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
IGNITION SWITCH TEST
After testing starter solenoid and relay and they
check out OK, trouble is probably with ignition
switch or its wiring.
Check all wiring for opens and shorts, and connec-
tions for being loose or corroded.
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH
Refer to Group 21 - Transmissions for diagnostic
information.
2.5L STARTER MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS
If the complaint is similar to Conditions No. 1 and
No. 2 of chart below, correction can be achieved by
proper ``shimming'' according to the following proce-
dures:
²Disconnect the battery negative cable (to prevent
inadvertent starting of engine).Two shim thicknesses are available. One is
0.381 mm (0.015 in.) and the other is 1.143 mm
(0.045 in.).
If the complaint is similar to Condition No. 1, the
starter motor must be moved toward the flywheel/
driveplate using thinner shims (Fig. 10).
This is generally a condition that causes bro-
ken flywheel/driveplate ring gear teeth or bro-
ken starter motor housings.
If the complaint is similar to Condition No. 2, the
starter motor must be moved away from the fly-
wheel/driveplate. This is done by installing shim(s)
across both mounting pads. More than one shim may
be required.
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 13
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX
page page
2.5L Starter General Information.............. 4
2.5L Starter Motor Removal/Installation......... 5
4.0L Starter General Information.............. 6
4.0L Starter Motor Removal/Installation......... 6General Information........................ 4
Park/Neutral Position Switch................. 6
Starter Relay Replacement.................. 4
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section will cover the starting system compo-
nent service procedures only. For diagnostic proce-
dures, refer to Group 8A - Battery/Starting/Charging
Systems Diagnostics.
Starting system components: battery, starter mo-
tor, starter relay, starter solenoid, ignition switch,
connecting wires and battery cables. A park/neutral
position switch is used with automatic transmissions.
STARTER RELAY REPLACEMENT
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (Figs. 1 and 2). Refer to underside of
Power Distribution Center cover for relay location.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Replace relay.
(3) Connect negative cable to battery.
(4) Test relay operation.
2.5L STARTER GENERAL INFORMATION
The 2.5L engine starter motor incorporates several
features to create an efficient, lightweight unit.
A planetary gear system (intermediate transmis-
sion) between the electric motor and pinion shaftmakes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the
starter. This also makes it possible to obtain a higher
rotational speed to produce the same torque at the
pinion.
The permanent magnet field consists of six two-
component high strength magnets. The magnets are
aligned according to their polarity and are perma-
nently fixed in the starter frame.
The brush holder plate consists of a plastic base-
plate with four tubular brush holders.
This unit is highly sensitive to hammering, shocks
and external pressure.
CAUTION: The starter motor MUST NOT BE
CLAMPED in a vise by the starter frame. Doing so
may damage the magnets. It may be clamped by the
mounting flange ONLY.
CAUTION: Do not connect starter motor incorrectly
when tests are being performed. The magnets may
be damaged and rendered unserviceable.
²Ensure cleanliness when performing repairs.
Fig. 1 Power Distribution CenterÐXJ
Fig. 2 Power Distribution CenterÐYJ
8B - 4 BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICEJ
²Metal chips are attracted by the magnets and may
not be completely removed from the starter frame.
Chips in the ring gear can lead to failure of the
starter.
2.5L STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
XJÐ2.5L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove exhaust clamp from bracket (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove nut and bolt from forward end of brace
rod (automatic transmission only).
(4) Remove nut from lower end of brace rod (auto-
matic transmission only).
(5) Remove brace rod and bracket (automatic
transmission only).
(6) Remove nut, bolt and bracket from bell housing
(manual transmission only).
(7) Disconnect battery cable and solenoid feed wire
from solenoid (Fig. 4).
(8) Remove starter motor mounting bolts, starter
motor and shims.
Two shim thicknesses are available. One is
0.381 mm (0.015 in.) and the other is 1.143 mm
(0.045 in.). Refer to Group 8A for proper shim se-
lection.
(9) To install starter motor, reverse the removal
procedures and torque mounting hardware as shown.
(10) Connect negative cable to battery.
YJÐ2.5L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Disconnect battery cable from starter motor
B+ terminal (Fig. 5).(3) Disconnect solenoid feed wire.
(4) Remove starter motor mounting bolts.
(5) Remove starter motor and shims.
Two shim thicknesses are available. One is
0.381 mm (0.015 in.) and the other is 1.143 mm
(0.045 in.). Refer to Group 8A for proper shim se-
lection.
(6) To install starter motor, reverse removal proce-
dures and torque mounting hardware as shown.
(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 3 Exhaust Clamp and Brace RemovalÐ2.5L XJ
Fig. 4 Starter Motor Removal/InstallationÐ2.5L XJ
Fig. 5 Starter Motor Removal/InstallationÐ2.5L YJ
JBATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE 8B - 5
rotating pulse ring (shutter) on the distributor shaft
(Fig. 4). The pulse ring rotates 180 degrees through
the sync signal generator. Its signal is used in con-
junction with the crankshaft position sensor to differ-
entiate between fuel injection and spark events. It is
also used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their
respective cylinders.
When the leading edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
enters the sync signal generator, the following oc-
curs: The interruption of magnetic field causes the
voltage to switch high resulting in a sync signal of
approximately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
leaves the sync signal generator, the following oc-
curs: The change of the magnetic field causes the
sync signal voltage to switch low to 0 volts.
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser-
vice Procedures section of this group.
For removal and installation of this component, re-
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The crankshaft position sensor is mounted to the
transmission bellhousing at the left/rear side of the
engine block (Figs. 5, 6 or 7).
Fig. 1 PDCÐXJ Models
Fig. 2 PDCÐYJ Models
Fig. 3 Camshaft Position SensorÐTypical
Fig. 4 DistributorÐTypical
8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
Engine speed and crankshaft position are provided
through the crankshaft position sensor. The sensor
generates pulses that are the input sent to the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM interprets
the sensor input to determine the crankshaft posi-
tion. The PCM then uses this position, along with
other inputs, to determine injector sequence and ig-
nition timing.
The sensor is a hall effect device combined with an
internal magnet. It is also sensitive to steel within a
certain distance from it.
SENSOR OPERATION
The flywheel/drive plate has groups of four notches
at its outer edge. On 4.0L 6 cylinder engines there
are three sets of notches (Figs. 9 or 10). On 2.5L 4
cylinder engines there are two sets of notches (Fig.
8).
The notches cause a pulse to be generated when
they pass under the sensor. The pulses are the inputto the PCM. For each engine revolution there are
two groups of four pulses generated on 2.5L 4 cylin-
der engines. There are 3 groups of four pulses gener-
ated on 4.0L 6 cylinder engines.
The trailing edge of the fourth notch, which causes
the pulse, is four degrees before top dead center
(TDC) of the corresponding piston.
The engine will not operate if the PCM does not re-
ceive a crankshaft position sensor input.
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser-
vice Procedures section of this group.
For removal and installation of this sensor, refer to
the Component Removal/Installation section of this
group.
DISTRIBUTORS
All engines are equipped with a camshaft driven
mechanical distributor containing a shaft driven dis-
tributor rotor. All distributors are equipped with an
internal camshaft position (fuel sync) sensor. This
sensor provides fuel injection synchronization and
cylinder identification.
The distributors on the 2.5L and 4.0L engines do
not have built in centrifugal or vacuum assisted ad-
vance. Base ignition timing and all timing advance
is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Because ignition timing is controlled by the
PCM,base ignition timing is not adjustable on
any of these engines.
The distributor is locked in place by a notch on the
distributor housing. The distributor holddown clamp
bolt passes through this notch when installed. Be-
cause the distributor position is locked when in-
Fig. 5 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.5L
EngineÐTypical
Fig. 6 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐAll
Except YJ models With Automatic Transmission
Fig. 7 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐYJ
models With Automatic Transmission
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 3
stalled, its rotational position can not be changed.
Do not attempt to modify the distributor housing
to get distributor rotation. Distributor position
will have no effect on ignition timing.
All distributors contain an internal oil seal that
prevents oil from entering the distributor housing.
The seal is not serviceable.
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser-
vice Procedures section of this group.For removal and installation of this component, re-
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.
IGNITION COIL
Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil pos-
itive terminal from the ASD relay.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) opens and
closes the ignition coil ground circuit for ignition coil
operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to
set the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
The ignition coil is mounted to a bracket on the
side of the engine (Fig. 11).
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser-
vice Procedures section of this group.
For removal and installation of this component, re-
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The engine coolant temperature sensor provides an
input voltage to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) relating coolant temperature. The PCM uses
this input, along with inputs from other sensors, to
determine injector pulse width and ignition timing.
Fig. 8 Sensor OperationÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 9 Sensor OperationÐ4.0L EngineÐAll Except
YJ Models With Automatic Transmission
Fig. 10 Sensor OperationÐ4.0L EngineÐYJ Models
With Automatic Transmission
8D - 4 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
(8) If voltage is not present at supply wire, check
for voltage at pin 7 of Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) 60-way connector. Leave the PCM connector
connected for this test.
(9) If voltage is still not present, perform vehicle
test using the DRB scan tool.
(10) If voltage is present at pin 7, but not at the
supply wire:
(a) Check continuity between the supply wire.
This is checked between the distributor connector
and pin 7 at the PCM. If continuity is not present,
repair the harness as necessary.
(b) Check for continuity between the camshaft
position sensor output wire and pin 44 at the PCM.
If continuity is not present, repair the harness as
necessary.
(c) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit wire at the distributor connector and ground.
If continuity is not present, repair the harness as
necessary.
(11) While observing the voltmeter, crank the en-
gine with ignition switch. The voltmeter needle
should fluctuate between 0 and 5 volts while the en-
gine is cranking. This verifies that the camshaft po-
sition sensor in the distributor is operating properly
and a sync pulse signal is being generated.
If sync pulse signal is not present, replacement of
the camshaft position sensor is necessary.
For removal or installation of ignition system com-
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa-
tion section of this group.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera-
tion section of this group.
CRANKSHAFT 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 sensor is located on the transmission bellhous-
ing at the left/rear side of the engine block (Figs. 2, 3
or 4).
(1) Near the rear of intake manifold, disconnect
sensor pigtail harness connector from main wiring
harness.
(2) Place an ohmmeter across terminals B and C
(Fig. 5). Ohmmeter should be set to 1K-to-10K scale
for this test. The meter reading should be open (no
resistance). Replace sensor if a low resistance is indi-
cated.
For removal or installation of ignition system com-
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa-
tion section of this group.
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
INSPECTION
Remove the distributor cap and wipe it clean with
a dry lint free cloth. Visually inspect the cap for
cracks, carbon paths, broken towers, or damaged ro-
tor button (Figs. 6 and 7). Also check for white de-
posits on the inside (caused by condensation entering
the cap through cracks). Replace any cap that dis-
plays charred or eroded terminals. The machined
surface of a terminal end (faces toward rotor) will in-
dicate some evidence of erosion from normal opera-
tion. Examine the terminal ends for evidence of
mechanical interference with the rotor tip.
If replacement of the distributor cap is necessary,
transfer spark plug cables from the original cap to
the new cap. This should be done one cable at a time.
Each cable is installed onto the tower of the new cap
that corresponds to its tower position on the original
cap. Fully seat the cables onto the towers. If neces-
Fig. 2 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.5L
EngineÐTypical
Fig. 3 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐAll
Except YJ models With Auto. Trans.
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 9