ESP JEEP CHEROKEE 1995 Service User Guide

fied. This causes pull to switch direction in favor of
the brake unit that is functioning normally.
When diagnosing a change in pull condition, re-
member that pull will return to the original direction
if the dragging brake unit is allowed to cool down
(and is not seriously damaged).
REAR BRAKE GRAB
Rear grab (or pull) is usually caused by contami-
nated lining, bent or binding shoes and support
plates, or improperly assembled components. This is
particularly true when only one rear wheel is in-
volved. However, when both rear wheels are affected,
the master cylinder could be at fault.
BRAKES DO NOT HOLD AFTER DRIVING THROUGH
DEEP WATER PUDDLES
This condition is caused by water soaked lining. If
the lining is only wet, it can be dried by driving with
the brakes lightly applied for a mile or two. However,
if the lining is both wet and dirty, disassembly and
cleaning will be necessary.
CONTAMINATED BRAKELINING
Brakelining contaminated by water is salvageable.
The lining can either be air dried or dried using heat.
In cases where brakelining is contaminated by oil,
grease, or brake fluid, the lining should be replaced.
Replacement is especially necessary when fluids/lu-
bricants have actually soaked into the lining mate-
rial. However, grease or dirt that gets onto the lining
surface (from handling) during brake repairs, can be
cleaned off. Spray the lining surface clean with Mo-
par brake cleaner.
BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION
There are two basic causes of brake fluid contami-
nation. The first involves allowing dirt, debris, or
other materials to enter the cylinder reservoirs when
the cover is off. The second involves adding non-rec-
ommended fluids to the cylinder reservoirs.
Brake fluid contaminated with only dirt, or debris
usually retains a normal appearance. In some cases,
the foreign material will remain suspended in the
fluid and be visible. The fluid and foreign material
can be removed from the reservoir with a suction gun
but only if the brakes have not been applied. If the
brakes are applied after contamination, system flush-
ing will be required. The master cylinder may also
have to be disassembled, cleaned and the piston seals
replaced. Foreign material lodged in the reservoir
compensator/return ports can cause brake drag by re-
stricting fluid return after brake application.
Brake fluid contaminated by a non-recommended
fluid may appear discolored, milky, oily looking, or
foamy. However, remember that brake fluid will
darken in time and occasionally be cloudy in appear-ance. These are normal conditions and should not be
mistaken for contamination.
If some type of oil has been added to the system,
the fluid will separate into distinct layers. To verify
this, drain off a sample with a clean suction gun.
Then pour the sample into a glass container and ob-
serve fluid action. If the fluid separates into distinct
layers, it is definitely contaminated.
The only real correction for contamination by non-
recommended fluid is to flush the entire hydraulic
system and replace all the seals.
BRAKE NOISE
Squeak/Squeal
Factory installed brakelining is made from as-
bestos free materials. These materials have dif-
ferent operating characteristics than previous
lining material. Under certain conditions, as-
bestos free lining may generate some squeak,
groan or chirp noise. This noise is considered
normal and does not indicate a problem. The
only time inspection is necessary, is when noise
becomes constant or when grinding, scraping
noises occur.
Constant brake squeak or squeal may be due to lin-
ings that are wet or contaminated with brake fluid,
grease, or oil. Glazed linings, rotors/drums with hard
spots, and dirt/foreign material embedded in the
brake lining also cause squeak. Loud squeak, squeal,
scraping, or grinding sounds are a sign of severely
worn brake lining. If the lining has worn completely
through in spots, metal-to-metal contact occurs.
Thump/Clunk
Thumping or clunk noises during braking are fre-
quentlynotcaused by brake components. In many
cases, such noises are caused by loose or damaged
steering, suspension, or engine components. However,
calipers that bind on the slide surfaces can generate
a thump or clunk noise. In addition, worn out, im-
properly adjusted, or improperly assembled rear
brakeshoes can also produce a thump noise.
Chatter/Shudder
Brake chatter, or shudder is usually caused by
loose or worn components, or glazed/burnt lining. Ro-
tors with hard spots can also contribute to chatter.
Additional causes of chatter are out of tolerance ro-
tors, brake lining not securely attached to the shoes,
loose wheel bearings and contaminated brake lining.
WHEEL AND TIRE PROBLEMS
Some conditions attributed to brake components
may actually be caused by a wheel or tire problem.
A damaged wheel can cause shudder, vibration and
pull. A worn or damaged tire can also cause pull.
Severely worn tires with very little tread left can
JSERVICE BRAKE DIAGNOSIS 5 - 7

connect scan tool and proceed to next step.
(7)Repeatconventional bleed procedure described
in steps (4) and (5).
(8) Top off master cylinder fluid level and verify
proper brake operation before moving vehicle.
BRAKELINES AND HOSES
Metal brakelines and rubber brake hoses should be
inspected periodically and replaced if damaged.
Rubber brake hoses should be replaced if cut,
cracked, swollen, or leaking. Rubber hoses must be
replaced as they are not repairable.
Steel brakelines should be inspected any time the
vehicle is in for normal maintenance. This is impor-
tant on high mileage vehicles. It is especially impor-
tant when the vehicle is operated on roads that are
salted during winter months.
Heavily rusted/corroded brake rotors, drums,
support plates, and brakelines should be
cleaned and carefully inspected. Heavy rust
buildup can hide severe damage to a compo-
nent. Severely rusted parts should be replaced
if condition is suspect.
BRAKELINE CHARTS
Brakeline routing and connections are displayed in
Figures 4 through 10. Routing for both right hand drive
(RHD) and left hand drive (LHD) models is provided.
Fig. 4 Brakeline Routing (YJ With ABS)
Fig. 5 Front Brake Hose And Sensor Wire Routing
(RHD XJ With ABS)
5 - 12 BRAKE FLUIDÐBRAKE BLEEDINGÐBRAKELINES AND HOSESJ

the bore surface is normal and acceptable but only if
the surface is in good condition.
Replace the cylinder if the bore is scored, corroded,
or pitted.Do not hone the cylinder bore in an at-
tempt to restore the surface. Replace the cylin-
der if the bore is corroded or if doubt exists
about cylinder bore condition.
Check the outer and inner surfaces of the cylinder
for cracks or porosity, especially if wet spots were
noted on the cylinder outer surface during removal
and disassembly.
Inspect the cylinder cover, seal and retainer spring.
Replace the seal if torn or distorted and replace the
cover and spring if either part is bent or damaged in
any way.
MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY
(1) Coat cylinder bore and new piston assemblies
with brake fluid.
(2) Install secondary piston in bore with push and
turn motion (Fig. 7).Do not use any tools to start
seals into bore. Tools can cut seal and scratch
bore.
(3) Insert primary piston in bore (Fig. 5).(4) Push primary piston inward and install snap
ring (Fig. 4).
MASTER CYLINDER AND COMBINATION VALVE
REMOVAL (WITH ABS)
(1) Disconnect vent hoses at air cleaner cover.
(2) Loosen clamp securing air cleaner hose to in-
take manifold. Use screwdriver to tap clamp loose.
(3) Remove air cleaner cover and hose. Then re-
move air filter from air cleaner housing (Fig. 8).
(4) Remove two bolts and one nut that secure air
cleaner housing to body (Fig. 8).
Fig. 8 Air Cleaner Components
Fig. 5 Removing/Installing Primary Piston
Fig. 6 Removing Secondary Piston Assembly
Fig. 7 Installing Secondary Piston
JMASTER CYLINDERÐCOMBINATION VALVE 5 - 17

MASTER CYLINDER/POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
A 25 mm bore master cylinder and 205 mm (8.07
in.) dual diaphragm power brake booster are used for
all ABS applications (Fig. 2).
The master cylinder has a removable plastic reser-
voir which is the only serviceable component. The
cylinder body and pistons are not repairable and are
serviced as an assembly. The check valve and grom-
met are the only serviceable parts on the booster.
The booster itself is only serviced as an assembly.
COMBINATION VALVE
A combination valve is used with the ABS system
(Fig. 2). The valve contains a front/rear brake pres-
sure differential switch and rear brake proportioning
valve. The combination valve is connected between
the master cylinder and HCU.
The pressure differential switch is connected to the
red brake warning light. The switch is actuated by
movement of the switch valve. The switch monitors
fluid pressure in the separate front/rear brake hy-
draulic circuits.
A decrease or loss of fluid pressure in either hy-
draulic circuit will cause the switch valve to shuttle
forward or rearward in response to the pressure dif-
ferential. Movement of the switch valve will push the
switch plunger upward. This closes the switch inter-
nal contacts completing the electrical circuit to the
red warning light. The switch valve remains in an
actuated position until the fault is repaired.
The rear proportioning valve is used to balance front-
rear brake action.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU)
A separate electronic control unit (ECU) operates
the ABS system (Fig. 3). The ECU is separate from
other vehicle electrical circuits. ECU voltage source
is through the ignition switch in the Run position.The ECU is located under the instrument panel in
the passenger compartment. On YJ models, it is just
above the heater plenum in line with the glove box.
In left hand drive XJ models, it at the right side of
the steering column. In right hand drive models, it is
near the cowl panel
The ECU contains dual microprocessors. A logic
block in each microprocessor receives identical sensor
signals. These signals are processed and compared si-
multaneously.
The ECU contains a self check program that illu-
minates the ABS warning light when a system fault
is detected. Faults are stored in a diagnostic program
memory and are accessible with the DRB scan tool.
ABS faults remain in memory until cleared, or un-
til after the vehicle is started approximately 50
times. Stored faults arenoterased if the battery is
disconnected.
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS
A speed sensor is used at each wheel. The sensors
convert wheel speed into an electrical signal. This
signal is transmitted to the antilock ECU.
A gear type tone ring serves as the trigger mecha-
nism for each sensor. The tone rings are mounted at
the outboard ends of the front and rear axle shafts.
Different sensors are used at the front and rear
wheels (Fig. 4). The front/rear sensors have the same
electrical values but are not interchangeable.
Fig. 2 ABS Master Cylinder-Booster-Combination
Valve-HCU
Fig. 3 Antilock ECU
5 - 34 ABS OPERATION AND SERVICEJ

DISC BRAKE ROTOR REFINISHING
When To Refinish
Rotor braking surfaces can be refinished by sand-
ing and/or machining in a disc brake lathe. However,
the rotor should be cleaned and inspected before-
hand. Careful inspection will avoid refinishing rotors
with very little service life left in them.
Pay particular attention to rotors that are heavily
rusted, or corroded. Accumulated rust/corrosion on
braking surfaces and ventilating ribs may extend to
a depth beyond acceptable limits. This can be espe-
cially true on: (a) high mileage vehicles; (b) vehicles
regularly exposed to road salt during winter months;
(c) vehicles operated in coastal regions where salt air/
road splash is a factor; (d) and vehicles used for ex-
tensive off-road operation.
New rotors have a protective coating that should be
removed before installation.It is not necessary to
machine a rotor to remove this coating. The
coating is easily removed with Mopar carb
cleaner followed by a rinse with Mopar brake
cleaner. A scotch brite pad, or steel wool can
also be used to help loosen and remove the
coating if desired.
Recommended Refinishing Equipment
The brake lathe must be capable of machining both
rotor surfaces simultaneously with dual cutter heads
(Fig. 30).Equipment capable of machining only
one side at a time will produce a tapered rotor.
The lathe should also be equipped with a grinder at-
tachment, or dual sanding discs for final cleanup or
light refinishing.
Refinishing Techniques
If the rotor surfaces only need minor cleanup of
rust, scale, or scoring, use abrasive sanding discs to
clean up the rotor surfaces. However, when a rotor is
scored or worn, machining with cutting tools will be
required.
Light cuts are recommended when machining the
rotor surfaces. Heavy feed rates are not recom-
mended and may result in chatter marks, or taper.
CAUTION: Never refinish a rotor if machining would
cause the rotor to fall below minimum allowable
thickness.
The final finish on the rotor should be a non-direc-
tional, cross hatch pattern (Fig. 31). Use sanding
discs to produce this finish.
Fig. 30 Rotor Refinishing Equipment
JDISC BRAKES 5 - 53

CLUTCH SERVICE
INDEX
page page
Clutch Component Lubrication................ 10
Clutch Cover and Disc Installation............. 10
Clutch Cover and Disc Removal.............. 10
Clutch Fluid Level......................... 14
Clutch Housing Replacement................ 13
Clutch Hydraulic Linkage Installation........... 14
Clutch Hydraulic Linkage Removal............. 13Clutch Pedal Installation.................... 15
Clutch Pedal Removal...................... 15
Clutch Safety Precautions................... 10
Flywheel Service.......................... 16
Pilot Bearing Replacement.................. 12
Release Bearing Replacement................ 11
CLUTCH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING
CLUTCH COMPONENTS. DUST AND DIRT ON
CLUTCH PARTS USE MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS FI-
BERS. BREATHING EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS
OF THESE FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY
HARM. WEAR A RESPIRATOR DURING SERVICE
AND NEVER CLEAN CLUTCH COMPONENTS WITH
COMPRESSED AIR OR WITH A DRY BRUSH. EI-
THER CLEAN THE COMPONENTS WITH A WATER
DAMPENED RAGS OR USE A VACUUM CLEANER
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR REMOVING ASBES-
TOS FIBERS AND DUST. DO NOT CREATE DUST BY
SANDING A CLUTCH DISC. REPLACE THE DISC IF
THE FRICTION MATERIAL IS DAMAGED OR CON-
TAMINATED. DISPOSE OF ALL DUST AND DIRT
CONTAINING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN SEALED BAGS
OR CONTAINERS. THIS WILL HELP MINIMIZE EX-
POSURE TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS. FOL-
LOW ALL RECOMMENDED SAFETY PRACTICES
PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) AND THE
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AGENCY (EPA), FOR
THE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTS
CONTAINING ASBESTOS.
CLUTCH COMPONENT LUBRICATION
Proper clutch component lubrication is important
to satisfactory operation. Using the correct lubricant
and not overlubricating are equally important. Apply
recommended lubricant sparingly to avoid disc and
pressure plate contamination.
Clutch and transmission components requiring lu-
brication are:
²pilot bearing
²release lever pivot ball stud
²release lever contact surfaces
²release bearing bore
²clutch disc hub splines
²clutch pedal pivot shaft bore
²clutch pedal bushings²input shaft splines
²input shaft pilot hub
²transmission front bearing retainer slide surface
Never apply grease to any part of the clutch
cover, or disc.
Recommended Lubricants
Use Mopar multi-purpose grease for the clutch
pedal bushings and pivot shaft. Use Mopar high tem-
perature grease (or equivalent) for all other lubrica-
tion requirements. Apply recommended amounts and
do not overlubricate.
CLUTCH COVER AND DISC REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission. Refer to procedures in
Group 21.
(2) If original clutch cover will be reinstalled, mark
position of cover on flywheel for assembly reference.
Use paint or a scriber for this purpose.
(3) If clutch cover is to be replaced, cover bolts can
be removed in any sequence. However, if original
cover will be reinstalled, loosen cover bolts evenly
and in rotation to relieve spring tension equally. This
is necessary avoid warping cover.
(4) Remove cover bolts and remove cover and disc
(Fig. 2).
CLUTCH COVER AND DISC INSTALLATION
(1) Lightly scuff sand flywheel face with 180 grit
emery cloth. Then clean surface with a wax and
grease remover.
(2) Lubricate pilot bearing with Mopar high tem-
perature bearing grease.
(3) Check runout and free operation of new clutch
disc as follows:
(a) Slide disc onto transmission input shaft
splines. Disc should slide freely on splines.
(b) Leave disc on shaft and check face runout
with dial indicator. Check runout at disc hub and
about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from outer edge of facing.
(c) Face runout should not exceed 0.5 mm (0.020
in.). Obtain another clutch disc if runout exceeds
this limit.
6 - 10 CLUTCH SERVICEJ

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

(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 the intake manifold, discon-
nect sensor pigtail harness connector from main wir-
ing 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 depos-
its on the inside (caused by condensation entering
the cap through cracks). Replace any cap that dis-
plays charred or eroded terminals. The inside flat
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
Fig. 2 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.5L 4-Cyl.
EngineÐTypical
Fig. 3 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L 6-Cyl.
EngineÐAll Except YJ models With Auto. Trans.
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 7

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