CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor (Figs. 3 or 4) on all engines.The camshaft position sensor contains a hall effect
device called a sync signal generator to generate a
fuel sync signal. This sync signal generator detects a
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 occurs:
The interruption of magnetic field causes the voltage
to switch high resulting in a sync signal of approxi-
mately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
leaves the sync signal generator, the following occurs:
The change of the magnetic field causes the sync sig-
nal 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.
Fig. 1 PDCÐXJ Models
Fig. 2 PDCÐYJ Models
Fig. 3 Camshaft Position SensorÐTypical
Fig. 4 Distributor AssemblyÐTypical
8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
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
On the 4.0L 6-cylinder engine, the ignition coil is
mounted to a bracket on the side of the engine (to
the front of the distributor) (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
For an operational description, diagnosis and re-
moval/installation procedures, refer to Group 14,
Fuel System.
INTAKE MANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
For an operational description, diagnosis or remov-
al/ installation procedures, refer to Group 14, Fuel
Systems.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
For an operational description, diagnosis and re-
moval/installation procedures, refer to Group 14,
Fuel System.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The PCM was formerly referred to as the SBEC or
engine controller. On XJ models, the PCM is located
in the engine compartment next to the air cleaner
(Fig. 12). On YJ models, the PCM is located in the
engine compartment behind the windshield washer
fluid reservoir (Fig. 13).
The ignition system is controlled by the PCM.
Base ignition timing by rotation of distributor
is not adjustable.The PCM opens and closes the ig-
nition coil ground circuit to operate the ignition coil.
This is done to adjust ignition timing, both initial
(base) and advance, for changing engine operating
conditions.The amount of electronic spark advance provided
by the PCM is determined by five input factors: En-
gine coolant temperature, engine rpm, intake mani-
fold air temperature, intake manifold absolute
pressure and throttle position.
For removal and installation of this component, re-
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.
For PCM diagnostics, refer to the appropriate Pow-
ertrain Diagnostic Procedures service manual for op-
eration of the DRB scan tool.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
For an operational description, diagnosis and re-
moval/installation procedures, refer to Group 14,
Fuel System.
OXYGEN (O2S) SENSOR
For an operational description, diagnosis and re-
moval/installation procedures, refer to Group 14,
Fuel System.
Fig. 11 Ignition CoilÐTypical
Fig. 12 PCM LocationÐXJ Models
Fig. 13 PCM LocationÐYJ Models
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 5
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
IGNITION COIL
To perform a complete test of the ignition coil and
its circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer tothe appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures
manual. To test the coil only, refer to the following:
The ignition coil (Fig. 11) is designed to operate
without an external ballast resistor.
Inspect the ignition coil for arcing. Test the coil ac-
cording to coil tester manufacturer's instructions.
Test the coil primary and secondary resistance. Re-
place any coil that does not meet specifications. Refer
to the Ignition Coil Resistance chart.
If the ignition coil is being replaced, the secondary
spark plug cable must also be checked. Replace cable
if it has been burned or damaged.
Arcing at the tower will carbonize the cable nipple,
which if it is connected to a new ignition coil, will
cause the coil to fail.
If the secondary coil cable shows any signs of dam-
age, it should be replaced with a new cable and new
terminal. Carbon tracking on the old cable can cause
arcing and the failure of a new ignition coil.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TEST
For an operational description, diagnosis and re-
moval/installation procedures, refer to Group 14,
Fuel System.
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE
Fig. 9 Firing OrderÐ4.0L 6-Cylinder Engine
Fig. 10 Rotor InspectionÐTypical
Fig. 11 Ignition CoilÐTypical (4.0L Shown)
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 9
(4) Crank the engine for 5 seconds while monitor-
ing the voltage at the coil positive terminal:
²If the voltage remains near zero during the entire
period of cranking, refer to On-Board Diagnostics in
Group 14, Fuel Systems. Check the powertrain con-
trol module (PCM) and auto shutdown relay.
²If voltage is at or near battery voltage and drops
to zero after 1-2 seconds of cranking, check the cam-
shaft position sensor-to-PCM circuit. Refer to On-
Board Diagnostics in Group 14, Fuel Systems.
²If voltage remains at or near battery voltage dur-
ing the entire 5 seconds, turn the key off. Remove
the 60-way connector (Fig. 15) from the PCM. Check
60-way connector for any spread terminals.
(5) Remove test lead from the coil positive termi-
nal. Connect an 18 gauge jumper wire between the
battery positive terminal and the coil positive termi-
nal.
(6) Make the special jumper shown in figure 16.
Using the jumper,momentarilyground pin/cavity
number 19 of the PCM 60-way connector. A spark
should be generated at the coil cable when the
ground is removed.
(7) If spark is generated, replace the powertrain
control module (PCM).
(8) If spark is not seen, use the special jumper to
ground the coil negative terminal directly.
(9) If spark is produced, repair wiring harness for
an open condition.
(10) If spark is not produced, replace the ignition
coil.IGNITION TIMING
Base (initial) ignition timing is NOT adjust-
able on any of the 2.5L 4-cylinder or 4.0L 6-cyl-
inder engines. Do not attempt to adjust ignition
timing by rotating the distributor.
Do not attempt to modify the distributor
housing to get distributor rotation. Distributor
position will have no effect on ignition timing.
All ignition timing functions are controlled by the
powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to On-Board
Diagnostics in the Multi-Port Fuel InjectionÐGen-
eral Diagnosis section of Group 14, Fuel Systems for
more information. Also refer to the appropriate Pow-
ertrain Diagnostics Procedures service manual for op-
eration of the DRB Scan Tool.
INTAKE MANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
TEST
For an operational description, diagnosis or remov-
al/ installation procedures, refer to Group 14, Fuel
Systems.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
TEST
For an operational description, diagnosis and re-
moval/installation procedures, refer to Group 14,
Fuel System.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The PCM (formerly referred to as the SBEC or en-
gine controller) is located in the engine compartment
behind the windshield washer fluid tank on YJ mod-
els (Fig. 17). It is located in the engine compartment
next to the air cleaner on XJ models (Fig. 18).
The ignition system is controlled by the PCM.
For removal and installation of this component, re-
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.
Fig. 15 PCM 60-Way Connector
Fig. 16 Special Jumper Ground-to-Coil Negative
Terminal
Fig. 17 PCM LocationÐYJ Models
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 11
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. For identification, keep plugs ar-
ranged in the order in which they were removed from
the engine. An isolated plug displaying an abnormal
condition indicates that a problem exists in the cor-
responding cylinder. Replace spark plugs at the inter-
vals recommended in the maintenance chart in
Group 0, Lubrication 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. 19). 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 com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance is not af-
fected 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. 19). 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 cleaner element or repeated short operat-
ing times (short trips).
WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING
A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil is
wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings, leak-
ing valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear can
cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled en-
gines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (normal
oil control) is achieved. This condition can usually be
resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the fouled
plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash en-
crusted (Fig. 20), evaluate engine condition for the
cause of oil entry into that particular combustion
chamber.
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
Fig. 18 PCM LocationÐXJ ModelsFig. 19 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
8D - 12 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 21).
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. 22). 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. Sparkplugs 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. 23). 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. 24). 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 specific
Fig. 20 Oil or Ash Encrusted
Fig. 21 Electrode Gap Bridging
Fig. 22 Scavenger Deposits
Fig. 23 Chipped Electrode Insulator
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 13