
Remove starter relay from PDC to perform the fol-
lowing tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to next step. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 7565 ohms. If OK, go to next
step. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, go to Relay Circuit Test. If not OK,
replace faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The common feed terminal (30) is connected to
battery voltage and should be hot at all times. If OK,
go to next step. If not OK, check circuit to fuse (F4
for YJ, F10 for XJ) in Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Repair as required.
(2) The normally closed terminal (87A) is con-
nected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to next step.
(3) The normally open terminal (87) is connected to
the battery terminal (30) in the energized position.
This terminal supplies battery voltage to the starter
solenoid field coils. There should be continuity be-
tween cavity for relay terminal 87 and the starter so-
lenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to next step. If
not OK, repair circuit to solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is in the START position. Check
for battery voltage at cavity for relay terminal 86with ignition switch in the START position. If OK, go
to next step. If not OK, refer to Group 8D - Ignition
Systems for testing and service of the ignition switch.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. On vehicles with an
automatic transmission, it is grounded through the
park/neutral position switch. On vehicles with a
manual transmission, it is grounded at all times.
Check for continuity to ground at cavity for relay ter-
minal 85. If not OK and vehicle has manual trans-
mission, repair circuit as required. If not OK and
vehicle has automatic transmission, refer to Group
21 - Transmission and Transfer Case for testing and
service of the park/neutral position switch.
Fig. 9 Power Distribution CenterÐXJ
Fig. 10 Power Distribution CenterÐYJ
STARTER RELAY CONNECTIONS
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 15

²accessories being left on with the engine not run-
ning
²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that allows
a lamp to stay on (see Ignition-Off Draw, in this
group).
INSPECTION
(1) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter so-
lenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight. Re-
pair as required.
(2) Inspect all fuses in the fuseblock module and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in re-
ceptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(3) Inspect the electrolyte level in the battery. If
cell caps are removable, add water if required. If cell
caps are not removable, replace battery if electrolyte
level is low.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts, if required. Refer to Group
8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Service for torque
specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in Group 7 - Cooling Sys-
tem.
(6) Inspect connections at generator field, battery
output, and ground terminals. Also check ground con-
nection at engine. They should all be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
OUTPUT WIRE RESISTANCE TEST
This test will show the amount of voltage drop
across the generator output wire, from the generator
battery terminal to the battery positive post.
PREPARATION
(1) Before starting test make sure vehicle has a
fully-charged battery. See Battery in this group for
more information.
(2) Turn ignition switch to OFF.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Disconnect generator output wire from genera-
tor battery output terminal.
(5) Connect a 0-150 ampere scale DC ammeter
(Fig. 2). Install in series between generator battery
output terminal and disconnected generator output
wire. Connect positive lead to generator battery out-
put terminal and negative lead to disconnected gen-
erator output wire.
(6) Connect positive lead of a test voltmeter (range
0-18 volts minimum) to disconnected generator out-
put wire. Connect negative lead of test voltmeter to
battery positive cable at positive post.
(7) Connect one end of a jumper wire to ground
and with other end probe green K20 field wire at
back of generator (Fig. 2). This will generate a DTC.CAUTION: Do not connect green/orange A142 field
wire to ground. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams for more information.
(8) Connect an engine tachometer, then connect
battery negative cable to battery.
(9) Connect a variable carbon pile rheostat be-
tween battery terminals. Be sure carbon pile is in
OPEN or OFF position before connecting leads. See
Load Test in this group for instructions.
TEST
(1) Start engine. Immediately after starting, re-
duce engine speed to idle.
(2) Adjust engine speed and carbon pile to main-
tain 20 amperes flowing in circuit. Observe voltmeter
reading. Voltmeter reading should not exceed 0.5
volts.
RESULTS
If a higher voltage drop is indicated, inspect, clean
and tighten all connections. This includes any con-
nection between generator battery output terminal
and battery positive post. A voltage drop test may be
performed at each connection to locate the connection
with excessive resistance. If resistance tests satisfac-
torily, reduce engine speed, turn OFF carbon pile and
turn OFF ignition switch.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove test ammeter, voltmeter, carbon pile,
and tachometer.
(3) Remove jumper wire.
(4) Connect generator output wire to generator
battery output terminal. Tighten nut to 8.561.5 Nzm
(75615 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect negative cable to battery.
(6) Use DRB scan tool to erase DTC.
CURRENT OUTPUT TEST
The generator current output test determines
whether generator can deliver its rated current out-
put.
PREPARATION
(1) Before starting test make sure vehicle has a
fully-charged battery. See Battery in this group for
more information.
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Disconnect generator output wire at the gener-
ator battery output terminal.
(4) Connect a 0-150 ampere scale DC ammeter
(Fig. 3). Install in series between generator battery
output terminal and disconnected generator output
wire. Connect positive lead to generator battery out-
put terminal and negative lead to disconnected gen-
erator output wire.
8A - 18 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ

BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY............................... 1
GENERATOR............................ 6SPECIFICATIONS......................... 8
STARTER AND STARTER RELAY............. 4
GENERAL INFORMATION
Group 8B covers battery, starter and generator ser-
vice procedures. For diagnosis of these components
and their related systems, refer to Group 8A - Bat-tery/Starting/Charging Systems Diagnostics. Refer to
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit de-
scriptions and diagrams.
BATTERY
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section covers battery service procedures only.
For battery maintenance procedures, refer to Group 0
- Lubrication and Maintenance. While battery charg-
ing can be considered a service or maintenance pro-
cedure, this information is located in Group 8A -
Battery/Starting/Charging Systems Diagnostics. This
was done because the battery must be fully charged
before any diagnosis is performed.
It is important that the battery, starting, and
charging systems be thoroughly tested and inspected
any time a battery needs to be charged or replaced.
The cause of abnormal discharge, over-charging, or
premature failure of the battery must be diagnosed
and corrected before a battery is replaced or returned
to service. Refer to Group 8A - Battery/Starting/
Charging Systems Diagnostics.
The factory installed low-maintenance battery (Fig.
1) has removable battery cell caps. Water can be
added to this battery. The battery is not sealed and
has vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical compo-
sition within the low-maintenance battery reduces
battery gassing and water loss at normal charge and
discharge rates. Therefore, the battery should not re-
quire additional water in normal service.
However, low electrolyte can be caused by an over-
charging condition. Be certain to diagnose charging
system before returning vehicle to service. Refer to
Group 8A - Battery/Starting/Charging Systems Diag-
nostics for more information.
BATTERY REMOVE/INSTALL
(1) Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Make
sure all electrical accessories are off.
(2) Loosen the cable terminal clamps and remove
both battery cables, negative cable first. If necessary,
use a puller to remove terminal clamps from battery
posts (Fig. 2).
(3) Inspect the cable terminals for corrosion and
damage. Remove corrosion using a wire brush or post
Fig. 1 Low-Maintenance Battery
Fig. 2 Remove Battery Terminal Clamp
JBATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE 8B - 1

CAUTION: Be certain that battery cables are con-
nected to the correct battery terminals. Reverse po-
larity can damage electrical components.
(12) Place oiled felt washer on battery positive ter-
minal post.
(13) Install and tighten battery positive cable ter-
minal clamp. Then install and tighten negative cableterminal clamp. Both cable clamp bolts require
torque of 8.5 Nzm (75 in. lbs.).
(14) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or
chassis grease to cable terminals and battery posts.
STARTER AND STARTER RELAY
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section covers starter and starter relay service
procedures only. For diagnostic procedures, refer to
Group 8A - Battery/Starting/Charging Systems Diag-
nostics. Service procedures for other starting system
components can be found as follows:
²battery - see Battery, in this group
²ignition switch - refer to Group 8D - Ignition Sys-
tems
²park/neutral position switch (automatic transmis-
sion) - refer to Group 21 - Transmission and Transfer
Case
²wiring harness and connectors - refer to Group 8W
- Wiring Diagrams.
STARTER
The starter motor incorporates several features to
create a reliable, efficient, compact and lightweight
unit. A planetary gear system (intermediate trans-
mission) is used between the electric motor and pin-
ion gear. This feature makes it possible to reduce the
dimensions of the starter. At the same time, it allows
higher armature rotational speed and delivers in-
creased torque through the pinion gear to the fly-
wheel or drive plate ring gear.
The use of a permanent magnet field also reduces
starter size and weight. This field consists of six
high-strength permanent magnets. The magnets are
aligned according to their polarity and are perma-
nently fixed in the starter field frame.
The starter motors for all engines are activated by
a solenoid mounted to the overrunning clutch hous-
ing. However, the starter motor/solenoid are serviced
only as a complete assembly. If either component
fails, the entire assembly must be replaced.
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 field 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 permanent
magnets may be damaged and rendered unservice-
able.
STARTER RELAY
The starter relay is an International Standards Or-
ganization (ISO) type relay, and is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to underside
of PDC cover for relay location.
STARTER REMOVE/INSTALLÐ2.5L
XJ MODELS
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove exhaust clamp from bracket (Fig. 11).
(3) Remove nut and bolt from forward end of brace
rod (automatic transmission only).
Fig. 11 Exhaust Clamp and Brace Remove (XJÐ
2.5L)
8B - 4 BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICEJ

STARTER RELAY REMOVE/INSTALL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove starter relay by unplugging unit from
PDC (Fig. 15 or 16).(3) Install starter relay by aligning relay terminals
with cavities in PDC and plugging relay in.
(4) Connect negative cable to battery.
(5) Test relay operation.
GENERATOR
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section covers generator service procedures
only. For generator or charging system diagnosis, re-
fer to Group 8A - Battery/Starting/Charging Systems
Diagnostics.
The generator is belt-driven by the engine. All en-
gines use serpentine drive. The generator is serviced
only as a complete assembly. If the generator fails for
any reason, the entire assembly must be replaced.
Two generator output ratings are available, de-
pending upon optional equipment. Be certain that
the replacement generator has the same output rat-
ing as the original unit. Refer to Group 8A - Battery/
Starting/Charging Systems Diagnostics and see
Specifications.
The generator field control (voltage regulator) cir-
cuitry is internal to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). If faulty, the entire PCM must be replaced.
Refer to Group 14 - Fuel System for PCM service
procedure.
GENERATOR REMOVE/INSTALLÐLEFT-HAND
DRIVE
WARNING: DISCONNECT NEGATIVE CABLE FROM
BATTERY BEFORE REMOVING BATTERY OUTPUT
WIRE FROM GENERATOR. FAILURE TO DO SO
CAN RESULT IN INJURY.
ALL WITH 2.5L AND YJ WITH 4.0L
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove generator drive belt. Refer to Group 7 -
Cooling System for procedure.
(3) Remove generator battery output terminal nut,
2 field terminal nuts, ground and harness holddown
nuts (Fig. 17). Remove wire connector assembly.
(4) Remove 2 generator mounting bolts and remove
generator from vehicle.
(5) Reverse removal procedure to install. Torque
generator hardware as shown in Specifications.
CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim us-
ing a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt can
be damaged.
Fig. 15 Power Distribution CenterÐXJFig. 16 Power Distribution CenterÐYJ
8B - 6 BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICEJ

IGNITION SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
page page
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION/SYSTEM
OPERATION........................... 1
COMPONENT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION...... 17
DIAGNOSTICS/SERVICE PROCEDURES....... 6IGNITION SWITCHÐXJ MODELS........... 26
IGNITION SWITCHÐYJ MODELS........... 29
SPECIFICATIONS........................ 32
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION/SYSTEM OPERATION
INDEX
page page
Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay.............. 1
Camshaft Position Sensor.................... 2
Crankshaft Position Sensor................... 3
Distributors............................... 4
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor............ 5
General Information........................ 1Ignition Coil.............................. 4
Intake Manifold Air Temperature Sensor.......... 5
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor........ 5
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor....................... 5
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).............. 5
Throttle Position Sensor..................... 5
GENERAL INFORMATION
Throughout this group, references are made to par-
ticular vehicle models by alphabetical designation
(XJ or YJ) or by the particular vehicle nameplate. A
chart showing a breakdown of alphabetical designa-
tions is included in the Introduction group at the be-
ginning of this manual.
This section of the group, Component Identifica-
tion/System Operation, will discuss ignition system
operation and will identify ignition system compo-
nents.
For diagnostic procedures and adjustments, refer to
the Diagnostics/Service Procedures section of this
group.
For removal and installation of ignition system
components, refer to the Component Removal/Instal-
lation section of this group.
For other useful information, refer to On-Board Di-
agnostics in the General Diagnosis sections of Group
14, Fuel System in this manual.
For operation of the DRB Scan Tool, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice manual.
An Ignition specifications section is included at the
end of this group. A general Maintenance Schedule
(mileage intervals) for ignition related items can be
found in Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance. This
schedule can also be found in the Owners Manual.
IGNITION SYSTEMS
A multi-port, fuel injected engine is used on all
models. The ignition system is controlled by the pow-
ertrain control module (PCM) on all engines. The
PCM was formerly referred to as the SBEC or engine
controller.
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark plugs
²Ignition coil
²Secondary ignition cables
²Distributor (contains rotor and camshaft position
sensor)
²Powertrain control module (PCM)
²Crankshaft position sensor
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY
The automatic shutdown (ASD) relay is located in
the power distribution center (PDC) near the battery
(Fig. 1 or 2). As one of its functions, it will supply
battery voltage to the ignition coil.
The ground circuit for the ASD relay is controlled
by the powertrain control module (PCM). This is
done through pin/cavity number 51 of the PCM 60-
way connector. The PCM then regulates ASD relay
operation by switching this ground circuit on-and-off.
Also refer to Ignition Coil for additional informa-
tion.
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 1

groups of four pulses generated on 2.5L 4-cylinder
engines. There are 3 groups of four pulses generated
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 both the 2.5L 4-cylinder and
the 4.0L-6 cylinder engines do not have built in cen-
trifugal or vacuum assisted advance. 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 tim-
ing is not adjustable on any of these engines.
The distributor is locked in place by a fork with a
slot located on the distributor housing base. The dis-
tributor holddown clamp bolt passes through this slot
when installed. Because the distributor position is
locked when installed, its rotational position can not
be changed.Do not attempt to modify the dis-tributor housing to get distributor rotation.
Distributor position will have no effect on igni-
tion timing. The position of the distributor will
determine fuel synchronization only.
All distributors contain an internal oil seal that
prevents oil from entering the distributor housing.
The seal is not serviceable.
Distributor removal and installation procedures
have changed for the 1995 model year. Refer to Dis-
tributor in the Component Removal/Installation sec-
tion 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. This is done through pin/cavity number 19
of the PCM 60-way connector.
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 ad-
vance. This is done to meet changing engine operat-
ing 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.
On the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, the ignition coil is
mounted to a bracket on the side of the engine (to
the rear of the distributor).
Fig. 9 Sensor OperationÐ4.0L 6-Cyl. EngineÐAll
Except YJ Models With Automatic Transmission
Fig. 10 Sensor OperationÐ4.0L 6-Cyl. EngineÐYJ
Models With Automatic Transmission
8D - 4 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

DIAGNOSTICS/SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX
page page
Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay Test.......... 6
Camshaft Position Sensor Test................ 6
Crankshaft Position Sensor Test............... 7
Distributor Cap............................ 7
Distributor Rotor........................... 8
DRB Scan Tool............................ 8
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Test........ 9
General Information........................ 6
Ignition Coil.............................. 9
Ignition Secondary Circuit Diagnosis........... 10Ignition Timing............................ 11
Intake Manifold Air Temperature Sensor Test..... 11
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Test . . . 11
On-Board Diagnostics...................... 15
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Tests................. 15
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)............. 11
Spark Plug Secondary Cables................ 14
Spark Plugs............................. 12
Throttle Position Sensor Test................. 15
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section of the group, Diagnostics/Service Pro-
cedures, will discuss basic ignition system diagnostics
and service adjustments.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera-
tion section of this group.
For removal or installation of ignition system com-
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa-
tion section of this group.
For other useful information, refer to the On-Board
Diagnostics section.
For operation of the DRB Scan Tool, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice manual.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY TEST
To perform a complete test of this relay and its cir-
cuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the relay only, refer to RelaysÐOpera-
tion/Testing in the Group 14, Fuel Systems section.
CAMSHAFT 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 camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor (Fig. 1).
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:
For this test, an analog (non-digital) voltme-
ter is needed.Do not remove the distributor connec-
tor from the distributor. Using small paper clips,
insert them into the backside of the distributor wire
harness connector to make contact with the termi-nals. Be sure that the connector is not damaged
when inserting the paper clips. Attach voltmeter
leads to these paper clips.
(1) Connect the positive (+) voltmeter lead into the
sensor output wire. This is at done the distributor
wire harness connector. For wire identification, refer
to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(2) Connect the negative (-) voltmeter lead into the
ground wire. For wire identification, refer to Group
8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(3) Set the voltmeter to the 15 Volt DC scale.
(4) Remove distributor cap from distributor (two
screws). Rotate (crank) the engine until the distribu-
tor rotor is pointed to approximately the 11 o'clock
position. The movable pulse ring should now be
within the sensor pickup.
(5) Turn ignition key to ON position. The voltmeter
should read approximately 5.0 volts.
(6) If voltage is not present, check the voltmeter
leads for a good connection.
(7) If voltage is still not present, check for voltage
at the supply wire. For wire identification, refer to
Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 1 Camshaft Position SensorÐTypical
8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ