1994 JEEP CHEROKEE Service Repair Manual

CAUTION: Do not puncture the spark plug cables or
boots to make the connection. Use proper adapters.
(6) Connect battery cable to battery.
ENGINE ROTATED AFTER REMOVAL
There is a fork on the distributor housing where
the housing seats against the engine block. The slot
in the fork aligns with the hole for the distributor
holddown bolt in the engine block. The distributor is
correctly installed when the rotor is correctly posi-
tioned. This is when the slot in the fork is aligned
with the hole for the distributor holddown bolt in the
cylinder block. Because of the fork on the distributor
housing, initial ignition timing is not adjustable (the
distributor cannot be rotated).
(1) If the engine was rotated while the distributor
was removed, it will be necessary to establish timing
according to following procedure:
²Remove the No. 1 spark plug. Hold a finger over
the spark plug hole and rotate the engine until com-
pression pressure is felt. Slowly continue to rotate
the engine. Do this until the timing index on vibra-
tion damper pulley aligns with top dead center (TDC)mark (0 degree) on timing degree scale. Always ro-
tate the engine in direction of normal rotation. Do
not turn the engine backward to align the timing
marks.
²Using a flat blade screwdriver, rotate the oil pump
gear. Do this to position the gear slot on the oil
pump shaft slightly before the 11 o'clock position
(Fig. 11).
²With the distributor cap removed, install the dis-
tributor with the rotor located just past the 2 o'clock
position (Fig. 12).
²When distributor is fully engaged in its correct lo-
cation, the rotor should be just past the 3 o'clock po-
sition (Fig. 13).
²Install the distributor holddown clamp and bolt.
Tighten the holddown bolt to 23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.)
torque.
CAUTION: If the distributor cap is incorrectly posi-
tioned on distributor housing, the cap or rotor may
be damaged when engine is started.
(2) Install the distributor cap (with ignition cables)
on the distributor housing. Be sure that the cap fits
securely on rim of the distributor housing.
(3) Connect the distributor wiring harness to the
main engine harness.
CAUTION: Do not puncture the spark plug cables or
boots to make the connection. Use proper adapters.
REMOVALÐ4.0L ENGINE
The distributor used in the 4.0L engine contains an
internal oil seal that prevents oil from entering the
distributor housing. The seal is not serviceable.
Fig. 11 Align Oil Pump Gear SlotÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 10 Spark Plug Cable PositionsÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 12 Distributor InstallationÐ2.5L Engine
8D - 24 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor on all engines (Fig. 9).
Refer to figure 9 for an exploded view of the dis-
tributor.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable at bat-
tery.
(2) On XJ models equipped with A/C, remove the
electrical cooling fan and shroud assembly from the
radiator. This will provide room to turn the engine
with a socket and ratchet using the vibration damper
bolt.
(3) Scribe a mark on the distributor housing. Do
this below the left side of (past) the number one
spark plug cable post of the distributor cap. This will
be used as a reference for #1 cylinder firing position
(Fig. 14).
(4) Remove the distributor cap from distributor (2
screws).
(5) Turn the engine in a clockwise direction until
the rotor is approaching the scribe mark on the dis-
tributor housing. Then slowly turn the engine until
the timing mark on the crankshaft vibration damper
lines up with zero on the front cover timing scale
(Fig. 15).
The timing mark is on the edge of the vibra-
tion damper closest to the engine front cover.
(6) Align the trailing edge of the rotor blade with
the scribe mark on the distributor housing (Fig. 16).
(7) Remove the distributor holddown bolt and
clamp.
(8) Remove the distributor from the engine by lift-
ing straight up. Remove and discard old distributor-
to-engine block gasket. Note that the rotor willrotate slightly in a counterclockwise direction while
lifting up the distributor. Note this position after re-
moval.
INSTALLATIONÐ4.0L ENGINE
(1) Clean the distributor mounting area of the cyl-
inder block.
(2) Install a replacement distributor-to-engine
block gasket.
(3) Using a flat blade screwdriver, turn the oil
pump gear shaft. Do this until the slot is slightly
past the 11 o'clock position (Fig. 17).
Fig. 13 Distributor Rotor PositionÐ2.5L EngineFig. 14 Mark Distributor Housing
Fig. 15 Align Timing Marks
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 25

The oil pump shaft is located down in the distribu-
tor hole.
(4) Install the rotor.
(5) Without engaging the distributor gear into the
cam gear, position the distributor into the hole in the
engine block. Be sure the distributor gasket is in-
stalled.
(6) Visually line up the holddown ear of the dis-
tributor housing with the holddown clamp hole (Fig.
18).
(7) Turn the rotor to the 4 o'clock position (Fig.
19).
(8) Slide the distributor down into the block until
it seats. Keep the holddown ear aligned to the hole
in the block.
(9) The rotor should be in the 5 o'clock position.
This is with the trailing edge of rotor blade lined up
with scribe mark on distributor housing (number one
spark plug cable post location).(10) Install the distributor holddown clamp bolt
and tighten to 23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install the distributor cap and connect the dis-
tributor electrical connector.
(12) Install electrical cooling fan and shroud if ap-
plicable.
(13) Connect battery cable to battery.
IGNITION COIL
The ignition coil is an epoxy filled type. If the coil
is replaced, it must be replaced with the same type.
Fig. 16 Align Rotor Trailing Edge With Scribe Mark
Fig. 17 Align Oil Pump Gear ShaftÐ4.0L Engine
Fig. 18 Distributor InstallationÐTypical
Fig. 19 Rotor Alignment
8D - 26 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

REMOVAL
The ignition coil is mounted to the right side of the
engine block next to the distributor (Fig. 20).
(1) Disconnect the ignition coil secondary cable
from ignition coil (Fig. 20).
(2) Disconnect engine harness connector from igni-
tion coil.
(3) Remove ignition coil mounting bolts. Remove
coil.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install ignition coil to bracket on cylinder block
with mounting bolts.
(2) Connect engine harness connector to coil.
(3) Connect ignition coil cable to ignition coil.
INTAKE MANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
REMOVAL
The intake manifold air temperature sensor is in-
stalled into the intake manifold plenum (Figs. 21 or
22).(1) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(2) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the air temperature sensor into the in-
take manifold. Tighten the sensor to 13 Nzm (10 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(2) Connect the electrical connector to the sensor.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
The MAP sensor is located on the dash panel near
the rear of the engine cylinder head (valve) cover
(Fig. 23).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the MAP sensor electrical connector
(Fig. 23).
(2) Disconnect the MAP sensor vacuum supply
hose (Fig. 23).
(3) Remove the MAP sensor mounting nuts and re-
move MAP sensor.
Fig. 20 Ignition CoilÐTypical
Fig. 21 Air Temperature SensorÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 22 Air Temperature SensorÐ4.0L Engine
Fig. 23 MAP SensorÐTypical
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 27

INSTALLATION
(1) Install MAP sensor to dash panel and secure
with mounting nuts.
(2) Install the MAP sensor vacuum supply hose.
(3) Connect the MAP sensor electrical connector.
OXYGEN (O2S) SENSOR
For diagnostics and removal/installation proce-
dures, refer to Group 14, Fuel Systems, in this man-
ual.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The PCM was formerly referred to as the SBEC or
engine controller.
XJ MODELS
On XJ models, the PCM is located in the engine
compartment next to the air cleaner (Fig. 24).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Loosen 60-way connector mounting screw until
connector can be disengaged from PCM.
(3) Pull 60-way connector straight back from PCM.
(4) Remove PCM mounting bolts.
(5) Remove PCM from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check the pins in the PCM 60-way electrical
connector for damage. Repair as necessary.
(2) Install PCM. Tighten mounting bolts to 1 Nzm
(9 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Engage 60-way connector into PCM. Tighten
connector mounting screw to 4 Nzm (35 in. lbs.)
torque.
(4) Connect battery cable to battery.
YJ MODELS
On YJ models, the PCM is located in the engine
compartment behind the windshield washer fluid res-
ervoir (Fig. 25).REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Remove windshield washer fluid reservoir.
(3) Loosen 60-way connector mounting screw until
connector can be disengaged from PCM.
(4) Pull 60-way connector straight back from PCM.
(5) Remove PCM mounting bolts.
(6) Remove PCM from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check the pins in the PCM 60-way electrical
connector for damage. Repair as necessary.
(2) Install PCM. Tighten mounting bolts to 1 Nzm
(9 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Engage 60-way connector into PCM. Tighten con-
nector mounting screw to 4 Nzm (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect battery cable to battery.
(5) Install washer fluid reservoir.
SPARK PLUGS
PLUG REMOVAL
(1) Always remove spark plug or ignition coil ca-
bles by grasping at the cable boot. Turn the cable
boot 1/2 turn and pull straight back in a steady mo-
tion. Never pull directly on the cable. Internal dam-
age to cable will result.
(2) Prior to removing the spark plug, spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. This will help prevent foreign
material from entering the combustion chamber.
(3) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert.
(4) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plugs in the Diagnostics/Service Procedures
section of this group.
PLUG CLEANING
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After
Fig. 24 PCM LocationÐXJ Models
Fig. 25 PCM LocationÐYJ Models
8D - 28 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

cleaning, file the center electrode flat with a small
point file or jewelers file before adjusting gap.
PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the spark plug gap with a gap gauge tool. If
the gap is not correct, adjust it by bending the
ground electrode (Fig. 26).Never attempt to adjust
the gap by bending the center electrode.
SPARK PLUG GAP
²2.5L Engine Spark Plug Gap: .89 mm (.035 in).
²4.0L Engine Spark Plug Gap: .89 mm (.035 in).
PLUG INSTALLATION
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion. This may re-
sult in a change in the spark plug gap.
When replacing the spark plug and ignition coil ca-
bles, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise. It could cause cross ignition of the spark plugs,
or short circuit the cables to ground.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten the spark plugs to 35-41 Nzm (26-30 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
SPARK PLUG SECONDARY CABLES
CAUTION: When disconnecting a high voltage cable
from a spark plug or from the distributor cap, twistthe rubber boot slightly (1/2 turn) to break it loose.
Grasp the boot (not the cable) and pull it off with a
steady, even force.
Install cables into the proper engine cylinder firing
order (Figs. 27 or 28).
When replacing the spark plug and coil cables,
route the cables correctly and secure in the proper
retainers. Failure to route the cables properly can
cause the radio to reproduce ignition noise. It could
also cause cross ignition of the plugs, or short circuit
the cables to ground.
When installing new cables, make sure a positive
connection is made. A snap should be felt when a
good connection is made between the plug cable and
the distributor cap tower.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
For diagnostics and removal/installation proce-
dures, refer to Group 14, Fuel Systems, in this man-
ual.
Fig. 26 Setting Spark Plug GapÐTypical
Fig. 27 Engine Firing OrderÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 28 Engine Firing OrderÐ4.0L Engine
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 29

IGNITION SWITCH
INDEX
page page
General Information....................... 30
Ignition Switch Installation/Adjustment......... 31Ignition Switch Removal................... 30
Ignition Switch Testing..................... 30
GENERAL INFORMATION
The ignition switch is mounted (under the instru-
ment panel) on the lower section of the steering col-
umn. The headlamp dimmer switch is mounted
beside the ignition switch (Fig. 1). Both of these
switches (ignition and dimmer) share the same
mounting screws.
The switch is connected to the ignition key lock as-
sembly by a remote actuator rod. This remote actua-
tor rod fits into an access hole on the bottom of the
ignition switch (Fig. 2).
IGNITION SWITCH REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable at the
battery.
(2) XJ models: Remove the lower instrument panel
trim assembly. YJ models: Remove the windshield
wiper intermittent control module and its bracket (if
equipped).
(3) Place the ignition key lock in ACCESSORY po-
sition.
(4) Remove the two headlamp dimmer switch at-
taching nuts. Lift the switch from steering column
while disengaging actuator rod.Before removing dimmer switch, tape the two
remote control actuator rods (ignition switch
and dimmer) to the steering column. This will
prevent accidental disengagement from the up-
per part of the steering column.
(5) Remove the ignition switch-to-steering column
attaching screws.
(6) Disengage the ignition switch from the remote
actuator rod by lifting straight up. Remove switch
from steering column.
(7) Remove wiring from switch as follows:
Two electrical connectors are used to connect all
wiring to the ignition switch. One of the connectors
is installed (interlocked) over the top of the other
connector. Remove wiring from switch by disconnect-
ing the (black) harness connector first and then the
other connector. Remove the switch from the vehicle.
IGNITION SWITCH TESTING
To test the ignition switch circuity and continuity,
proceed as follows. Place the slide bar (on the igni-
tion switch) (Fig. 2) into the detent position to be
tested. An ohmmeter or continuity light may be used
to check switch continuity. Refer to the Ignition
Fig. 1 Ignition Switch/Headlamp Dimmer
SwitchÐTypical
Fig. 2 Ignition Switch/Remote Actuator
RodÐTypical
8D - 30 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

Switch Continuity Tests chart for continuity tests.
Refer to (Fig. 3) for the lettered/numbered terminal
positions.All wiring must be disconnected from
the ignition switch before performing any conti-
nuity testing.
There are five positions on the ignition switch. The
switch positions (in order) are: ACCESSORY, OFF-
LOCK, OFF, ON AND START (Figs. 4 or 5). Each
position has a detent stop (except START), which is
spring loaded to release when the key is released.
The maximum voltage drop between any two con-
nected terminals should not exceed 12.5 millivolts
per amp. For example: If a 10 amp load is drawn
through the switch, maximum voltage drop should be
10 x 0.0125 or 0.125 volt.
IGNITION SWITCH INSTALLATION/ADJUSTMENT
(1) Place the key lock switch in the ACCESSORY
position.
(2) Place the slider bar (in the ignition switch)
(Fig. 2) into the ACCESSORY detent position.
(3) Connect the wiring to the switch as follows: In-
stall the non-black (colored) connector first and then
the black (colored) connector to the ignition switch.
One connector will interlock the other connector.
(4) Slip the remote actuator rod into the access
hole on the switch (Fig. 2). Install the switch to the
steering column. Be careful not to move the slider
bar (on the switch) out of the ACCESSORY detent
position. Remove the ignition switch actuator rod se-
curing-tape from steering column.
(5) Install the two ignition switch-to-steering col-
umn screws finger tight.Do not tighten screws at
this time.
(6) Adjust ignition switch as follows:
(a) Non-tilt steering column: While holding key
lock switch in ACCESSORY position, gently slide
ignition switchup(towards steering wheel). This
will remove slack from switch. Tighten attachingscrews. Do not allow the ignition switch to move
from the ACCESSORY detent position.
(b) Tilt steering column: While holding the key
lock switch in the ACCESSORY position, gently
slide the ignition switchdown(away from steering
wheel) to remove slack from switch. Tighten at-
IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY TESTS
Fig. 3 Ignition Switch Terminals/Circuits
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 31