JEEP CHEROKEE 1994 Service Repair Manual

DIAGNOSTICS/SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX
page page
Automatic Shut Down (ASD) Relay............ 8
Camshaft Position Sensor Test............... 8
Crankshaft Position Sensor Test.............. 9
Distributor Cap........................... 9
Distributor Rotor......................... 10
DRB Scan Tool.......................... 10
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Test...... 12
General Information........................ 8
Ignition Coil............................. 11
Ignition Secondary Circuit Diagnosis.......... 12Ignition Timing........................... 14
Intake Manifold Air Temperature Sensor Test . . . 14
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Test . 14
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)................ 19
Oxygen Sensor Tests..................... 19
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)............ 15
Spark Plug Secondary Cables............... 17
Spark Plugs............................ 16
Throttle Position Sensor Test............... 18
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section of the group, Diagnostics/Service Pro-
cedures, will discuss basic ignition system diagnos-
tics 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 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.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN (ASD) RELAY
Refer to RelaysÐOperation/Testing in the Group
14, Fuel System section of this service manual.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TEST
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor on all engines.
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:
2.5L OR 4.0L ENGINE
For this test, an analog voltmeter is needed.Do
not remove the distributor connector from the dis-
tributor. Using small paper clips, insert them into
the backside of the distributor wire harness connec-
tor to make contact with the terminals. Be sure that
the connector is not damaged when inserting the pa-
per clips. Attach voltmeter leads to these paper clips.
(1) Connect the positive (+) voltmeter lead into
the sensor output wire. This is at done the distribu-
tor 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. Rotate (crank) engine
with starter until pulse ring (Fig. 1) enters the mag-
netic pickup on camshaft position sensor. Distributor
rotor should be pointed in 9 o'clock position. The
movable pulse ring should now be within the sensor
pickup.
(5) Turn ignition key to ON position. 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 Pulse Ring/Rotor PositionÐTypical
8D - 8 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

sary, refer to the engine Firing Order diagrams
(Figs. 8 or 9).
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 10) for cracks, evi-
dence of corrosion, or the effects of arcing on the
metal tip. Also check for evidence of mechanical in-
terference with the cap. Some charring is normal on
the end of the metal tip. The silicone-dielectric-var-
nish-compound applied to the rotor tip for radio in-
terference noise suppression, will appear charred.
This is normal.Do not remove the charred com-
pound.Test the spring for insufficient tension. Re-
place a rotor that displays any of these adverse
conditions.
DRB SCAN TOOL
For operation of the DRB scan tool, refer to the ap-
propriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures service
manual.
Fig. 4 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐYJ
models With Auto. Trans.
Fig. 5 Crankshaft Position Sensor Connector
Fig. 6 Cap InspectionÐExternalÐTypical
Fig. 7 Cap InspectionÐInternalÐTypical
Fig. 8 Firing OrderÐ2.5L 4 Cylinder Engine
8D - 10 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

IGNITION COIL
To perform a complete test of the ignition coil and
its circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to
the 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.
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE
Fig. 9 Firing OrderÐ4.0L 6 Cylinder Engine
Fig. 10 Rotor InspectionÐTypical
Fig. 11 Ignition CoilÐTypical
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 11

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE 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 installed in the thermostat housing
(Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect wire harness connector from sensor
(Fig. 12).
(2) Test the resistance of the sensor with a high in-
put impedance (digital) volt-ohmmeter. The resis-
tance should be less than 1340 ohms at normal
engine operating idle temperature. For resistance
values, refer to the Sensor Resistance chart. Replace
the sensor if it is not within the range of resistance
specified in the chart.
(3) Test continuity of the wire harness. This is
done between Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
wire harness connector terminal-2 and the sensor
connector terminal. Also check continuity between
wire harness terminal-4 to the sensor connector ter-
minal. Repair the wire harness if an open circuit is
indicated.
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.
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 cracks
or 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.
Fig. 12 Coolant Temperature SensorÐTypical
SENSOR RESISTANCE (OHMS)
Fig. 13 Checking for SparkÐTypical
8D - 12 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

(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. If steady arcing occurs at the spark plug ca-
bles, but the engine will not start, connect the DRB
scan tool. Refer to the Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual for DRB operation.
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 ignition coil and coil electri-
cal connector (Fig. 15).
(3) Determine that sufficient battery voltage (12.4
volts) is present for the starting and ignition sys-
tems.
(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 shut down relay.
²If voltage is at 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 near battery voltage during
the entire 5 seconds, turn the key off. Remove the60-way connector (Fig. 16) 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 17.
Using the jumper,momentarilyground terminal-19
of the 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.
Fig. 14 Coil Harness ConnectorÐTypical
Fig. 15 Coil TerminalsÐTypical
Fig. 16 PCM 60-Way Connector
Fig. 17 Special Jumper Ground-to-Coil Negative
Terminal
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 13

(10) If spark is not produced, replace the ignition
coil.
IGNITION TIMING
Base (initial) ignition timing is NOT adjustable
on any of the 2.5L 4 cylinder or 4.0L 6 cylinder
engines. Do not attempt to adjust ignition timing
by rotating the distributor.
Do not attempt to modify the distributor hous-
ing to get distributor rotation. Distributor posi-
tion 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
operation of the DRB Scan Tool.
INTAKE MANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE 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:
(1) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
sensor (Figs. 18 or 19).
(2) Test the resistance of the sensor with a input
impedance (digital) volt-ohmmeter. Do not remove
the sensor from the engine for testing. For resistance
values, refer to the Sensor Resistance chart. Replace
the sensor if it is not within the range of resistance
specified in the chart.
(3) Test the resistance of the wire harness. This is
done between the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
wire harness connector terminal-21 and the sensor
connector terminal. Also check continuity between
terminal-4 to the sensor connector terminal. Repair
the wire harness as necessary if the resistance is
greater than 1 ohm.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) 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 MAP sensor is located on the cowl panel near
the rear of the engine cylinder head (valve) cover
(Fig. 20).
(1) Inspect the sensor vacuum hose connections at
the throttle body and sensor (Fig. 20). Repair as nec-
essary.
CAUTION: When testing the sensor, be sure that
the harness wires are not damaged by the test
meter probes.Fig. 18 Air Temperature SensorÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 19 Air Temperature SensorÐ4.0L Engine
SENSOR RESISTANCE (OHMS)
8D - 14 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

(2) Test the sensor output voltage at the sensor
connector between terminals A and B as marked on
the sensor body (Fig. 21). This is done with the igni-
tion switch ON and the engine OFF. Output voltage
should be 4-to-5 volts.The voltage should drop to
1.5-to-2.1 volts with a hot, neutral idle speed con-
dition.
(3) Test Powertrain Control Module (PCM) termi-
nal-1 for the same voltage described above to verify
the wire harness condition. Repair as necessary.
(4) Test sensor supply voltage at sensor connector
between terminals A and C with the ignition ON.
The voltage should be approximately 5 volts (60.5V).
Five volts (60.5V) should also be at terminal-6 of the
corresponding Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
wire harness connector. Repair or replace the wire
harness as necessary.(5) Test the sensor ground circuit at sensor connec-
tor terminal-A and PCM connector terminal-4. Re-
pair the wire harness if necessary.
(6) Test the sensor ground circuit at the PCM con-
nector between terminal-4 and terminal-11 with an
ohmmeter. If the ohmmeter indicates an open circuit,
inspect for a defective sensor ground connection. Re-
fer to Group 8W, Wiring for location of ground con-
nection. If the ground connection is good, replace the
PCM. If terminal-4 has a short circuit to 12 volts,
correct this condition before replacing the PCM.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The PCM (formerly called the SBEC or engine con-
troller) is located in the engine compartment behind
the windshield washer fluid tank on YJ models (Fig.
22). It is located in the engine compartment next to
the air cleaner on XJ models (Fig. 23).
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. 20 MAP SensorÐTypical
Fig. 21 MAP Sensor TestÐTypical
Fig. 22 PCM LocationÐYJ Models
Fig. 23 PCM LocationÐXJ Models
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 15

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. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indi-
cates that a problem exists in the corresponding
cylinder. Replace spark plugs at the intervals recom-
mended in the maintenance chart in Group 0, Lubri-
cation 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. 24). 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
combustion chamber. Spark plug performance is not
affected 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. 24). 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 filter or repeated short operating
times (short trips).
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
subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 25).
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. 26). 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. Spark
Fig. 24 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
Fig. 25 Electrode Gap Bridging
8D - 16 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ

plugs 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. 27). 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. 28). 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 specifictemperature ranges. This depends upon the thickness
and length of the center electrodes porcelain insula-
tor.)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
29). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 1000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
SPARK PLUG SECONDARY CABLES
TESTING
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition cables or secondary wires. The cables
transfer electrical current from the distributor to in-
dividual spark plugs at each cylinder. The spark plug
cables are of nonmetallic construction and have a
built in resistance. The cables provide suppression of
radio frequency emissions from the ignition system.
Fig. 26 Scavenger Deposits
Fig. 27 Chipped Electrode Insulator
Fig. 28 Preignition Damage
Fig. 29 Spark Plug Overheating
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 17