STARTING SYSTEM
GENERAL INFORMATION
The starting system (Fig. 1) consists of:
²ignition switch
²starter relay
²park/neutral position switch (automatic transmis-
sion)
²wiring harness and connections
²battery
²starter with an integral solenoid.
Following is a general description of the major
starting system components. Refer to Group 8W -
Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions
and diagrams.
These components form 2 separate circuits. A high-
amperage feed circuit that feeds the starter up to
300+ amps, and a low-amperage control circuit that
operates on less than 20 amps.
Battery voltage is supplied through the low-amper-
age control circuit to the coil battery terminal of the
starter relay when the ignition switch is turned to
the START position.
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, the park/neutral position switch provides a
ground path to the starter relay coil ground terminal.
This switch provides ground only with the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL or PARK. If the vehicle is
equipped with a manual transmission, the starter re-
lay coil ground terminal is always grounded.
With the starter relay coil now energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts en-
ergize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid coils pull-in and hold-in the
solenoid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shiftlever in the starter. This engages the starter overrun-
ning clutch and pinion gear with the flywheel/drive
plate ring gear.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit. Current now flows be-
tween the solenoid battery terminal and the starter
motor, energizing the starter.
Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter from damage by allowing the starter
pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion shaft.
When the driver releases the ignition switch to the
ON position the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the re-
lay contacts open, the starter solenoid coil is de-ener-
gized.
When the solenoid coil is de-energized, the solenoid
plunger return spring returns the plunger to its re-
laxed position. This causes the contact disc to open
the starter feed circuit, and the shift lever to disen-
gage the overrunning clutch and pinion gear from the
ring gear.
The starter motor and solenoid are serviced only as
a complete assembly. If either component fails, the
entire assembly must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS
Before removing any unit from the starting system
for repair, perform the following inspections:
INSPECTION
BATTERY INSPECTION
To determine condition of the battery, see Battery
in this group.
WIRING INSPECTION
Inspect wiring for damage. Inspect all connections
at:
²starter solenoid
²park/neutral position switch (automatic transmis-
sion)
²ignition switch
²starter relay
²battery (including all ground connections).
Clean, tighten and repair all connections as re-
quired.
SOLENOID, RELAY AND SWITCH INSPECTIONS
Inspect the solenoid, relay and ignition switch to
determine their condition. Also, if equipped with au-
tomatic transmission, inspect condition of the park/
neutral position switch. Testing information can be
found in the following pages.
Fig. 1 Starting System Components (Typical)
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 11
IGNITION SWITCH TEST
Refer to Group 8D - Ignition Systems for testing
and service of this component.
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH TEST
Refer to Group 21 - Transmission and Transfer
Case for testing and service of this component.
2.5L STARTER NOISE DIAGNOSIS
See Starter Noise Diagnosis chart. If the complaint
is similar to Conditions 1 and 2 in chart, correction
can be achieved by shimming starter according to the
following procedures:
Disconnect the battery negative cable to pre-
vent inadvertent starting of engine.
(1) If the complaint is similar to Condition 1, the
starter must be moved toward the flywheel/drive
plate ring gear by removing shims (Fig. 11).
Shim thickness is 0.381 mm (0.015 in.) and
shims may be stacked if required.
(2) If the complaint is similar to Condition 2, the
starter must be moved away from the flywheel/drive
plate ring gear. This is done by installing shim(s)
across both mounting pads. More than one shim may
be required.
This is generally a condition that causes bro-
ken flywheel/drive plate ring gear teeth or bro-
ken starter housings.
STARTER NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Fig. 11 Starter Shim
8A - 16 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ
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
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).
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 input
to the PCM. For each engine revolution there are two
Fig. 5 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.5L 4-Cyl.
EngineÐTypical
Fig. 6 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L 6-Cyl.
EngineÐAll Except YJ models With Automatic
Transmission
Fig. 7 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L 6-Cyl.
EngineÐYJ models With Automatic Transmission
Fig. 8 Sensor OperationÐ2.5L 4-Cyl. Engine
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 3
IGNITION SECONDARY CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS
CHECKING FOR SPARK
CAUTION: When disconnecting a high voltage cable
from a spark plug or from the distributor cap, twist
the rubber boot slightly (1/2 turn) to break it loose
(Fig. 12). Grasp the boot (not the cable) and pull it
off with a steady, even force.
(1) Disconnect the ignition coil secondary cable
from center tower of the distributor cap. Hold the ca-
ble terminal approximately 12 mm (1/2 in.) from a
good engine ground (Fig. 13).
WARNING: BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN THE ENGINE
IS CRANKING. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR
THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN. DO NOT WEAR
LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING.
(2) Rotate (crank) the engine with the starter mo-
tor and observe the cable terminal for a steady arc. If
steady arcing does not occur, inspect the secondary
coil cable. Refer to Spark Plug Cables in this group.
Also inspect the distributor cap and rotor for cracksor burn marks. Repair as necessary. If steady arcing
occurs, connect ignition coil cable to the distributor
cap.
(3) Remove a cable from one spark plug.
(4) Using insulated pliers, hold the cable terminal
approximately 12 mm (1/2 in.) from the engine cylin-
der head or block while rotating the engine with the
starter motor. Observe the spark plug cable terminal
for an arc. If steady arcing occurs, it can be expected
that the ignition secondary system is operating cor-
rectly.(note that if the ignition coil cable is re-
moved for this test, instead of a spark plug
cable, the spark intensity will be much higher.)
If steady arcing occurs at the spark plug cables, but
the engine will not start, connect the DRB scan tool.
Refer to the Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice manual.
FAILURE TO START TEST
To prevent unnecessary diagnostic time and wrong
test results, the previous Checking For Spark test
should be performed prior to this test.
WARNING: SET PARKING BRAKE OR BLOCK THE
DRIVE WHEELS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS
TEST.
(1) Unplug the ignition coil harness connector at
the coil (Fig. 14).
(2) Connect a set of small jumper wires (18 gauge
or smaller) between the disconnected harness termi-
nals and the ignition coil terminals. To determine po-
larity at connector and coil, refer to the Wiring
Diagrams section.
(3) Attach one lead of a voltmeter to the positive
(12 volt) jumper wire. Attach the negative side of
voltmeter to a good ground. Determine that sufficient
battery voltage (12.4 volts) is present for the starting
and ignition systems.
Fig. 12 Cable Removal
Fig. 13 Checking for SparkÐTypical
Fig. 14 Coil Harness ConnectorÐTypical (4.0L
Shown)
8D - 10 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES
GROUP INDEX
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐXJ...... 1INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐYJ..... 24
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐXJ
CONTENTS
page page
DIAGNOSIS............................. 5
GENERAL INFORMATION.................. 1SERVICE PROCEDURES.................. 17
SPECIFICATIONS........................ 23
GENERAL INFORMATION
Following are general descriptions of major instru-
ment panel components. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring
Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions and dia-
grams.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Modular instrument panel construction allows all
gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of
the panel. In addition, most instrument panel wiring
or heater and air conditioning components can be ac-
cessed without complete instrument panel removal. If
necessary, the instrument panel can be rolled-down
and removed from the vehicle as an assembly.
Removal of the instrument cluster bezel allows ac-
cess to the cluster assembly, most switches, the cli-
mate controls, and the radio. Removal of the cluster
assembly allows access to the individual gauges, illu-
mination and indicator lamp bulbs, printed circuits,
and most wiring.
Removal of the lower instrument panel allows ac-
cess to heater and air conditioning components, the
fuseblock module, the relay center, and other wiring
and electrical components. Those models equipped
with a driver's-side airbag restraint have a knee
blocker and reinforcement behind the driver's-side
lower instrument panel.
The instrument panel layout is mirror image for
left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles. In most
cases, the diagnosis and service procedures found in
this group are applicable to either vehicle. Although,most illustrations represent only the typical left-hand
drive version. Exceptions are clearly identified as
Right-Hand Drive (RHD).
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
Two basic instrument cluster options are offered on
XJ (Cherokee) models. One is referred to as a low-
line cluster, and the other is referred to as a high-
line cluster. Each cluster is divided into two areas:
the gauge area, and the tell-tale area. Each area is
served by a separate printed circuit and wiring con-
nector. Some variations of each cluster exist due to
optional equipment and regulatory requirements.
The low-line cluster includes the following gauges:
²fuel gauge
²speedometer/odometer.
The low-line cluster includes provisions for the fol-
lowing indicator lamps:
²anti-lock brake system lamp
²brake warning lamp
²coolant temperature warning lamp
²four-wheel drive indicator lamps
²generator warning lamp
²headlamp high beam indicator lamp
²low oil pressure warning lamp
²low washer fluid warning lamp
²malfunction indicator (Check Engine) lamp
²seat belt reminder lamp
²turn signal indicator lamps
²upshift indicator lamp.
JINSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 1
The high-line cluster includes the following gauges:
²coolant temperature gauge
²fuel gauge
²oil pressure gauge
²speedometer/odometer
²tachometer
²trip odometer
²voltmeter.
The high-line cluster includes provisions for the fol-
lowing indicator lamps:
²anti-lock brake system lamp
²brake warning lamp
²four-wheel drive indicator lamps
²headlamp high beam indicator lamp
²low fuel warning lamp
²low washer fluid warning lamp
²malfunction indicator (Check Engine) lamp
²seat belt reminder lamp
²turn signal indicator lamps
²upshift indicator lamp.
GAUGES
With the ignition switch in the ON or START posi-
tion, voltage is supplied to all gauges through the in-
strument cluster gauge area printed circuit. With the
ignition switch in the OFF position, voltage is not
supplied to the gauges. A gauge pointer may remain
within the gauge scale after the ignition switch is
OFF. However, the gauges do not accurately indicate
any vehicle condition unless the ignition switch is
ON.
All gauges except the odometer are air core mag-
netic units. Two fixed electromagnetic coils are lo-
cated within the gauge. These coils are wrapped at
right angles to each other around a movable perma-
nent magnet. The movable magnet is suspended
within the coils on one end of a shaft. The gauge nee-
dle is attached to the other end of the shaft.
One of the coils has a fixed current flowing through
it to maintain a constant magnetic field strength.
Current flow through the second coil changes, which
causes changes in its magnetic field strength. The
current flowing through the second coil can be
changed by:
²a variable resistor-type sending unit (fuel level,
coolant temperature, or oil pressure)
²changes in electrical system voltage (voltmeter)
²electronic control circuitry (speedometer/odometer,
tachometer).
The gauge needle moves as the movable permanent
magnet aligns itself to the changing magnetic fields
created around it by the electromagnets.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The coolant temperature gauge gives an indication
of engine coolant temperature. The coolant tempera-
ture sending unit is a thermistor that changes elec-
trical resistance with changes in engine coolanttemperature. High sending unit resistance causes
low coolant temperature readings. Low resistance
causes high coolant temperature readings.
The gauge will read at the high end of the scale
when the ignition switch is turned to the START po-
sition. This is caused by the bulb test circuit wiring
provision. The same wiring is used for the high-line
cluster with a coolant temperature gauge and the
low-line cluster with a coolant temperature warning
lamp. Sending unit resistance values are shown in a
chart in Specifications.
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge gives an indication of the level of
fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge sending unit has
a float attached to a swing-arm in the fuel tank. The
float moves up or down within the fuel tank as fuel
level changes. As the float moves, an electrical con-
tact on the swing-arm wipes across a resistor coil,
which changes sending unit resistance. High sending
unit resistance causes low fuel level readings. Low
resistance causes high fuel level readings. Sending
unit resistance values are shown in a chart in Spec-
ifications.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The oil pressure gauge gives an indication of en-
gine oil pressure. The combination oil pressure send-
ing unit contains a flexible diaphragm. The
diaphragm moves in response to changes in engine
oil pressure. As the diaphragm moves, sending unit
resistance increases or decreases. High resistance on
the gauge side of the sending unit causes high oil
pressure readings. Low resistance causes low oil
pressure readings. Sending unit resistance values are
shown in a chart in Specifications.
SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
The speedometer/odometer gives an indication of
vehicle speed and travel distance. The speedometer
receives a vehicle speed pulse signal from the Vehicle
Speed Sensor (VSS). An electronic integrated circuit
contained within the speedometer reads and analyzes
the pulse signal. It then adjusts the ground path re-
sistance of one electromagnet in the gauge to control
needle movement. It also sends signals to an electric
stepper motor to control movement of the odometer
number rolls. Frequency values for the pulse signal
are shown in a chart in Specifications.
The VSS is mounted to an adapter near the trans-
mission (two-wheel drive) or transfer case (four-wheel
drive) output shaft. The sensor is driven through the
adapter by a speedometer pinion gear. The adapter
and pinion vary with transmission, transfer case,
axle ratio and tire size. Refer to Group 21 - Trans-
mission and Transfer Case for more information.
8E - 2 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐXJJ
TACHOMETER
The tachometer gives an indication of engine speed
in Revolutions-Per-Minute (RPM). With the engine
running, the tachometer receives an engine speed
pulse signal from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). An electronic integrated circuit contained
within the tachometer reads and analyzes the pulse
signal. It then adjusts the ground path resistance of
one electromagnet in the gauge to control needle
movement. Frequency values for the pulse signal are
shown in a chart in Specifications.
TRIP ODOMETER
The trip odometer is driven by the same electronic
integrated circuit as the speedometer/odometer. How-
ever, by depressing the trip odometer reset knob on
the face of the speedometer, the trip odometer can be
reset to zero. The trip odometer is serviced only as a
part of the speedometer/odometer gauge assembly.
VOLTMETER
The voltmeter is connected in parallel with the bat-
tery. With the ignition switch ON, the voltmeter in-
dicates battery or generator output voltage,
whichever is greater.
INDICATOR LAMPS
Indicator lamps are located in two areas within the
cluster. Each of these areas is served by a separate
printed circuit and cluster connector. Those lamps in
the gauge area of the cluster share the gauge area
printed circuit and cluster connector A. Those lamps
in the tell-tale area of the cluster use the tell-tale
printed circuit and cluster (tell-tale) connector B.
Up to ten indicator lamps can be found in the tell-
tale area of the cluster. These lamps are arranged in
five stacked rows with two lamps in each row, located
to the driver's side of the main cluster.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LAMP
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) lamp is
switched to ground by the ABS module. The module
lights the lamp when the ignition switch is turned to
the START position as a bulb test. The lamp will
stay on for 3 to 5 seconds after vehicle start-up to in-
dicate a system self-test is in process. If the lamp re-
mains on after start-up, or comes on and stays on
while driving, it may indicate that the ABS module
has detected a system malfunction or that the system
has become inoperative. Refer to Group 5 - Brakes
for more information.
BRAKE WARNING LAMP
The brake warning lamp warns the driver that the
parking brake is applied or that the pressures in the
two halves of the split brake hydraulic system are
unequal. With the ignition switch turned ON, batteryvoltage is supplied to one side of the indicator bulb. A
ground path for the bulb is provided by 3 switches.
The bulb will light when:
²the brake warning switch is closed (indicating un-
equal brake system hydraulic pressures possibly due
to brake fluid leakage)
²the ignition switch is in the START position (bulb
test)
²the parking brake switch is closed (parking brake
is applied).
Refer to Group 5 - Brakes for more information.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING LAMP
The coolant temperature warning lamp lights
whenever engine coolant temperature is too high.
Battery voltage is supplied to one side of the indica-
tor bulb when the ignition switch is turned ON. The
normally open coolant temperature switch is con-
nected to the other side of the bulb. When coolant
temperature is too high, the switch closes. This pro-
vides a ground path for the indicator bulb, which
causes it to light. The lamp is also grounded and
should light with the ignition switch in the START
position as a bulb test.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR LAMPS
PART TIME
On vehicles with Command-Trac 4WD, the Part
Time lamp lights when the transfer case is engaged
in the 4H or 4L position. On vehicles with Selec-Trac
4WD, the Part Time lamp lights when the transfer
case is engaged in the4X4PARTTIME or 4 LO po-
sition. Voltage is supplied to one side of the indicator
bulb. A switch in the transfer case is connected to the
other side of the indicator bulb. When the switch is
closed, a path to ground is provided and the indicator
bulb lights.
FULL TIME
The Full Time lamp is only operational on vehicles
equipped with Selec-Trac 4WD. The Full Time lamp
lights when the transfer case is engaged in the4X4
Full Time position. Voltage is supplied to one side of
the indicator bulb. A switch in the transfer case is
connected to the other side of the indicator bulb.
When the switch is closed, a path to ground is pro-
vided and the indicator bulb lights.
GENERATOR WARNING LAMP
The generator warning lamp lights with the igni-
tion switch turned to ON, but should go out when-
ever the engine is running. If the lamp comes on and
stays on while the engine is running, it indicates
that a charging system malfunction exists. One side
of the bulb is connected to ignition-switched battery
feed. The other side of the bulb is switched to ground
by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
JINSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐXJ 8E - 3