eco JEEP LIBERTY 2002 KJ / 1.G Workshop Manual

OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the front of the switch rocker is fully
depressed, the High position is selected and the high
position LED indicator illuminates. When the rear of
the switch rocker is fully depressed, the Low position
is selected and the low position LED indicator illumi-
nates. When the switch rocker is depressed a second
time in either direction, Off is selected and both LED
indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the Heated Seat Module
to indicate the selected switch position. The heated
seat module monitors the switch inputs and responds
to the heated seat switch status messages by control-
ling the output to the seat heater elements of the
selected seat. The Low heat position set point is
about 36É C (97É F), and the High heat position set
point is about 41É C (105É F).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
If a heated seat fails to heat and one or both of the
indicator lamps on a heated seat switch flash, refer
toHeated Seat System Diagnosis and Testingin
this section for flashing LED failure identification.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor complete heated seat
system wiring diagrams.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves a
heated seat switch indicator lamp that remains illu-
minated after the heated seat has been turned Off,refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein the Electronic Control Modules section for
heated seat module diagnosis and testing procedures.
If not, go to Step 2
(2) Remove the heated seat switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH - REMOVAL). Check for continuity
between the ground circuit cavity #5 of the heated
seat switch connector and a good ground. There
should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK,
repair the open ground circuit as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output circuit cavity #1 of the heated seat switch con-
nector. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output circuit as required.
(4) Check the continuity between pin #1 and pin
#3 of the heated seat switch (Fig. 2). If the readings
do not correspond to those in the Heated Seat Switch
Continuity table below, replace the heated seat
switch. If OK, and the heated seat system is still not
operating properly refer toDiagnosis and Testing
the Heated Seat Module.
NOTE: ANY RESISTANCE VALUES (OHMSV) GIVEN
IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT ARE SUPPLIED USING
THE AUTOMATIC RANGE GENERATED BY A
FLUKETAUTOMOTIVE METER. IF ANOTHER TYPE
OF MEASURING DEVICE IS USED, THE VALUES
GENERATED MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS THE
RESULTS SHOWN HERE, OR MAY HAVE TO BE
CONVERTED TO THE RANGE USED HERE.
Fig. 1 KJ POWER / HEATED SEAT
Fig. 2 Heated Seat Switches
8G - 12 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMKJ
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

HEATED SEAT SENSOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SENSOR
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWIRING.
NOTE: ANY RESISTANCE VALUES (OHMSV) GIVEN
IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT ARE SUPPLIED USING
THE AUTOMATIC RANGE GENERATED BY A
FLUKETAUTOMOTIVE METER. IF ANOTHER TYPE
OF MEASURING DEVICE IS USED THE VALUES
GENERATED MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS THE
RESULTS SHOWN HERE, OR MAY HAVE TO BE
CONVERTED TO THE RANGE USED HERE.
(1) Disconnect the heated seat wire harness con-
nector from under the seat. Using an ohmmeter,
check the resistance between the heated seat sensor
input circuit cavity and the heated seat sensor feed
circuit cavity in the heated seat wire harness connec-
tor. The heated seat sensor resistance should be
between 1 kilohm and 100 kilohms. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, replace the faulty seat heating element
assembly.
(2) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the heated seat wire har-
ness connector for a shorted or open circuit. If OK,
refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein Electronic Control Modules, for the
proper heated seat module diagnosis and testing pro-
cedures. If not OK, repair the shorted or open heated
seat wire harness as required.
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the out-
board cushion side shield of the driver and passenger
front seats (Fig. 3). The two, three-position rocker
type switches provide a resistor multiplexed signal to
the Heated Seat Module through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch has an Off, Low and High set-
ting. Each switch contains two light emitting diodes
(LED), one for each High and Low setting to let the
occupant know that the seat heater system is on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the front of the switch rocker is fullydepressed, the High position is selected and the high
position LED indicator illuminates. When the rear of
the switch rocker is fully depressed, the Low position
is selected and the low position LED indicator illumi-
nates. When the switch rocker is depressed a second
time in either direction, Off is selected and both LED
indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the Heated Seat Module
to indicate the selected switch position. The heated
seat module monitors the switch inputs and responds
to the heated seat switch status messages by control-
ling the output to the seat heater elements of the
selected seat. The Low heat position set point is
about 36É C (97É F), and the High heat position set
point is about 41É C (105É F).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
If a heated seat fails to heat and one or both of the
indicator lamps on a heated seat switch flash, refer
toHeated Seat System Diagnosis and Testingin
this section for flashing LED failure identification.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor complete heated seat
system wiring diagrams.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves a
heated seat switch indicator lamp that remains illu-
minated after the heated seat has been turned Off,
refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein the Electronic Control Modules section for
heated seat module diagnosis and testing procedures.
If not, go to Step 2
Fig. 3 KJ POWER / HEATED SEAT
8G - 14 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMKJ

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - IGNITION TIMING.......2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 2.4L 4-CYLINDER . 2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 2.4L........2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....3
SPARK PLUGS........................3
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE - 2.4L . . . 3
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM............3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
OPERATION
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....4
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................4
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 2.4L....................5
DESCRIPTION-3.7L.....................6
OPERATION
OPERATION - 2.4L.....................6OPERATION - 3.7L.....................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................13
REMOVAL.............................15
CLEANING SPARK PLUGS................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil(s)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²2 Knock Sensors (3.7L only)
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect
on the control of the ignition system.
OPERATION
2.4L
A common ignition coil divided into 2 halves is
used. Secondary, high-tension spark plug cables are
also used. One half of the coil fires two spark plugs
simultaneously (one plug is the cylinder under com-pression, and the other plug is the cylinder on the
exhaust stroke). Coil half number one fires cylinders
1 and 4. Coil half number two fires cylinders 2 and 3.
The PCM determines which of the coils to charge and
fire at the correct time.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil
primary transfers to the secondary causing a spark.
The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does
not receive inputs from either the crankshaft or cam-
shaft position sensors.
A distributor is not used with the 2.4L engine.
3.7L
The 3.7L V6 engine uses a separate ignition coil for
each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary ter-
minal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark plugs.
A separate electrical connector is used for each coil.
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 3.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil. The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) provides a ground contact (circuit) for
energizing each coil. When the PCM breaks the con-
tact, the energy in the coil primary transfers to the
secondary causing a spark. The PCM will de-energize
the ASD relay if it does not receive inputs from
either the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is not adjustable on any
engine.
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 2.4L 4-CYLINDER1-3-4-2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-61-6-5-4-3-2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 2.4L
Engine Coil ManufacturePrimary Resistance at
21ÉC-27ÉC (70ÉF-80ÉF)Secondary Resistance at
21ÉC-27ÉC (70ÉF-80ÉF)
2.4L Toyodenso or Diamond 0.51 to 0.61 Ohms 11,500 to 13,500 Ohms
Fig. 1 IGNITION COIL - 2.4L
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE PLUG TYPE ELECTRODE GAP
2.4L RE14MCC5 (Champion #) 1.24 to 1.37 mm (0.048 to 0.053 in.)
3.7L V-6 2FR6F - 11G (NGK #) 1.1 mm (0.042 in.)
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE - 2.4L
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
250 Ohms Per Inch 1000 Ohms Per Inch
3000 Ohms Per Foot 12,000 Ohms Per Foot
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Camshaft Position Sensor-2.4L 23 21 205
Camshaft Position Sensor±3.7L 12 - 106
Crankshaft Position Sensor Bolt-2.4L 12 - 106
Crankshaft Position Sensor Nut/Bolt-3.7L 23 21 205
* Knock Sensor Bolt - 3.7L * 20 * 15
Ignition Coil Mounting Bolts - 2.4L 11 - 105
Ignition Coil Mounting Nuts - 3.7L 8 - 70
Ignition Coil Capacitor Nuts- 3.7L 8 - 70
** Spark Plugs - 2.4L ** 15 ** 11 -
Spark Plugs - 3.7L 27 20 -
* Do not apply any sealant, thread-locker or adhesive to
bolts. Poor sensor performance may result.
** Torque critical tapered design. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs.
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT
A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM
that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to
connect the oxygen sensor heater elements, oxygen
sensor heater relay, ignition coil and fuel injectors to
12 volt + power supply.
This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay
is energized. If the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) does not see 12 volts at this input when the
ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements and the oxygen sen-
sor heater relay.
The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
The ASD relay will be shut±down, meaning the
12±volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-ac-
tivated by the PCM if the ignition key is left in the
ON position. This is if the engine has not been run-
ning for approximately 1.8 seconds.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS
The following description of operation and
tests apply only to the Automatic Shutdown
(ASD) and fuel pump relays. The terminals on the
bottom of each relay are numbered. Two different
types of relays may be used, (Fig. 2) or (Fig. 3).
²Terminal number 30 is connected to battery volt-
age. For both the ASD and fuel pump relays, termi-
nal 30 is connected to battery voltage at all times.
²The PCM grounds the coil side of the relay
through terminal number 85.
²Terminal number 86 supplies voltage to the coil
side of the relay.
²When the PCM de-energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal number 87A connects to termi-
nal 30. This is the Off position. In the off position,voltage is not supplied to the rest of the circuit. Ter-
minal 87A is the center terminal on the relay.
²When the PCM energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal 87 connects to terminal 30.
This is the On position. Terminal 87 supplies voltage
to the rest of the circuit.
The following procedure applies to the ASD and
fuel pump relays.
(1) Remove relay from connector before testing.
(2) With the relay removed from the vehicle, use
an ohmmeter to check the resistance between termi-
nals 85 and 86. The resistance should be 75 ohms +/-
5 ohms.
(3) Connect the ohmmeter between terminals 30
and 87A. The ohmmeter should show continuity
between terminals 30 and 87A.
Fig. 2 TYPE 1 RELAY (ISO MICRO RELAY)
Fig. 3 ASD AND FUEL PUMP RELAY TERMINALSÐ
TYPE 2
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
8I - 4 IGNITION CONTROLKJ

cylinders 1 and 4, and coil number two fires cylinders
2 and 3.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil(s). The
PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does not
receive the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft
position sensor inputs.
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
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating 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.
Spark plug cables (secondary wires or cables) are
used with the 2.4L engine.
3.7L
Battery voltage is supplied to the 6 ignition coils
from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil ground cir-
cuit at a determined time for ignition coil operation.
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
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating 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.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 3.7L engine.
REMOVAL
2.4L
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at rear of coil.
(2) Remove all secondary cables from coil.
(3) Remove 4 coil mounting bolts (Fig. 17).
(4) Remove coil from vehicle.
3.7L
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 19). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 18). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.19) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil by
pushing downward on release lock on top of connec-
tor and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 18).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
2.4L
(1) Position coil to engine.
(2) Install 4 mounting bolts. Refer to torque speci-
fications.
(3) Install secondary cables.
(4) Install electrical connector at rear of coil.
(5) Install air cleaner tube and housing.
3.7L
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
Fig. 17 IGNITION COIL - 2.4L
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors.
REMOVAL
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (Fig. 20).
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Disconnect knock sensor dual pigtail harness
from engine wiring harness. this connection is made
near rear of left valve cover (Fig. 20).
(2) Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolts (Fig. 20). Note
foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is used only to
retain the bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is
not used as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive,
sealant or thread locking compound to these bolts.
(4) Remove sensors from engine.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting holes.
(2) Install sensors into cylinder block.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolts. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(5) Connect knock sensor wiring harness to engine
harness at rear of intake manifold.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
OPERATION
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. This is especially true when plugs
are equipped with tapered seats. Incorrect torque can
distort the spark plug and change plug gap. It can
also pull the plug threads and do possible damage to
both the spark plug and the cylinder head.
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. A sin-
Fig. 20 KNOCK SENSOR LOCATION
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
the Lubrication and Maintenance section.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Also refer to Spark Plug Conditions.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
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. 21). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
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 may be
affected by MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basi-
cally carbon (Fig. 21). 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,
leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear
can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled
engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (nor-
mal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usu-
ally be resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the
fouled plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash
encrusted (Fig. 22), 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
deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits
accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous
stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
Fig. 21 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
Fig. 22 Oil or Ash Encrusted
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

REMOVAL
2.4L
If spark plug for #2 or #3 cylinder is being
removed, throttle body must be removed. Refer to
Throttle Body Removal.
(1) Remove air cleaner tube and housing.
(2) Twist secondary cable at cylinder head to break
loose at spark plug. Remove cable from plug.
(3) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
3.7L
Each individual spark plug is located under each
ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(1) Prior to removing ignition coil, spray com-
pressed air around coil base at cylinder head.
(2) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(3) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also
check condition of ignition coil o-ring and replace as
necessary.
(4) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
CLEANING SPARK PLUGS
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file the center electrode flat with a small point
file or jewelers file before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
INSTALLATION
2.4L
CAUTION: Spark plug tightening on the 2.4L is
torque critical. The plugs are equipped with tapered
seats. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs. torque.
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Install throttle body. Refer to Throttle Body
Installation.
(4) Install air cleaner tube and housing.
3.7L
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
Fig. 26 Preignition Damage
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 27 Spark Plug Overheating
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15
SPARK PLUG (Continued)