1994 JEEP CHEROKEE ignition

DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
DRB Scan Tool........................... 5
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)................. 4Preliminary Checks........................ 5
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS (OBD)
FOR COOLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The powertrain control module (PCM) has been
programmed to monitor the certain following cooling
system components:
²If the engine has remained cool for too long a pe-
riod, such as with a stuck open thermostat, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) number 17 can be
observed at the Check Engine Lamp.
²If an open or shorted condition has developed in
the relay circuit controlling the electric radiator fan,
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) number 35 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 engine
compartment (Figs. 5 or 6). For operation of the
DRB, refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic
Procedures service manual.EXAMPLES:
²If the lamp flashes 1 time, pauses and flashes 7
more times, a flashing Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) number 17 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.
Fig. 5 Data Link ConnectorÐYJ ModelsÐTypical
Fig. 6 Data Link ConnectorÐXJ ModelsÐTypical
7 - 4 COOLING SYSTEMJ

speed of the fan to a predetermined maximum level
at higher engine speeds. A bimetallic spring coil is
located on the front face. This spring coil reacts to
the temperature of the radiator discharge air. It en-
gages the viscous fan drive for higher fan speed if
the air temperature from the radiator rises above a
certain point. Until additional engine cooling is nec-
essary, the fan will remain at a reduced rpm regard-
less of engine speed.
Only when sufficient heat is present, will the vis-
cous fan drive engage. This is when the air flowing
through the radiator core causes a reaction from the
bimetallic coil. It then increases fan speed to provide
the necessary additional engine cooling.
Once the engine has cooled, the radiator discharge
temperature will drop. The bimetallic coil again re-
acts and the fan speed is reduced to the previous dis-
engaged speed.
CAUTION: Engines equipped with serpentine drive
belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous fan
drives. They are marked with the word REVERSE to
designate their usage. Installation of the wrong fan
or viscous fan drive can result in engine overheat-
ing.
VISCOUS FAN DRIVE TEST
The cooling system must be in good condition. This
is checked prior to performing the following test. It
also will ensure against excessively high coolant
temperature.
CAUTION: Be sure that there is adequate fan blade
clearance before drilling.(1) Drill a 3.18-mm (1/8-in) diameter hole in the
top center of the fan shroud.
(2) Obtain a dial thermometer with an 8 inch stem
(or equivalent). It should have a range of -18É-to-
105ÉC (0É-to-220É F). Insert thermometer through the
hole in the shroud. Be sure that there is adequate
clearance from the fan blades.
(3) Connect a tachometer and an engine ignition
timing light (timing light is to be used as a strobe
light).
(4) Block the air flow through the radiator. Secure
a sheet of plastic in front of the radiator (or air con-
ditioner condenser). Use tape at the top to secure the
plastic and be sure that the air flow is blocked.
(5) Be sure that the air conditioner (if equipped) is
turned off.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A DI-
RECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start the engine and operate at 2400 rpm with
the timing light (strobe light) aimed at the fan
blades. Within ten minutes the air temperature (in-
dicated on the dial thermometer) should be 88É C
(190É F). Satisfactory operation of the fan drive re-
quires that it engage before or at 88É C (190É F). En-
gagement is distinguishable by a definite increase in
flow noise. The timing light also will indicate an in-
crease in the speed of the fan.
(7) When the air temperature reaches 88É C (190É
F), remove the plastic sheet. Satisfactory operation of
the viscous fan requires the air temperature to drop
20É F (11É C) or more. A definite decrease of audible-
fan-air-flow-noise should be noticed. Replace defec-
tive fan assemblies.
VISCOUS FAN DRIVE REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
Some engines have the mechanical fan/viscous fan
drive assembly mounted directly to the water pump
hub (Fig. 38). It may also be mounted to a hub/bear-
ing attached to an aluminum bracket on the right
front side of engine (Fig. 39).
(1) Loosen but do not remove at this time, the four
fan hub mounting nuts (Figs. 38 or 39).
(2) Remove accessory serpentine drive belt. Refer
to Belt Service in the Engine Accessory Drive Belt
section of this group.
(3) Some models with certain engines may require
the removal of the fan shroud to remove the viscous
fan drive. The fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan
drive should be removed from the vehicle as one as-
sembly.
Fig. 37 Viscous Fan DriveÐTypical
JCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 27

ELECTRICAL
GROUP INDEX
Group Group
AUDIO SYSTEMS....................... 8F
BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE . . 8B
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS
DIAGNOSTICS........................ 8A
CHIME/WARNING BUZZER SYSTEM....... 8U
HORNS............................... 8G
IGNITION SYSTEMS.................... 8D
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES........ 8E
LAMPS............................... 8L
OVERHEAD CONSOLE................... 8CPOWER LOCKS........................ 8P
POWER MIRRORS...................... 8T
POWER SEAT.......................... 8R
POWER WINDOWS..................... 8S
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER.............. 8N
TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD WARNING
FLASHERS........................... 8J
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM....... 8H
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS..... 8K
WIRING DIAGRAMS.................... 8W
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY TEST PROCEDURES............. 2
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR TEST
PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE.............. 9GENERATOR TEST PROCEDURES ON
VEHICLE............................. 14
IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD) DIAGNOSIS...... 8
USING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.... 19
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate with one another, and therefore, must be thor-
oughly tested as a complete system. In order for the
vehicle to start and charge properly, it must have a
battery that will perform to specifications. The
starter motor, generator, wiring, and electronics also
must perform within specifications. Group 8A covers
starting (Fig. 1) and charging (Fig. 2) system diag-
nostic procedures. These procedures include the most
basic conventional methods to On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of an ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery
charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-
volt test lamp will be required.
All OBD sensing systems are monitored by the
PCM. The PCM will store in memory any detectable
failure in the monitored circuits. Refer to Using On-
Board Diagnostic System in this group for more in-
formation.
Fig. 1 Starting System Components (Typical)
JELECTRICAL 8A - 1

BATTERY TESTING GENERAL INFORMATION
Before testing a battery, clean the top of the
battery case, posts and cable terminals.
Specific gravity is a ratio of the density of the elec-
trolyte and the density of pure water. The electrolyte
is composed of sulfuric acid and water. Acid makes
up approximately 35% of the electrolyte by weight,
or 24% by volume.
The condition of a battery may be determined from
the results of 2 tests:
²hydrometer test
²ability to supply current (battery load test)
Perform the hydrometer test first. If the specific
gravity is less than 1.235, (with battery at room tem-
perature) the battery must be charged before pro-
ceeding with further testing. A battery that will not
accept a charge is defective and further testing is not
necessary.
Completely discharged batteries may take sev-
eral hours to accept a charge. See Charging
Completely Discharged Battery.
A battery that has been fully charged but does not
pass the battery load test is defective.
A battery is fully charged when:
²all cells are gassing freely during charging
²3 corrected specific gravity tests, taken at 1-hour
intervals, indicate no increase in specific gravity.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
(1) Corroded battery posts and terminals.
(2) Loose or worn generator drive belt.
(3) Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories in-
stalled after delivery.
(4) Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions)
or prolonged idling with high-amperage draw sys-
tems in use.
(5) Defective circuit or component causing excess
IOD. Refer to Ignition Off Draw Diagnosis in this
group.
(6) Defective charging system.
(7) Defective battery.
HYDROMETER TEST
Before performing a hydrometer test, remove
battery caps and check electrolyte level. Add
distilled water as required.
Before testing, visually inspect battery for any
damage (cracked case or cover, loose post, etc.) that
would cause the battery to be defective. To use the
hydrometer correctly, hold it with the top surface of
the electrolyte at eye level. Refer to manufacturers
instructions for correct use of hydrometer.
Remove only enough electrolyte from the battery to
keep the float off the bottom of the hydrometer bar-
rel with pressure on the bulb released. Exercise care
when inserting the tip of the hydrometer into a cellto avoid damage to the separators. Damaged separa-
tors can cause premature battery failure.
Hydrometer floats are generally calibrated to indi-
cate the specific gravity correctly only at one fixed
temperature, 80ÉF (26.6ÉC). When testing the specific
gravity at any other temperature, a correction factor
is required.
The correction factor is approximately a specific
gravity value of 0.004, referred to as 4 points of spe-
cific gravity. For each 10ÉF above 80ÉF (5.5ÉC above
26.6ÉC), add 4 points. For each 10ÉF below 80ÉF
(5.5ÉC below 26.6ÉC), subtract 4 points. Always cor-
rect the specific gravity for temperature variation.
Test the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each
battery cell.
Example: A battery is tested at 10ÉF (-12.2ÉC) and
has a specific gravity of 1.240. Determine the actual
specific gravity as follows:
²Determine the number of degrees above or below
80ÉF:
80ÉF - 10ÉF = 70ÉF
²Divide the result above by 10:
70ÉF/10 = 7
²Multiply the result from the previous step by the
temperature correction factor (0.004):
7 x 0.004 = 0.028
²The temperature at testing was below 80ÉF, there-
fore the temperature correction is subtracted:
1.240 - 0.028 = 1.212
²The corrected specific gravity is 1.212.
The fully charged battery should have a tempera-
ture corrected specific gravity of 1.260 to 1.290.
If the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235,
and cell variation is more than 50 points (0.050), it is
an indication that the battery is unserviceable.
If the specific gravity of one or more cells is less
than 1.235, charge the battery at a rate of approxi-
mately 5 amperes. Continue charging until 3 consec-
utive specific gravity tests, taken at 1 hour intervals,
are constant.
If the cell specific gravity variation is more than 50
points (0.050) after the charge period, replace the
battery.
When the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235
and variation between cells is less than 50 points
(0.050), the battery may be tested under heavy load.
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
A battery voltage (no load) test will show state of
charge of a battery that will pass the Battery Load
Test described in this section.Before proceeding
with this test or Battery Load Test, completely
charge battery as described in Battery Charging
in this section.
If a battery has a no load voltage reading of 12.4
volts or greater and will not endure a load test, it is
defective and should be replaced. Refer to Group 8B -
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 3

SPECIFICATIONS
IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD) DIAGNOSIS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ignition off draw refers to power being drained
from the battery with the ignition switch turned off.
A normal vehicle electrical system will draw from 5
to 20 milliamps. This is with the ignition switch in
the OFF position, and all non-ignition controlled cir-
cuits in proper working order. A vehicle that has not
been operated for approximately 20 days, may dis-
charge the battery to an inadequate level. Battery
drain should not exceed approximately 20 MA (20
milliamps = 0.020 amps).
The 20 MA are needed to supply PCM memory,
digital clock memory, and ETR (electronically tuned
radio) memory.
Excessive battery drain is caused by items left
turned on, internally shorted generator, or intermit-
tent short in wiring.
If the IOD is over 20 milliamperes, the defect must
be found and corrected before replacing a battery. In
most cases the battery can be charged and returned
to service.
When a vehicle will not be used for 20 days or
more (stored), remove IOD fuse in the Power Distri-
bution Center to reduce battery discharging.
TEST PROCEDURE
Testing for higher amperage IOD must be per-
formed first to prevent damage to most milliamp
meters.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
Turn off all lamps, remove ignition key, and close all
doors. If the vehicle is equipped with electronic acces-
sories (illuminated entry, high line radio), allow the
systems to automatically shut off (time out), up to 3
minutes.
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect or remove bulb.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Connect a typical 12-volt test lamp (low watt-
age bulb) between the negative cable clamp and the
battery negative terminal. If equipped with security
alarm, cycle the key in the door to turn off the flash-ing lights. Make sure that the doors remain closed so
that illuminated entry is not activated.
The test lamp may light brightly for up to 3 min-
utes or may not light at all (depending on the elec-
trical equipment). The term brightly being used
throughout the following tests, implies the bright-
ness of the test lamp will be the same as if it were
connected across the battery.
The test lamp must be securely clamped to the neg-
ative cable and battery terminal. If the test lamp be-
comes disconnected during any part of the IOD test,
the electronic timer function will be activated and all
tests must be repeated.
If the ammeter circuit is broken the Security
Alarm Module will turn on parking lamps.
(5) After 3 minutes, the test lamp should turn OFF
or be DIMLY lit (depending on the electrical equip-
ment). If the test lamp remains brightly lit do not
disconnect it. Remove each fuse or circuit breaker
(refer to Group 8 - Wiring Diagrams) until test lamp
is either OFF or DIMLY lit. This will eliminate the
higher amperage draw.
If test lamp is still bright after disconnecting each
fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect the wiring har-
ness from the generator. Refer to Generator Test Pro-
cedures in this group. Do not disconnect the test
lamp.
After higher amperage IOD has been corrected, low
amperage IOD may be checked.
It is now safe to install milliamp meter to check for
low amperage IOD.
(6) With test lamp still connected securely, clamp
an ammeter between battery negative terminal and
negative battery cable.
Do not open any doors or turn on any electri-
cal accessories with the test lamp disconnected
or the meter may be damaged.
(7) Disconnect test lamp. The current draw should
not exceed 0.020 amp. If it exceeds 0.020 milliamps,
isolate each circuit by removing circuit breakers and
fuses. The meter reading drops once the high current
problem is found. Repair this section of the circuit,
whether it is a wiring short or component failure.
BATTERY CLASSIFICATIONS AND RATINGSTORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
8A - 8 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ

ENGINE STARTER MOTOR TEST PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE
INDEX
page page
2.5L Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis........... 13
General Information........................ 9
Starter Control Circuit Tests................ 11
Starter Feed Circuit Tests - (Voltage Drop Method).9
Starter System Diagnostic Inspections.......... 9
Starting System Cold Cranking Test........... 9
GENERAL INFORMATION
The starting system consists of an:
²ignition switch
²starter relay
²park/neutral position switch (automatic transmis-
sion)
²wiring harness
²battery
²starter motor with an integral solenoid.
These components form 2 separate circuits. A high
amperage circuit that feeds the starter motor up to
300+ amps, and a control circuit that operates on
less than 20 amps.
STARTER SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTIONS
Before removing any unit from the starter motor
system for repair, perform the following inspections:
BATTERY INSPECTION
To determine condition of the battery, perform the
testing procedure outlined in Battery Test Proce-
dures.
WIRING INSPECTION
Inspect wiring for damage. Inspect all connections
at the starter motor solenoid, park/neutral position
switch (if equipped), back-up lamp switch connector,
ignition switch, starter relay, and battery (including
all ground connections). Clean and tighten all con-
nections as required.
SOLENOID, RELAY AND IGNITION SWITCH
INSPECTION
Inspect the solenoid, relay and switch to determine
their condition. Also, if equipped with automatic
transmission, inspect condition of the park/neutral
position switch. Testing information can be found in
the following pages.
STARTING SYSTEM COLD CRANKING TEST
(1) Battery must first pass load and voltage drop
tests and be fully charged before proceeding. Refer to
Battery Test Procedures.(2) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the
battery terminals (Fig. 1). Refer to the operating in-
structions provided with the tester being used.
(3) Fully engage parking brake, place manual
transmission in NEUTRAL, automatic transmission
in PARK.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are OFF.
(5) Remove coil secondary cable from distributor
and connect to ground.
(6) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Note cranking voltage and amper-
age.
(a) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and amperage
draw reads above specifications, go to Starter Feed
Circuit Tests.
(b) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and am-
perage reads below specifications, go to Starter
Control Circuit Tests.
A cold engine will increase starter motor cur-
rent and reduce battery voltage.
STARTER FEED CIRCUIT TESTS - (VOLTAGE DROP
METHOD)
The voltage drop tests will determine if there is ex-
cessive resistance in the high current circuit. When
performing these tests, it is important that the volt-
meter be connected to the terminals that the cables
are connected to, instead of to the cables themselves.
For example, when testing between the battery and
solenoid, touch the voltmeter test probes to the bat-
tery post and the solenoid threaded stud. The follow-
ing operation will require a voltmeter, accurate to
1/10 of a volt.
Before performing the tests, assure the following
procedures are accomplished:
²remove coil secondary cable from distributor and
connect to ground
²transmission in NEUTRAL (manual transmission)
or PARK (automatic transmission)
²parking brake applied
²battery is fully charged (refer to Battery Test Pro-
cedures).
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 9

(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery
negative post. Connect negative voltmeter lead to
battery negative cable clamp (Fig. 2). Rotate and
hold ignition switch in the START position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and post.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery
positive post. Connect negative lead to battery cable
positive clamp (Fig. 2). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in the START position. Observe voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct poor contact between ca-
ble clamp and post.
(3) Connect a voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive post and the center of the B+ starter
solenoid stud (Fig. 3).
(4) Rotate and hold ignition switch in the START
position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor
STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
TEST CONDITIONS
²PLACE GEAR SELECTOR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL AND SET PARK BRAKE OR EQUIVALENT.
²VERIFY BATTERY STATE-OF-CHARGE AND CRANKING CAPACITY, SEE BATTERY SECTION.
²CLEAN BATTERY TOP, POSTS, AND TERMINALS.
²VERIFY GENERATOR DRIVE BELT TENSION.
²DISCONNECT AND GROUND COIL CABLE.
Fig. 1 Volt-Amps Tester Connections (Typical)
8A - 10 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ

contact at battery cable to solenoid connection. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace positive bat-
tery cable.
(5) Connect voltmeter to measure between the bat-
tery negative post and the engine block (Fig. 4).
(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in the START po-
sition. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor con-tact at ground cable attaching point. Voltage reading
still above 0.2 volt, replace ground cable.
(7) Connect positive voltmeter lead to starter mo-
tor housing. Connect negative lead to battery nega-
tive terminal (Fig. 5).
(8) Rotate and hold ignition switch in the START
position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor
starter to engine ground.
If resistance tests detect no feed circuit failures, re-
move the starter motor and go to Solenoid Testing.
STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTS
The starter control circuit consists of a starter so-
lenoid, starter relay, ignition switch, park/neutral po-
sition switch (automatic transmission), and all their
wiring and connections.
Testing procedures for these components are as fol-
lows and should be followed in order as described.
CAUTION: Before performing any test, disconnect dis-
tributor connector to prevent engine from starting.
SOLENOID TESTING
Refer to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Ser-
vice for starter removal procedures.
(1) Disconnect field coil wire from field coil terminal.
(2) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and field coil terminal with a continuity tester.
There should be continuity (Fig. 6).
Fig. 2 Test Battery Connection Resistance
Fig. 3 Test Positive Battery Cable Resistance
(Typical)
Fig. 4 Test Ground Circuit Resistance
Fig. 5 Test Starter Motor Ground (Typical)
Fig. 6 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal
and Field Coil Terminal
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 11