
combustion chamber temperature. The center elec-
trode dissolves first and the ground electrode dis-
solves somewhat latter (Fig. 28). Insulators appear
relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug
has the correct heat range rating for the engine. De-
termine if ignition timing is over advanced, or if
other operating conditions are causing engine over-
heating. (The heat range rating refers to the operat-
ing temperature of a particular type spark plug.
Spark plugs are designed to operate within specifictemperature ranges. This depends upon the thickness
and length of the center electrodes porcelain insula-
tor.)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
29). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 1000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
SPARK PLUG SECONDARY CABLES
TESTING
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition cables or secondary wires. The cables
transfer electrical current from the distributor to in-
dividual spark plugs at each cylinder. The spark plug
cables are of nonmetallic construction and have a
built in resistance. The cables provide suppression of
radio frequency emissions from the ignition system.
Fig. 26 Scavenger Deposits
Fig. 27 Chipped Electrode Insulator
Fig. 28 Preignition Damage
Fig. 29 Spark Plug Overheating
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 17

Check the high-tension cable connections for good
contact at the ignition coil, distributor cap towers
and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated.
The terminals and spark plug covers should be in
good condition. Terminals should fit tightly to the ig-
nition coil, distributor cap and spark plugs. The
spark plug cover (boot) of the cable should fit tight
around the spark plug insulator. Loose cable connec-
tions can cause corrosion and increase resistance, re-
sulting in shorter cable service life.
Clean the high tension cables with a cloth moist-
ened with a nonflammable solvent and wipe dry.
Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected for longer than necessary during test-
ing. This may cause possible heat damage to the
catalytic converter. Total test time must not exceed
ten minutes.
With the engine not running, connect one end of a
test probe to a good ground. Start the engine and run
the other end of the test probe along the entire
length of all spark plug cables. If cables are cracked
or punctured, there will be a noticeable spark jump
from the damaged area to the test probe. The cable
running from the ignition coil to the distributor cap
can be checked in the same manner. Cracked, dam-
aged or faulty cables should be replaced with resis-
tance type cable. This can be identified by the words
ELECTRONIC SUPPRESSION printed on the cable
jacket.
Use an ohmmeter to test for open circuits, exces-
sive resistance or loose terminals. Remove the dis-
tributor cap from the distributor.Do not remove
cables from cap.Remove cable from spark plug.
Connect ohmmeter to spark plug terminal end of ca-
ble and to corresponding electrode in distributor cap.
Resistance should be 250 to 1000 Ohms per inch of
cable. If not, remove cable from distributor cap tower
and connect ohmmeter to the terminal ends of cable.
If resistance is not within specifications as found in
the Spark Plug Cable Resistance chart, replace the
cable. Test all spark plug cables in this manner.To test ignition coil-to-distributor cap cable, do not
remove the cable from the cap. Connect ohmmeter to
rotor button (center contact) of distributor cap and
terminal at ignition coil end of cable. If resistance is
not within specifications as found in the Spark Plug
Cable Resistance chart, remove the cable from the
distributor cap. Connect the ohmmeter to the termi-
nal ends of the cable. If resistance is not within spec-
ifications as found in the Spark Plug Cable
Resistance chart, replace the cable. Inspect the igni-
tion coil tower for cracks, burns or corrosion.
For removal and installation of spark plug cables,
refer to Spark Plug Secondary Cables in the Compo-
nent Removal/Installation section.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR TEST
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
The throttle position sensor can be tested with a
digital voltmeter. The center terminal of the sensor
connector is the output terminal (Figs. 30 or 31).
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
Fig. 30 SensorÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 31 SensorÐ4.0L Engine
8D - 18 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

With the ignition key in the ON position and en-
gine not running, check the sensor output voltage at
the center terminal wire of the connector. Check this
at idle (throttle plate closed) and at wide open throt-
tle (WOT). At idle, sensor output voltage should be
greater than 200 millivolts. At wide open throttle,
sensor output voltage must be less than 4.8 volts.
The output voltage should increase gradually as the
throttle plate is slowly opened from idle to WOT.
OXYGEN SENSOR TESTS
For diagnosis, removal or installation, refer to
Group 14, Fuel Systems in this manual.
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS (OBD)
FOR IGNITION SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The powertrain control module (PCM) has been
programmed to monitor certain ignition system cir-
cuits:
EXAMPLE:
If a reference signal is not being detected during
engine cranking from the crankshaft position sensor,
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) number 11 can be
observed at the Check Engine Lamp.
If the problem is sensed in a monitored circuit of-
ten enough to indicate an actual problem, a DTC is
stored. The DTC will be stored in the PCM memory
for eventual display to the service technician. If the
problem is repaired or ceases to exist, the PCM can-
cels the DTC after 51 engine starts.
Certain criteria must be met for a DTC to be en-
tered into PCM memory. The criteria may be a spe-
cific range of engine rpm, engine temperature and/or
input voltage to the PCM.
A DTC indicates that the PCM has recognized an
abnormal signal in a circuit or the system. A DTC
may indicate the result of a failure, but never iden-
tify the failed component directly.
It is possible that a DTC for a monitored circuit
may not be entered into memory even though a mal-
function has occurred. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) in Group 14, Fuel Systems for additional in-
formation.
ACCESSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
A stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be dis-
played by cycling the ignition key On-Off-On-Off-On
within three seconds and observing the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp. This lamp was formerly referred to
as the Check Engine Lamp. The lamp is located on
the instrument panel.
They can also be displayed through the use of the
Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB) scan tool. The DRB
connects to the data link connector in the enginecompartment (Figs. 32 or 33). For operation of the
DRB, refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic
Procedures service manual.
EXAMPLES:
²If the lamp flashes 1 time, pauses and flashes 1
more time, a flashing Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
number 11 is indicated.
²If the lamp flashes 3 times, pauses and flashes 5
more times, a flashing Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) number 35 is indicated.
After any stored DTC information has been ob-
served, the display will end with a flashing DTC
number 55. This will indicate the end of all stored
information.
ERASING TROUBLE CODES
After the problem has been repaired, the DRB scan
tool must be used to erase a DTC. Refer to the ap-
propriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures service
manual for operation of the DRB scan tool.
Fig. 32 Data Link ConnectorÐYJ ModelsÐTypical
Fig. 33 Data Link ConnectorÐXJ ModelsÐTypical
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 19

COMPONENT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
INDEX
page page
Automatic Shut Down (ASD) Relay........... 20
Camshaft Position Sensor.................. 20
Crankshaft Position Sensor................. 21
Distributor.............................. 23
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.......... 22
General Information....................... 20
Ignition Coil............................. 26Intake Manifold Air Temperature Sensor....... 27
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor..... 27
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor..................... 28
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)............ 28
Spark Plug Secondary Cables............... 29
Spark Plugs............................ 28
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).............. 29
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section of the group, Component Removal/In-
stallation, will discuss the removal and installation
of ignition system components.
For basic ignition system diagnostics and service
adjustments, refer to the Diagnostics/Service Proce-
dures section of this group.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera-
tion section of this group.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN (ASD) RELAY
The ASD relay is installed in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) (Fig. 1). Relay location is printed
on the PDC cover.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the PDC cover.
(2) Remove the relay by lifting straight up.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check the condition of relay wire terminals at
PDC before installing relay. Repair as necessary.
(2) Push the relay into the connector.
(3) Install the relay cover.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the distributor. Refer to Distributor
Removal.
(2) Remove the distributor rotor.
CAUTION: Do not position the distributor in a vise
when removing or installing the drive gear roll pin.
Support the distributor with wooden blocks.
(3) Mark the position of the gear and the shaft in
line with the roll pin. The gearMUSTbe installed
back to its original position on the distributor shaft.
(4) Using a small pin punch and hammer, remove
the distributor gear roll (spring) pin (Fig. 3).
(5) Lightly tap the end of the distributor shaft un-
til distributor gear and thrust washer are removed.
(6) Slide the distributor shaft out of the distributor
housing.
(7) Remove the camshaft position sensor mounting
screw and positioning arm (Fig. 4).
(8) Slide the wire harness grommet out of the dis-
tributor housing. Remove the camshaft position sen-
sor.
Fig. 1 PDCÐXJ Models
Fig. 2 PDCÐYJ Models
8D - 20 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the camshaft position sensor in the
distributor housing. Place the wire harness grommet
into the opening in the distributor housing.
(2) Install retaining arm and retaining screw.
(3) Install distributor shaft into distributor hous-
ing. Make sure the upper thrust washer is installed
on the shaft.
(4) Position thrust washer and drive gear on dis-
tributor shaft.
(5) Note the previousCAUTIONand install dis-
tributor drive gear roll pin.
(6) Install rotor.
(7) Install distributor.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The crankshaft position sensor is mounted in thetransmission bellhousing at the left/rear side of the
engine block (Figs. 5, 6 or 7).
On all 2.5L and 4.0L engines (except YJ models
with an automatic transmission and 4.0L engine) the
sensor is attached with two bolts. The 2.5L engine,
when equipped with an automatic transmission, will
have the sensor mounted with two nuts.
On YJ models with a 4.0L engine and automatic
transmission, the sensor uses a single slotted hole to
adjust its depth. A paper/cardboard type spacer with
self-adhesive (Fig. 7) is attached to the bottom of the
sensor to set this depth. After the engine has been
started (and after sensor installation), this temporary
spacer will be sheared off. New factory replacement
sensors are equipped with this spacer. If the original
sensor is to be reinstalled, such as with transmission
and/or flywheel removal, a new spacerMUSTbe in-
stalled.
Fig. 3 Distributor GearÐRemoval/Installation
Fig. 4 Camshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 5 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.5L
EngineÐTypical
Fig. 6 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐAll
Except YJ models With Automatic Transmission
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 21

REMOVALÐALL ENGINES
(1) Near the rear of the intake manifold, discon-
nect the pigtail harness (on the sensor) from the
main electrical harness.
(2) Remove the nut holding sensor wire clip to fuel
rail mounting stud.
(3) Depending upon application, remove either the
sensor mounting bolt(s) or nuts.
(4) Remove the sensor.
(5) Remove clip from sensor wire harness.
INSTALLATIONÐALL EXCEPT YJ MODELS
WITH 4.0L ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(1) Install the sensor flush against the opening in
the transmission housing.
(2) Install and tighten the two sensor mounting
bolts (or nuts) to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
CAUTION: On some models, two bolts used to se-
cure the sensor to the transmission. These bolts
are specially machined to correctly space the unit
to the flywheel. Do not attempt to install any other
bolts.
(3) Connect the electrical connector to the sensor.
(4) Install clip on sensor wire harness.
(5) Install clip over fuel rail mounting stud. Install
clip mounting nut.
INSTALLATIONÐYJ MODELS WITH 4.0L
ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(1) Be sure the paper/cardboard spacer (Fig. 7) has
been installed to the bottom of the new sensor.If original sensor is being reinstalled (such as with
transmission or flywheel removal), clean bottom of
the sensor before installation. Obtain a new spacer
and remove the paper backing. Install the self-adhe-
sive side to bottom of sensor. This spacerMUSTbe
installed. If spacer is not installed, sensor will be
damaged when engine is started.
(2) Position sensor to transmission bellhousing and
install mounting bolt finger tight.
(3) Gently seat (push down) the sensor until the
paper spacer contacts the outer edge of the flywheel.
(4) Tighten sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 7) to 17-
to-21 Nzm (13-to-16 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect the electrical connector to sensor.
(6) Install the clip to sensor wire harness.
(7) Install clip over fuel rail mounting stud. Install
clip mounting nut.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. RE-
FER TO GROUP 7, COOLING.
REMOVAL
The sensor is installed in the thermostat housing
(Fig. 8).
(1) Drain cooling system until the coolant level is
below the cylinder head. For cooling system draining,
refer to Group 7, Cooling.
(2) Disconnect the coolant temperature sensor wire
connector.
(3) Remove the sensor from the thermostat hous-
ing (Fig. 8).
Fig. 7 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐYJ
models With Automatic Transmission
Fig. 8 Coolant Temperature SensorÐTypical
8D - 22 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

INSTALLATION
(1) Install coolant temperature sensor into the
thermostat housing. Tighten to 28 Nzm (21 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(2) Connect the wire connector.
(3) Fill the cooling system. Refer to group 7, Cool-
ing System.
DISTRIBUTOR
All distributors contain an internal oil seal that
prevents oil from entering the distributor housing.
The seal is not serviceable.
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor on all engines (Fig. 9).
Refer to Fig. 9 for an exploded view of the distrib-
utor.
REMOVALÐ2.5L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable at the
battery.
(2) Disconnect coil secondary cable at coil.
(3) Remove distributor cap from distributor (2
screws). Do not remove cables from cap.
(4) Disconnect the distributor wiring harness from
the main engine harness.
(5) Scribe a mark on the distributor housing in
line with the tip of the rotor. Note the position of the
rotor and distributor housing. This is in relation tothe surrounding engine components as reference
points for installing the distributor.
(6) Remove the distributor holddown bolt and
clamp.
(7) Remove the distributor from engine by lifting
straight up. Remove and discard old distributor-to-
engine block gasket. Note that the rotor will rotate
slightly in a counterclockwise direction while lifting
up the distributor. Note this position after removal.
INSTALLATIONÐ2.5L ENGINE
ENGINE NOT ROTATED AFTER REMOVAL
This procedure assumes that the engine was not ro-
tated with distributor out of engine.
(1) Clean the distributor mounting hole area of the
engine block.
(2) Install a new distributor-to-engine block gas-
ket.
There is a fork on the distributor housing where
the housing seats against the engine block. The slot
in the fork aligns with the distributor holddown bolt
hole in the engine block. The distributor is correctly
installed when the rotor is correctly positioned. This
is with the slot in the fork aligned with the hold-
down bolt hole in the cylinder block. Because of the
fork on the distributor housing, initial ignition tim-
ing is not adjustable (the distributor cannot be rotat-
ed).
(3) Position the distributor shaft in the cylinder
block. If the engine was not rotated while the distrib-
utor was removed, perform the following:
²Align the rotor tip with the scribe mark on the
distributor housing during removal. Turn the rotor
approximately 1/8-turn counterclockwise past the
scribe mark.
CAUTION: Be sure that the distributor shaft fully
engages into the oil pump drive gear shaft. It may
be necessary to slightly rotate (bump) the engine.
This is done while applying downward hand force
on the distributor body. It should fully engage the
distributor shaft with the oil pump drive gear shaft.
²Slide the distributor shaft down into the engine.
It may be necessary to move the rotor and shaft
(slightly) to engage the distributor shaft with the slot
in the oil pump shaft. The same may have to be done
to engage the distributor gear with the camshaft
gear. However, the rotor should align with the scribe
mark when the distributor shaft is down in place.
²Install the distributor holddown clamp and bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the distributor cap (with the ignition ca-
bles) on the distributor housing (Fig. 10). Tighten
distributor cap holddown screws to 3 Nzm (26 in. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Connect the distributor wiring harness to the
main engine harness.
Fig. 9 DistributorÐ2.5L/4.0L EnginesÐTypical
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 23