light JEEP CHEROKEE 1995 Service Manual PDF

(5) Be sure that the air conditioner (if equipped) is
turned off.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A DI-
RECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start the engine and operate at 2400 rpm.
Within ten minutes the air temperature (indicated on
the dial thermometer) should be up to 88É C (190É F).
Fan driveengagementshould have started to occur
at between 74É to 82É C (165É to 180É F). Engage-
ment is distinguishable by a definiteincreasein fan
flow noise (roaring). The timing light also will indi-
cate an increase in the speed of the fan.
(7) When the air temperature reaches 88É C (190É
F), remove the plastic sheet. Fan drivedisengage-
mentshould have started to occur at between 57É to
79É C (135É to 175É F). A definitedecreaseof fan
flow noise (roaring) should be noticed. If not, replace
the defective viscous fan drive unit.
VISCOUS FAN DRIVE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
Refer to the previous section on Cooling System
Fan for removal and installation procedures of the
viscous drive unit.
Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Require-
ment:After installing anewviscous fan drive, bring
the engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will ensure
proper fluid distribution within the drive.
AUXILIARY ELECTRIC COOLING FANÐXJ MODELS
WITH 4.0L 6-CYLINDER ENGINE
OPERATION
XJ models equipped with a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine
may also have an auxiliary electrical cooling fan.
This is with models that have air conditioning and/or
heavy duty cooling. The fan is controlled by the cool-
ing fan relay, which is located in the power distribu-
tion center (PDC). For the location of relay within
the PDC (Fig. 41), refer to the label on PDC cover.
When coolant temperature is above 88ÉC (190ÉF),
the powertrain control module (PCM) provides a
ground path for the fan relay. This ground is pro-
vided through pin/connector #31 of the PCM 60-way
connector. Battery voltage is then applied to the fan
through the relay. When coolant temperature is be-
low 88ÉC (190ÉF), the PCM opens the ground path to
the relay. This will prevent the cooling fan from be-
ing energized.
Whenever the air conditioning is operated, the
PCM engages the auxiliary cooling fan. It provides aground path to the cooling fan relay. This ground is
provided through pin/connector #31 of the PCM 60-
way connector.
DIAGNOSIS AND RELAY TESTING
The powertrain control module (PCM) will enter a
diagnostic trouble code (DTC) number 35 in memory
if it detects a problem in the auxiliary cooling fan re-
lay or circuit. This will be read as a flashing signal
at the instrument panel mounted Malfunction Indica-
tor Lamp (displayed on the instrument panel as the
CHECK ENGINE lampÐfigure 42). Refer to On-
Board Diagnostics in Group 14, Fuel Systems for in-
formation on accessing a DTC.
The DTC can also be accessed through the DRB
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diag-
Fig. 41 PDCÐXJ Models
Fig. 42 Check Engine LampÐXJ ModelsÐTypical
JCOOLING SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURES 7 - 35

charged. However, even with these vents, hydrogen
gas can collect in or around the battery. If hydrogen
gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it can ignite.
If the electrolyte level is low, the battery could arc
internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced when the electrolyte level is
low.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ASSIST BOOST,
CHARGE, OR TEST BATTERY WHEN ELECTRO-
LYTE LEVEL IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE PLATES.
PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
BATTERY RATINGS
Currently, there are 2 commonly accepted methods
for rating and comparing battery performance. These
ratings are called Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA),
and Reserve Capacity (RC). Be certain that a replace-
ment battery has CCA and RC ratings that equal or
exceed the original equipment specification for the
vehicle being serviced. See Battery Classifications
and Ratings charts in Specifications at the back of
this group.
COLD CRANKING AMPERAGE
The Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) rating speci-
fies how much current (in amperes) the battery can
deliver for 30 seconds at -17.7ÉC (0ÉF). Terminal volt-
age must not fall below 7.2 volts during or after the
30 second discharge. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements.
RESERVE CAPACITY
The Reserve Capacity (RC) rating specifies the
time (in minutes) it takes for battery terminal volt-
age to fall below 10.2 volts at a discharge rate of 25
amps. RC is determined with the battery fully-
charged at 26.7ÉC (80ÉF). This rating estimates how
long the battery might last after a charging system
failure, under minimum electrical load.
DIAGNOSIS
The battery must be completely charged and the
top, posts, and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned before diagnostic procedures are performed.
Refer to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Ser-
vice for more information.
The condition of a battery is determined by two cri-
teria:
(1)State-Of-ChargeThis can be determined by
viewing the built-in test indicator, by checking spe-
cific gravity of the electrolyte (hydrometer test), or by
checking battery voltage (open circuit voltage test).(2)Cranking CapacityThis can be determined
by performing a battery load test, which measures
the ability of the battery to supply high-amperage
current.
If the battery has a built-in test indicator, use this
test first. If it has no test indicator, but has remov-
able cell caps, perform the hydrometer test first. If
cell caps are not removable, or a hydrometer is not
available, perform the open circuit voltage test first.
The battery must be charged before proceeding
with a load test if:
²the built-in test indicator has a black or dark color
visible
²the temperature corrected specific gravity is less
than 1.235
²the open circuit voltage is less than 12.4 volts.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty
and further testing is not required. A battery that is
fully-charged, but does not pass the load test is
faulty and must be replaced.
Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. See Charging
Completely Discharged Battery.
A battery is fully-charged when:
²all cells are gassing freely during charging
²a green color is visible in the sight glass of the
built-in test indicator
²three corrected specific gravity tests, taken at
1-hour intervals, indicate no increase in specific grav-
ity
²open circuit voltage is 12.4 volts or greater.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnor-
mal battery discharging:
(1) Corroded battery posts and terminals.
(2) Loose or worn generator drive belt.
(3) Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system, possibly due to equipment installed
after manufacture or repeated short trip use.
(4) Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or
prolonged idling with high-amperage draw systems
in use.
(5) Faulty circuit or component causing excessive
ignition-off draw. See Ignition-Off Draw in this group
for diagnosis.
(6) Faulty charging system.
(7) Faulty or incorrect battery.
BUILT-IN TEST INDICATOR
A test indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of
the battery case, provides visual information for bat-
tery testing (Fig. 1). It is important when using the
test indicator that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass to see correct indications. Additional
light may be required to view indicator.
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 3

WARNING: DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME AS A
SOURCE OF ADDITIONAL LIGHT FOR VIEWING
TEST INDICATOR. EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS
MAY BE PRESENT IN THE AREA SURROUNDING
BATTERY.
Like a hydrometer, the built-in test indicator mea-
sures the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Specific
gravity will indicate battery state-of-charge. How-
ever, the test indicator will not indicate cranking ca-
pacity of the battery. See Load Test in this group for
more information.
Look into the sight glass and note the color of the
indicator (Fig. 2). Refer to the following description,
as the color indicates:
GREENÐindicates 75% to 100% state-of-charge.
The battery is adequately charged for further test-
ing or return to use. If the vehicle will not crank for
a minimum of 15 seconds with a fully-charged bat-
tery, perform Load Test.
BLACK OR DARKÐindicates 0% to 75% state-of-
charge.
The battery is inadequately charged and must be
charged until green indicator (Fig. 2) is visible in
sight glass (12.4 volts or more) before the battery is
tested further or returned to use. See Abnormal Bat-
tery Discharging in this group to diagnose cause of
discharged condition.
YELLOW OR BRIGHTÐindicates low electrolyte
level.
The electrolyte level in the battery is below test in-
dicator (Fig. 2). A maintenance-free battery with non-
removable cell caps must be replaced if electrolyte
level is low. Water can be added to a low-mainte-
nance battery with removable cell caps. A low electro-
lyte level may be caused by an over-charging
condition. See Charging System in this group to di-
agnose an over-charging condition.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHARGE, TEST,
OR ASSIST BOOST BATTERY WHEN YELLOW OR
BRIGHT COLOR IS VISIBLE IN SIGHT GLASS OF
TEST INDICATOR. LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL CAN
ALLOW BATTERY TO ARC INTERNALLY AND EX-
PLODE. PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
HYDROMETER TEST
The hydrometer test reveals the battery state-of-
charge by measuring the specific gravity of the elec-
trolyte. This test cannot be performed on batteries
with non-removable cell caps. If battery has non-re-
movable cell caps, see Built-In Test Indicator or Open
Circuit Voltage Test.
Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of
the electrolyte to the density of pure water. Pure wa-
ter has a specific gravity of 1.000, and sulfuric acid
has a specific gravity of 1.835. Sulfuric acid makes
up approximately 35% of the electrolyte by weight, or
24% by volume.
In a fully-charged battery the electrolyte will have
a temperature corrected specific gravity of 1.260 to
1.290. However, a specific gravity of 1.235 or above is
satisfactory for battery load testing and/or return to
service.
Before testing, visually inspect battery for any
damage (cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.) that
would cause the battery to be faulty. Then remove
cell caps and check electrolyte level. Add distilled wa-
ter if electrolyte level is below the top of the battery
plates.
To use the hydrometer correctly, hold it with the
top surface of the electrolyte at eye level. Refer to the
hydrometer manufacturer's instructions for correct
use of hydrometer. Remove only enough electrolyte
from the battery so the float is off the bottom of the
hydrometer barrel with pressure on the bulb re-
leased.
Exercise care when inserting the tip of the hydrom-
eter into a cell to avoid damaging the plate separa-
tors. Damaged plate separators can cause premature
battery failure.
Hydrometer floats are generally calibrated to indi-
cate the specific gravity correctly only at 26.7ÉC
(80ÉF). When testing the specific gravity at any other
temperature, a correction factor is required.
The correction factor is approximately a specific
gravity value of 0.004, referred to as 4 points of spe-
cific gravity. For each 5.5ÉC above 26.7ÉC (10ÉF above
80ÉF), add 4 points. For each 5.5ÉC below 26.7ÉC
(10ÉF below 80ÉF), subtract 4 points. Always correct
Fig. 1 Built-In Test Indicator
Fig. 2 Built-In Test Indicator Sight Glass
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 5

IGNITION-OFF DRAW
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) refers to power being
drained from the battery with the ignition switch
turned OFF. A normal vehicle electrical system will
draw from 5 to 20 milliamps (0.005 - 0.020 amps).
This is with the ignition switch in the OFF position,
and all non-ignition controlled circuits in proper
working order. The 20 milliamps are needed to sup-
ply PCM memory, digital clock memory, and electron-
ically-tuned radio memory.
A vehicle that has not been operated for approxi-
mately 20 days, may discharge the battery to an in-
adequate level. When a vehicle will not be used for
20 days or more (stored), remove the IOD fuse in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). This will reduce
battery discharging.
Excessive battery drain can be caused by:
²electrical items left on
²faulty or improperly adjusted switches
²internally shorted generator
²intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over 20 milliamps, the problem must
be found and corrected before replacing a battery. In
most cases, the battery can be charged and returned
to service.
DIAGNOSIS
Testing for high-amperage IOD must be per-
formed first to prevent damage to most milli-
amp meters.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove ignition key, and close all
doors. If the vehicle is equipped with illuminated en-
try or electronically-tuned radio, allow the systems to
automatically shut off (time out). This may take up
to 3 minutes.
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect or remove bulb.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Connect a typical 12-volt test lamp (low-watt-
age bulb) between the negative cable clamp and the
battery negative terminal. Make sure that the doors
remain closed so that illuminated entry is not acti-
vated.The test lamp may light brightly for up to 3 min-
utes, or may not light at all, depending upon the ve-
hicle's electrical equipment. The term brightly, as
used throughout the following tests, implies the
brightness of the test lamp will be the same as if it
were connected across the battery.
The test lamp must be securely clamped to the neg-
ative cable clamp and battery negative terminal. If
the test lamp becomes disconnected during any part
of the IOD test, the electronic timer function will be
activated and all tests must be repeated.
(5) After 3 minutes the test lamp should turn off
or be dimly lit, depending upon the vehicle's electri-
cal equipment. If the test lamp remains brightly lit,
do not disconnect it. Remove each fuse or circuit
breaker (refer to Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams) until
test lamp is either off or dimly lit. This will isolate
each circuit and identify the source of the high-am-
perage draw.
If the test lamp is still brightly lit after disconnect-
ing each fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect the wir-
ing harness from the generator. If test lamp now
turns off or is dimly lit, see Charging System in this
group to diagnose faulty generator. Do not disconnect
the test lamp.
After high-amperage IOD has been corrected, low-
amperage IOD may be checked. It is now safe to in-
stall a milliamp meter to check for low- amperage
IOD.
(6) With test lamp still connected securely, clamp a
milliamp meter between battery negative terminal
and negative cable clamp.
Do not open any doors or turn on any electri-
cal accessories with the test lamp disconnected
or the milliamp meter may be damaged.
(7) Disconnect test lamp. Observe milliamp meter.
The current draw should not exceed 0.020 amp. If
draw exceeds 20 milliamps, isolate each circuit by re-
moving circuit breakers and fuses. The milliamp
meter reading will drop when the source of the draw
is disconnected. Repair this circuit as necessary,
whether a wiring short, incorrect switch adjustment
or a component failure is found.
8A - 10 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ

CHARGING SYSTEM
GENERAL INFORMATION
The charging system consists of:
²generator
²voltage regulator circuitry (within PCM)
²ignition switch
²battery
²generator warning lamp or voltmeter (depending
on vehicle equipment)
²wiring harness and connections.
Following is a general description of the major
charging system components. Refer to Group 8W -
Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions
and diagrams.
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, battery voltage is applied to the
generator rotor through one of the two field termi-
nals to produce a magnetic field. The generator is
driven by the engine through a serpentine belt and
pulley arrangement.
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The wye (Y) type stator winding connections de-
liver the induced AC current to 3 positive and 3 neg-
ative diodes for rectification. From the diodes,
rectified DC current is delivered to the vehicle elec-
trical system through the generator battery and
ground terminals.
The amount of DC current produced by the gener-
ator is controlled by the generator voltage regulator
(field control) circuitry, contained within the Power-
train Control Module (PCM)(Fig. 1). This circuitry is
connected in series with the second rotor field termi-
nal and ground.
Voltage is regulated by cycling the ground path to
control the strength of the rotor magnetic field. The
generator voltage regulator circuitry monitors system
line voltage and ambient temperature. It then com-
pensates and regulates generator current output ac-
cordingly.
The generator is serviced only as a complete as-
sembly. If the generator fails for any reason, the en-
tire assembly must be replaced. The generator
voltage regulator (field control) circuitry can be ser-
viced only by replacing the entire PCM.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including the
generator voltage regulator (field control) circuitry,
are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is
assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM
will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failureit detects. See Using On-Board Diagnostic System in
this group for more information.
DIAGNOSIS
When operating normally, the indicator lamp on
models with the base instrument cluster will light
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START position. After the engine starts, the indicator
lamp goes off. With the engine running, the charge
indicator lamp should light only when there is a
problem in the charging system (base cluster only).
On models with a voltmeter, when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position, battery potential
will register on the meter. During engine cranking a
lower voltage will appear on the meter. With the en-
gine running, a voltage reading higher than the first
reading (ignition in ON) should register.
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the indicator or voltmeter do not operate properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condition
occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
Fig. 1 Charging System Components (Typical)
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 17

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

DIAGNOSIS
COMPASS/DISPLAY SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
This self-diagnostic test is used to determine that
the compass and all of its display segments are oper-
ating properly electrically. Initiate the self-diagnostic
test as follows:
(1) With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
simultaneously press and hold the COMP/TEMP but-
ton and the US/METRIC button.
(2) Turn ignition switch to the ON position.
(3) Continue to hold both buttons until the display
performs a walking segment test. In this test all of
the compass points are displayed, along with various
number combinations. These combinations verify that
all display segments are functional. If any segment
should fail to light during the test, the unit is faulty
and requires replacement. To repeat the test, momen-
tarily depress and release the COMP/TEMP button
one time.
(4) Momentarily depress and release the US/MET-
RIC button one time and all segments will light si-
multaneously for about 2 seconds. If any segment
should fail to light during the test, the unit is faulty
and requires replacement. To repeat the test, momen-
tarily depress and release the COMP/TEMP button
one time.
(5) Momentarily depress and release the US/MET-
RIC button one time or turn the ignition switch to
OFF to exit the self-diagnostic mode and return to
normal operation.
If the compass functions, but accuracy is sus-
pect, it may be necessary to perform a variation
adjustment. This procedure allows the unit to
accommodate variations in the earth's mag-
netic field strength based on geographic loca-
tion. See Compass Variation Adjustment, in this
group.
If the compass display has blanked out and
only CAL appears, demagnetizing may be nec-
essary to remove excessive residual magnetic
fields from the vehicle. See Compass Demagne-
tizing, in this group.
THERMOMETER DIAGNOSIS
The thermometer function is supported by a tem-
perature sensor, a wiring circuit and a portion of the
overhead console display. The sensor is mounted at
the center of the vehicle below the grille, behind the
front bumper (Fig. 1).
If any portion of the circuit fails, it will self-diag-
nose as an open or short circuit. The system will dis-
play SC (short circuit) when the sensor is exposed to
temperatures in excess of 55ÉC (131ÉF) or if the cir-
cuit is shorted. If the temperature is below -40ÉC
(-40ÉF) or an open circuit exists, the system will dis-
play OC (open circuit).To diagnose the temperature sensor, perform the
following procedures. If the sensor and circuit are
OK, then the electronic module is faulty and should
be replaced.
SENSOR TEST
(1) Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Unplug sensor
connector.
(2) Measure resistance of sensor. At -40ÉF the re-
sistance is 336K ohms. At 140ÉF the resistance is
2.488K ohms. Sensor resistance should read between
these two values. If OK, go to Sensor Circuit Test. If
not OK, replace the sensor.
SENSOR CIRCUIT TEST
(1) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Unplug sensor
connector.
(2) Short the pins on the body half of connector us-
ing a jumper wire.
(3) Remove the overhead console as described in
Service Procedures.
(4) Check continuity between cavities 10 and 11 of
overhead console harness connector (Fig. 2). There
should be continuity. If OK, go to next step. If not
OK, repair open circuit as required.
Fig. 1 Temperature Sensor
8C - 2 OVERHEAD CONSOLEJ

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

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

REMOVALÐ2.5L OR 4.0L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable at the
battery.
(2) Disconnect coil secondary cable at coil.
(3) Remove distributor cap from distributor (2
screws). Do not remove cables from cap. Do not re-
move rotor.
(4) Disconnect the distributor wiring harness from
the main engine harness.
(5) Remove the cylinder number 1 spark plug.
(6) Hold a finger over the open spark plug hole.
Rotate the engine at the vibration dampener bolt un-
til compression (pressure) is felt.
Slowly continue to rotate the engine. Do this until
the timing index mark on the vibration damper pul-
ley aligns with the top dead center (TDC) mark (0
degree) on timing degree scale (Fig. 9). Always rotate
the engine in direction of normal rotation. Do not ro-
tate the engine backward to align the timing marks.
On XJ models equipped with A/C, remove the elec-
trical cooling fan and shroud assembly from the radi-
ator. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for
procedures.
This will provide room to turn the engine crank-
shaft with a socket and ratchet using the vibration
damper bolt.
(7) Remove the distributor holddown bolt and
clamp (Fig. 8).
(8) Remove the distributor from engine by slowly
lifting straight up.
Note that the rotor will rotate slightly in a counter-
clockwise direction while lifting up the distributor.
The oil pump gear will also rotate slightly in a coun-terclockwise direction while lifting up the distributor.
This is due to the helical cut gears on the distributor
and camshaft.
Note the removed position of the rotor during dis-
tributor removal. During installation, this will be re-
ferred to as the Pre-position.
2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine:Observe the slot in the
oil pump gear through the hole on the side of the en-
gine. It should be slightly before (counterclockwise of)
the 10 o'clock position (Fig. 10).
4.0L 6-Cylinder Engine:Observe the slot in the
oil pump gear through the hole on the side of the en-
gine. It should be slightly before (counterclockwise of)
the 11 o'clock position (Fig. 11).
(9) Remove and discard the old distributor-to-en-
gine block gasket (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
(1) If the engine crankshaft has been rotated after
distributor removal, cylinder number 1 must be re-
turned to its proper firing stroke. Refer to the previ-
ous REMOVAL steps number 5 and 6. These steps
must be done before installing distributor.
Fig. 9 Align Timing Marks
Fig. 10 Slot At 10 O'clock PositionÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 11 Slot At 11 O'clock PositionÐ4.0L Engine
8D - 20 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ