check engine light JEEP CHEROKEE 1994 Service Repair Manual

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
INTRODUCTION
Chrysler Corporation has compiled recommended
lubrication and maintenance schedules and proce-
dures to help reduce premature wear or failure over
a broad range of operating conditions.
SEVERE SERVICE MAINTENANCE
If the vehicle is involved with a severe driving con-
dition, after each 4 800-km (3,000-miles)/3-month in-
terval. A severe driving condition includes:
²frequent short trip driving less than 24 km (15
miles);
²frequent driving in a dusty environment;
²trailer towing;
²extensive engine idling;
²sustained high-speed operation;
²desert operation;
²frequent starting and stopping;
²cold-climate operation;
²off-road driving; or
²commercial service.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
AT EACH STOP FOR FUEL
²Check engine oil level, add as required.
²
Check windshield washer solvent and add if required.
ONCE A MONTH
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
²Check electrolyte level and add water as needed.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, power steer-
ing and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
7,500 MILES (12 000 KM) OR AT 6 MONTHS
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check exhaust system.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4 models).
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints.
²Rotate Tires.
15,000 MILES (24 000 KM) OR AT 12 MONTHS
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check exhaust system.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4 models).
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints.²Check fluid level in battery.
²Rotate Tires.
22,500 MILES (36 000 KM) OR AT 18 MONTHS
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check exhaust system.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4 models).
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints.
²Rotate Tires.
30,000 MILES (48 000 KM) OR AT 24 MONTHS
²Replace air cleaner filter.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Adjust drive belt.
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check exhaust system.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4 models).
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints.
²Check fluid level in battery.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission.
²Drain and refill transfer case.
²Rotate Tires.
37,500 MILES (60 000 KM) OR AT 30 MONTHS
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check exhaust system.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4 models).
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints.
²Drain and refill manual transmission.
²Rotate Tires.
45,000 MILES (72 500 KM) OR AT 36 MONTHS
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check exhaust system.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4 models).
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints.
²Check fluid level in battery.
²Rotate Tires.
52,500 MILES (84 500 KM) OR AT 42 MONTHS
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
²Check engine coolant system hoses and clamps.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check exhaust system.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4 models).
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints.
²Rotate Tires.
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 5

CAUTION: Do not tap the filter element or immerse
the filter in liquid to remove trapped particles.
(3) Clean filter element by gently blowing the
trapped particles from the filter with compressed air.
Direct air in the opposite direction of normal intake
air flow. Keep air nozzle at least two inches away
from the filter to avoid damage to filter.
(4) If the filter has become partially saturated with
oil, replace the filter. Test the crankcase ventilating
(CCV) system for proper operation.
(5) Wash the air cleaner cover and body/housing
(Figs. 10) with cleaning solvent and wipe dry.
(6) Install the air cleaner filter element and attach
the cover to the body/housing.
CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM
All Jeept2.5L and 4.0L engines are equipped with
a crankcase ventilation (CCV) system. Refer to
Group 25ÐEmissions, for additional information.
FUEL USAGE STATEMENTÐGAS ENGINES
Jeeptvehicles are designed to meet all emission
regulations and provide excellent fuel economy using
high quality unleaded gasoline. Only use unleaded
gasolines having a minimum posted octane of 87.
If a Jeeptvehicle develops occasional light spark
knock (ping) at low engine speeds, this is not harm-
ful. However,continued heavy knock at high
speeds can cause damage and should be
checked immediately.Engine damage as a result of
heavy knock operation may not be covered by the
new vehicle warranty.In addition to using unleaded gasoline with the
proper octane rating,those that contain deter-
gents, corrosion and stability additives are rec-
ommended.Using gasolines that have these
additives will help improve fuel economy, reduce
emissions and maintain vehicle performance. Gener-
ally, premium unleaded gasolines contain more addi-
tive than regular unleaded gasolines.
Poor quality gasolinecan cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling and stumble. If these problems
occur, use another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing servicing the vehicle.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
materials that contain oxygen such as alcohol, MTBE
and ETBE. The type and amount of oxygenate used
in the blend is important. The following are gener-
ally used in gasoline blends:
ETHANOL
Ethanol (Ethyl or Grain Alcohol) properly blended,
is used as a mixture of 10 percent ethanol and 90
percent gasoline.Gasoline with ethanol may be
used in your vehicle.
METHANOL
CAUTION: Do not use gasolines containing metha-
nol. Use of methanol/gasoline blends may result in
starting and driveability problems. In addition, dam-
age may be done to critical fuel system compo-
nents.
Methanol (Methyl or Wood Alcohol) is used in a va-
riety of concentrations blended with unleaded gaso-
line. You may encounter fuels containing 3 percent
or more methanol along with other alcohols called co-
solvents.
Problems that are the result of using methanol/gas-
oline blends are not the responsibility of Chrysler
Corporation. They may not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
MTBE/ETBE
Gasoline and MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
blends are a mixture of unleaded gasoline and up to
15 percent MTBE. Gasoline and ETBE (Ethyl Ter-
tiary Butyl Ether) are blends of gasoline and up to
17 percent ETBE. Gasoline blended with MTBE or
ETBE may be used.
CLEAN AIR GASOLINE
Many gasolines are now being blended that con-
tribute to cleaner air, especially in those areas of the
country where air pollution levels are high. These
new blends provide a cleaner burning fuel and some
are referred to asReformulated Gasoline.
Fig. 10 Air Cleaner Body/Housing & Cover
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 17

Under normal driving conditions, manual trans-
mission lube oil should be changed after each 60
000-km (37,500 miles). With severe driving condi-
tions, after each 29 000-km (18,000 miles).
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATION
When it becomes necessary to add to or change the
lube oil in a Jeeptmanual transmission, use SAE
75W-90, API Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant.
LUBRICANT LEVEL
The fill-hole plug for all manual transmissions is
located on the right side of the case (Fig. 4). Deter-
mine the lubricant level according to the following
procedure.
(1) Remove the fill-hole plug (Fig. 4) from the
transmission. The lube oil should be level with the
bottom edge of the fill hole. The level can be slightly
below the bottom edge of the fill hole if the lube oil
is cold.
If the transmission is warm, lube oil could drip
out of the fill hole. This is acceptable but the
lube oil should not gush out of the fill hole.
(2) If not acceptable, raise the lube oil level to the
bottom edge of the transmission fill hole. Use SAE
75W-90, API Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant.
Add lube oil in small amounts to raise the
level.
(3) Install the fill-hole plug in the transmission.
Tighten the plug with 37 NIm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
LUBE OIL CHANGE
When it becomes necessary to change manual
transmission lube oil, use the following procedure.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill-hole plug from the transmis-
sion.
(3) Place a container to collect the lube oil under
the transmission drain-hole plug.(4) Remove the drain-hole plug and drain the lube
oil from the transmission into the container.
Care should be exercised when disposing used
lube oil after it has been drained from a trans-
mission.
(5) Install the drain-hole plug in the transmission.
Tighten the plug with 37 NIm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Fill the transmission until the lube oil begins
to drip out of the fill hole with SAE 75W-90, API
Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant.
(7) Install the fill-hole plug in the transmission.
Tighten the plug with 37 NIm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
Check fluid level in automatic transmissions (Fig.
5) the same time the engine oil is changed and the
oil filter is replaced. Add ATF as necessary.
Under normal driving conditions, the ATF should
be changed and the filter replaced after each 48
000-km (30,000-miles). With severe driving condi-
tions, after each 29 000-km (12,000-miles).
ATF SPECIFICATIONS
When it becomes necessary to add fluid (ATF) to a
Jeeptautomatic transmission (or when the ATF is
replaced), use:
²MerconŸ ATFonlyfor AW-4 automatic transmis-
sions (XJ vehicles), and
²MOPAR ATF PLUS type 7176 (or an equivalent
MerconŸ/Dexron IIŸ ATF) for 998 automatic trans-
missions (YJ vehicles).
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
The addition of any special-type fluid to a Jeept
automatic transmission is not recommended. The
only exception is the addition of black-light detection
Fig. 5 AW-4 Automatic Transmission (XJ)
Fig. 4 Manual Transmission Fill- & Drain-Hole
PlugsÐTypical
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 23

level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by a worn
U-joint or by worn side-gear thrust washers. A worn
pinion gear shaft bore will also cause low speed
knock.
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by a:
²Damaged drive shaft
²Missing drive shaft balance weight
²Worn, out-of-balance wheels
²Loose wheel lug nuts
²Worn U-joint
²Loose spring U-bolts
²Loose/broken springs
²Damaged axle shaft bearings
²Loose pinion gear nut
²Excessive pinion yoke run out
²Bent axle shaft
Check for loose or damaged front-end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These componentscan contribute to what appears to be a rear-end vi-
bration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brackets
and drive belts.
All driveline components should be examined be-
fore starting any repair.
Refer to Group 22ÐTires And Wheels for addi-
tional information involving vibration diagnosis.
DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted
into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:
²High engine idle speed
²Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts
²Worn U-joints
²Loose spring mounts
²Loose pinion gear nut and yoke
²Excessive ring gear backlash
²Excessive differential side gear-to-case clearance
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-
mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the ve-
hicle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate.
Instruct the helper to shift the transmission into
gear. Listen for the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is
helpful in isolating the source of a noise.
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 17

(9) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle. Disconnect the steering dampener from the
axle bracket.
(10) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential. Raise the axle just enough to relieve
the axle weight from the springs.
(11) Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate
brackets.
(12) Loosen BUT DO NOT REMOVE the bolts that
attach the spring rear pivot at the frame rail brack-
ets. This will allow the springs to pivot without bind-
ing on the bushings.
(13) Disconnect shackle from the springs and lower
the springs to the surface.
(14) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: All suspension components that use rub-
ber bushings should be tightened with the vehicle
at the normal height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If the springs are not at
their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected along with premature rubber
bushing wear. Rubber bushings must never be lu-
bricated.
(1) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Raise the springs and install the spring shackle
bolts.Do not tighten at this time.
(3) Lower the axle and align the spring center
bolts with the locating holes in the axle pads and
plate brackets.
(4) Install the spring U-bolts through the plate
brackets and tighten to 122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt.Do not tighten at this time.
It is important that the springs support the
weight of the vehicle when the track bar is con-
nected. If the springs are not at their usual po-
sition, the vehicle ride comfort could be affected.
(6) Install the shock absorber and tighten the nut
to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8) Install the tie rod to the steering knuckles and
tighten the nuts to 47 Nzm (35 ft. lbs.) torque. Install
the steering dampener to the axle bracket and
tighten the bolt to 75 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(10) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting and
axle shift motor vacuum harness.(11) Align the reference marks and connect the
drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint
clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(13) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(14) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(15) Tighten the spring rear pivot bolt/nut to 142
Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the spring shackle
bolt/nut to 135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(16) Tighten the track bar nut at the axle bracket
to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) Check the front wheel alignment.
LUBRICANT CHANGE
The gear lubricant will drain quicker if the vehicle
has been recently driven.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the
differential housing cover.
(3) Remove the differential housing cover and
drain the lubricant from the housing.
(4) Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil,
light engine oil or lint free cloth.Do not use water,
steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
(5) Remove the sealant from the housing and cover
surfaces. Use solvent to clean the mating surfaces.
(6) Apply a bead of MOPARtSilicone Rubber Seal-
ant to the housing cover (Fig. 1).Allow the sealant
to cure for a few minutes.
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes af-
ter applying the sealant. If not installed the seal-
ant must be removed and another bead applied.
Fig. 1 Typical Housing Cover With Sealant
2 - 22 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

ing the IAC motor pintle in and out of the air control
passage. The IAC motor is positioned when the igni-
tion key is turned to the On position.
A (factory adjusted) set screw is used to mechani-
cally limit the position of the throttle body throttle
plate.Never attempt to adjust the engine idle
speed using this screw.All idle speed functions are
controlled by the PCM.
IGNITION COILÐPCM OUTPUT
System voltage is supplied to the ignition coil pos-
itive terminal. The powertrain control module (PCM)
operates the ignition coil.Base (initial) ignition
timing is not adjustable.The PCM adjusts ignition
timing to meet changing engine operating conditions.
The ignition coil is located near the ignition distrib-
utor (Fig. 22).
Refer to Group 8D, Ignition System for additional
information.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMPÐPCM OUTPUT
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (formerly referred
to as the Check Engine Lamp) illuminates on the in-
strument panel each time the ignition key is turned
on. It will stay on for three seconds as a bulb test.
If the powertrain control module (PCM) receives an
incorrect signal, or no signal from certain sensors or
emission related systems, the lamp is turned on. This
is a warning that the PCM has recorded a system or
sensor malfunction. In some cases, when a problem is
declared, the PCM will go into a limp-in mode. This
is an attempt to keep the system operating. It signals
an immediate need for service.
The lamp can also be used to display a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC). Cycle the ignition switch On-
Off-On-Off-On within three seconds and any codes
stored in the PCM memory will be displayed. This is
done in a series of flashes representing digits. Refer
to On-Board Diagnostics in the General Diagnosis
section of this group for more information.
RADIATOR FAN RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
XJ MODELS ONLY
The electric radiator cooling fan used in XJ models
(equipped with 4.0L engine, heavy duty cooling
and/or air conditioning) is controlled by the power-
train control module (PCM) through radiator fan re-
lay. The relay is energized when coolant temperature
is above 103ÉC (217ÉF). It will then de-energize when
coolant temperature drops to 98ÉC (208ÉF). Refer to
Group 7, Cooling Systems for more information.
The relay is located in the power distribution cen-
ter (PDC) (Fig. 23).
The electric radiator cooling fan is not used on YJ
models.
SCI TRANSMITÐPCM OUTPUT
SCI Transmit is the serial data communication
transmit circuit for the DRB scan tool. The power-
train control module (PCM) transmits data to the
DRB through the SCI Transmit circuit.
SHIFT INDICATORÐPCM OUTPUT
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions have
an Up-Shift indicator lamp. The lamp is controlled
by the powertrain control module (PCM). The lamp
illuminates on the instrument panel to indicate when
the driver should shift to the next highest gear for
best fuel economy. The PCM will turn the lamp OFF
after 3 to 5 seconds if the shift of gears is not per-
formed. The up-shift light will remain off until vehi-
cle stops accelerating and is brought back to range of
up-shift light operation. This will also happen if ve-
hicle is shifted into fifth gear.
The indicator lamp is normally illuminated when
the ignition switch is turned on and it is turned off
when the engine is started up. With the engine run-
ning, the lamp is turned on/off depending upon en-
gine speed and load.
Fig. 23 PDCÐXJ Models
Fig. 22 Ignition CoilÐTypical
14 - 26 FUEL SYSTEMJ

IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR TEST
Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor operation can be
tested using special exerciser tool number 7558 (Fig.
42).
CAUTION: Proper safety precautions must be taken
when testing the idle air control motor:
²Set the parking brake and block the drive wheels
²Route all tester cables away from the cooling fans,
drive belt, pulleys and exhaust components
²Provide proper ventilation while operating the en-
gine
²Always return the engine idle speed to normal be-
fore disconnecting the exerciser tool
(1) With the ignition OFF, disconnect the IAC mo-
tor wire connector at throttle body (Fig. 42).
(2) Plug the exerciser tool number 7558 harness
connector into the IAC motor.
(3) Connect the red clip of exerciser tool 7558 to
battery positive terminal. Connect the black clip tonegative battery terminal. The red light on the exer-
ciser tool will flash when the tool is properly con-
nected.
(4) Start engine.
When the switch on the tool is in the HIGH or
LOW position, the light on the tool will flash. This
indicates that voltage pulses are being sent to the
IAC stepper motor.
(5) Move the switch to the HIGH position. The en-
gine speed should increase. Move the switch to the
LOW position. The engine speed should decrease.
(a) If the engine speed changes while using the
exerciser tool, the IAC motor is functioning prop-
erly. Disconnect the exerciser tool and connect the
IAC motor wire connector to the stepper motor.
(b) If the engine speed does not change, turn the
ignition OFF and proceed to step (6). Do not discon-
nect exerciser tool from the IAC motor.
(6) Remove the IAC motor from the throttle body.
Do not remove IAC motor housing from throttle
body.
CAUTION: When checking IAC motor operation with
the motor removed from the throttle body, do not
extend the pintle (Fig. 43) more than 6.35 mm (.250
in). If the pintle is extended more than this amount,
it may separate from the IAC motor. The IAC motor
must be replaced if the pintle separates from the
motor.
(7) With the ignition OFF, cycle the exerciser tool
switch between the HIGH and LOW positions. Ob-
serve the pintle. The pintle should move in-and-out
of the motor.
(a) If the pintle does not move, replace the idle
air control motor. Start the engine and test the re-
placement motor operation as described in step (5).
(b) If the pintle operates properly, check the idle
air control motor bore in the throttle body bore for
blockage and clean as necessary. Reinstall the idle
air control motor and retest. If blockage is not
Fig. 41 Oxygen SensorÐTypical
Fig. 42 IAC Motor TestingÐTypical
Fig. 43 Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor Pintle
14 - 46 FUEL SYSTEMJ

the sensor will not rotate, install the sensor with the
throttle shaft on the other side of the socket tangs).
The TPS will be under slight tension when rotated.
(1) Install the TPS and retaining bolts.
(2) Connect TPS electrical connector to TPS.
(3) Manually operate the throttle (by hand) to
check for any TPS binding before starting the en-
gine.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH RELAY
On YJ models, the TCC relay is located in the en-
gine compartment. It is attached to the cowl panel
with one bolt (Fig. 20). On XJ models, the TCC relay
is located in the power distribution center (PDC)
(Fig. 21). For location of this relay within the PDC,
refer to label on PDC cover.
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR
The vehicle speed sensor (Fig. 22) is located on the
extension housing of the transmission on 2WD mod-
els. It is located on the transfer case on 4WD models.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 23).
Fig. 18 TPS LocationÐ4.0L Engine
Fig. 19 Throttle Position SensorÐInstallation
Fig. 20 TCC Relay LocationÐYJ Models
Fig. 21 Power Distribution CenterÐXJ Models
Fig. 22 Vehicle Speed Sensor LocationÐTypical
14 - 60 FUEL SYSTEMJ

scan tool will be necessary to determine which ABS
component has malfunctioned.
ABS Light Illuminates During Brake Stop
A system fault such as loss of speed sensor signal
or solenoid failure, will cause the amber warning
light to illuminate. The most effective procedure here
is to check for obvious damage first. Then check the
electronic components with the DRB II scan tool.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY
The red brake warning light and the ABS light op-
erate independently. If the red light remains on after
startup or illuminates during a brake stop, refer to
the standard brake system diagnosis section. Either
the parking brakes are applied, or a wheel brake
malfunction has occurred.
ECU DIAGNOSIS
The ECU controls all phases of antilock system op-
eration. It also differentiates between normal and an-
tilock mode braking.
The ECU monitors and processes the signals gen-
erated from all of the system sensors at all times.
The ECU program includes a self check routine
that tests each of the system components. The self
check occurs during both phases of the initialization
program. A failure of the self check program will
cause the immediate illumination of the amber warn-
ing light. The light will also illuminate if a solenoid
or other system component fails during the dynamic
phase of initialization.
If a system malfunction should occur, do not imme-
diately replace the ECU. A blown system fuse, bad
chassis ground, or loss of feed voltage will each cause
a system malfunction similar to an ECU failure.
Never replace the ECU unless diagnosis with the
DRB II scan tool indicates this is necessary.
HCU DIAGNOSIS
The HCU pump and motor and solenoid valve body
are serviced only as an assembly. The HCU assembly
should not be replaced unless a fault has actually
been confirmed. Verify fault conditions with the DRB
II scan tool before proceeding with repair.
ABS SYSTEM WIRING AND ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
Location of the ABS fuse (in the fuse panel) is
shown in Figure 1. The engine compartment harness
routing for the ABS components is shown in Figure 2.
ABS FAULT DIAGNOSIS
The fault diagnosis chart provides additional infor-
mation on potential ABS system faults. Use the
chart as a guide when diagnosing a system problem.
Fig. 1 ABS Fuse Location
5 - 4 BRAKESJ

(2) If red warning light is illuminated, or if neither
warning light is illuminated, make several stops and
note pedal action and brake response.
(3) Check brake pedal response with transmission
in Neutral and engine running. Pedal should remain
firm under steady foot pressure. If pedal falls away,
problem is either in vacuum booster or master cylin-
der.
(4) During road test, make normal and firm brake
stops in 25-40 mph range. Note faulty brake opera-
tion such as pull, grab, drag, noise, fade, pedal pul-
sation, etc.
(5) Inspect suspect brake components and refer to
problem diagnosis information for causes of various
brake conditions.
COMPONENT INSPECTION
Fluid leak points and dragging brake units can
usually be located without removing any compo-
nents. The area around a leak point will be wet with
fluid. The components at a dragging brake unit
(wheel, tire, rotor) will be quite warm or hot to the
touch.
Other brake problem conditions will require compo-
nent removal for proper inspection. Raise the vehicle
and remove the necessary wheels for better visual ac-
cess.
During component inspection, pay particular atten-
tion to heavily rusted/corroded brake components
(e.g. rotors, caliper pistons, brake return/holddown
springs, support plates, etc.).
Heavy accumulations of rust may be covering se-
vere damage to a brake component. It is wise to re-
move surface rust in order to accurately determine
the depth of rust penetration and damage. Light sur-
face rust is fairly normal and not a major concern (as
long as it is removed). However, heavy rust buildup,
especially on high mileage vehicles may cover struc-
tural damage to such important components as
brakelines, rotors, support plates, and brake boosters.
Refer to the wheel brake service procedures in this
group for more information.
DIAGNOSING SERVICE BRAKE PROBLEMS
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT OPERATION
The red brake warning light will illuminate under
the following conditions:
²for 2-3 seconds at startup as part of normal bulb
check
²parking brakes applied
²low pedal caused by malfunction in front/rear
brake hydraulic circuit (differential switch valve ac-
tuated)
If the red light remains on after startup, first ver-
ify that the parking brakes are fully released. Then
check pedal action and fluid level. A red light indi-
cates that the valve in the differential pressureswitch has been actuated. If a problem is confirmed,
inspect the hydraulic system and wheel brake compo-
nents.
On models with ABS brakes, the amber warning
light only illuminates when an ABS component has
malfunctioned. The ABS light operates indepen-
dently of the red warning light. Refer to the antilock
brake section for more detailed diagnosis informa-
tion.
PEDAL FALLS AWAY
A brake pedal that falls away under steady foot
pressure is generally the result of a system leak. The
leak point could be at a brakeline, fitting, hose,
wheel cylinder, or caliper. Internal leakage in the
master cylinder caused by worn or damaged piston
cups, may also be the problem cause.
If leakage is severe, fluid will be evident at or
around the leaking component. However internal
leakage in the master cylinder will not be physically
evident. Refer to the cylinder test procedure in this
section.
LOW PEDAL
If a low pedal is experienced, pump the pedal sev-
eral times. If the pedal comes back up, worn lining
and worn rotors or drums are the most likely causes.
However, if the pedal remains low and/or the warn-
ing light illuminates, the problem is in the master
cylinder, wheel cylinders, or calipers.
A decrease in master cylinder fluid level may only
be the result of normal lining wear. Fluid level will
decrease as lining wear occurs. It is a result of the
outward movement of caliper and wheel cylinder pis-
tons to compensate for normal wear.
SPONGY PEDAL
A spongy pedal is most often caused by air in the
system. However, thin drums or substandard brake
lines and hoses will also cause a condition similar to
a spongy pedal. The proper course of action is to
bleed the system, or replace thin drums and suspect
quality brake lines and hoses.
HARD PEDAL OR HIGH PEDAL EFFORT
A hard pedal or high pedal effort may be due to
lining that is water soaked, contaminated, glazed, or
badly worn. The power booster or check valve could
also be faulty. Test the booster and valve as de-
scribed in this section.
BRAKE DRAG
Brake drag occurs when the lining is in constant
contact with the rotor or drum. Drag can occur at
one wheel, all wheels, fronts only, or rears only. It is
a product of incomplete brakeshoe release. Drag can
be minor or severe enough to overheat the linings,
rotors and drums.
5 - 8 BRAKESJ