Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Description and operation

Ignition system

DESCRIPTION

Two different ignition systems are used. One type is used for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The other is used for the 4.0L 6-cylinder engine.

OPERATION

2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine:

The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The ignition system consists of:

  •  Spark Plugs
  •  Ignition Coil
  •  Secondary Ignition Cables
  •  Distributor (contains rotor and camshaft position sensor)
  •  Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
  •  Crankshaft Position, Camshaft Position, Throttle Position and MAP Sensors

4.0L 6-Cylinder Engine:

The 4.0L 6-cylinder engine uses a one-piece coil rail containing three independent coils. Although cylinder firing order is the same as 4.0L engines of previous years, spark plug firing is not. The 3 coils dualfire the spark plugs on cylinders 1-6, 2-5 and/or 3-4.

When one cylinder is being fired (on compression stroke), the spark to the opposite cylinder is being wasted (on exhaust stroke). The one-piece coil bolts directly to the cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark plugs. One electrical connector (located at the rear end of the coil rail) is used for all three coils.

Because of coil design, spark plug cables (secondary cables) are not used on either engine. A distributor is not used with the 4.0L engine.

The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The ignition system consists of:

  •  Spark Plugs
  •  Ignition Coil(s)
  •  Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor
  •  Camshaft Position Sensor
  •  The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect on the control of the ignition system.

Distributor-2.5L engine

DESCRIPTION

The 2.5L engine is equipped with a camshaft driven mechanical distributor (Fig. 1) containing a shaft driven distributor rotor. The distributor is also equipped with an internal camshaft position (fuel sync) sensor (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 Distributor and Camshaft Position Sensor- 2.5L Engine
Fig. 1 Distributor and Camshaft Position Sensor- 2.5L Engine

1 - SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

The distributor does not have built in centrifugal 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 timing is not adjustable.

The distributor is locked in place by a fork with a slot located on the distributor housing base. The distributor 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 distributor housing to get distributor rotation.

Distributor position will have no effect on ignition 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.

Spark plugs

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 tightening spark plugs. 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 porcelain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order in which they were removed from the engine. A single plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.

Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in Group O, Lubrication and Maintenance 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.

Spark plug cables-2.5L engine

DESCRIPTION

Spark plug cables are used only on the 2.5L engine. They are sometimes referred to as secondary ignition wires.

OPERATION

The spark plug cables transfer electrical current from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The cables provide suppression of radio frequency emissions from the ignition system.

Ignition coil-2.5L engine

DESCRIPTION

A single ignition coil is used with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The coil is not oil filled. The coil windings are embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat and vibration resistance that allows the coil to be mounted on the engine.

OPERATION

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) opens and closes the ignition coil ground circuit for ignition coil operation.

Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil positive terminal from the ASD relay. If the PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON but the engine is not running), it will shut down the ASD circuit.

Base ignition timing is not adjustable. By controlling 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 operating conditions.

Ignition coil-4.0L engine

DESCRIPTION

A one-piece coil rail assembly containing three individual coils is used on the 4.0L 6-cylinder engine (Fig. 2). The coil rail must be replaced as one assembly.

The bottom of the coil is equipped with 6 individual rubber boots (Fig. 2) to seal the 6 spark plugs 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.

(1) The coil is bolted directly to the cylinder head (Fig. 3). One electrical connector (located at rear of coil) is used for all three coils.

OPERATION

Although cylinder firing order is the same as 4.0L Jeep engines of previous years, spark plug firing is not. The 3 coils dual-fire the spark plugs on cylinders 1-6, 2-5 and/or 3-4. When one cylinder is being fired (on compression stroke), the spark to the opposite cylinder is being wasted (on exhaust stroke).

Battery voltage is supplied to the three ignition coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) opens and closes the ignition coil ground circuit for ignition coil operation.

Base ignition timing is not adjustable. By controlling 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 operating conditions.

Fig. 2 Ignition Coil Assembly-4.0L 6-Cylinder Engine
Fig. 2 Ignition Coil Assembly-4.0L 6-Cylinder Engine

1 - CYL. #6
2 - CYL. #5
3 - CYL. #4
4 - CYL. #3
5 - CYL. #2
6 - CYL. #1
7 - COILS (3)
8 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
9 - BOLT BASES (4)
10 - RUBBER BOOTS (6)

Fig. 3 Coil Location-4.0L Engine
Fig. 3 Coil Location-4.0L Engine

1 - COIL RAIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
3 - COIL
4 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

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 (secondary cables) are not used. The cables are integral within the coil rail.

Crankshaft position sensor

DESCRIPTION

The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is located near the outer edge of the flywheel (starter ringear).

OPERATION

Engine speed and crankshaft position are provided through the CKP sensor. The sensor generates pulses that are the input sent to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM interprets the sensor input to determine the crankshaft position. The PCM then uses this position, along with other inputs, to determine injector sequence and ignition timing.

The sensor is a hall effect device combined with an internal magnet. It is also sensitive to steel within a certain distance from it.

The flywheel/drive plate has groups of four notches at its outer edge. On 2.5L 4-cylinder engines there are two sets of notches (Fig. 4). On 4.0L 6-cylinder engines there are three sets of notches (Fig. 5).

The notches cause a pulse to be generated when they pass under the sensor. The pulses are the input to the PCM. For each engine revolution there are two 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 receive a CKP sensor input.

Camshaft position sensor-2.5L engine

DESCRIPTION

On the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is located in the distributor.

OPERATION

The 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. The pulse ring rotates 180 degrees through the sync signal generator.

Its signal is used in conjunction with the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor to differentiate between fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylinders.

Fig. 4 Sensor Operation-2.5L 4-Cyl. Engine
Fig. 4 Sensor Operation-2.5L 4-Cyl. Engine

1 - CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - NOTCHES
3 - FLYWHEEL

Fig. 5 Sensor Operation-4.0L 6-Cyl. Engine
Fig. 5 Sensor Operation-4.0L 6-Cyl. Engine

1 - CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - FLYWHEEL
3 - FLYWHEEL NOTCHES

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 approximately 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 signal voltage to switch low to 0 volts.

Camshaft position sensor-4.0L engine

DESCRIPTION

The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.0L 6-cylinder engine is bolted to the top of the oil pump drive shaft assembly (Fig. 6). The sensor and drive shaft assembly is located on the right side of the engine near the oil filter (Fig. 7).

Fig. 6 CMP and Oil Pump Drive Shaft-4.0L Engine
Fig. 6 CMP and Oil Pump Drive Shaft-4.0L Engine

1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DRIVE GEAR (TO CAMSHAFT)
5 - OIL PUMP DRIVESHAFT
6 - SENSOR BASE (OIL PUMP DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY)

OPERATION

The CMP 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 oil pump drive shaft (Fig.

6). The pulse ring rotates 180 degrees through the sync signal generator. Its signal is used in conjunction with the crankshaft position sensor to differentiate between fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylinders.

Fig. 7 CMP Location-4.0L Engine
Fig. 7 CMP Location-4.0L Engine

1 - OIL FILTER
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - CLAMP BOLT
4 - HOLD-DOWN CLAMP
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
6 - ELEC. CONNECTOR

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 approximately 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 signal voltage to switch low to 0 volts.

Ignition switch and key lock cylinder

DESCRIPTION

The electrical ignition switch is located on the steering column. It is used as the main on/off switching device for most electrical components. The mechanical key lock cylinder is used to engage/disengage the electrical ignition switch.

OPERATION

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor mounted shifter: a cable is used to connect the interlock device in the steering column assembly, to the transmission floor shift lever. This interlock device is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK position when the key lock cylinder is rotated to the LOCKED or ACCESSORY position. The interlock device within the steering column is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.

Refer to Group 19, Steering for procedures.

If the ignition key is difficult to rotate to or from the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, it may not be the fault of the key cylinder or the steering column components. The brake transmission shift interlock cable may be out of adjustment. Refer to Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Cable Adjustment in Group 21, Transmissions for adjustment procedures.

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a steering column mounted shifter: an interlock device is located within the steering column.

This interlock device is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK position when the key lock cylinder is in the LOCKED or ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to or from the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the interlock device within the steering column may be defective.

This device is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.

Refer to Group 19, Steering for procedures.

Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and a floor mounted shifter: on certain models, a lever is located on the steering column behind the ignition key lock cylinder. The lever must be manually operated to allow rotation of the ignition key lock cylinder to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position.

If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the lever mechanism may be defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced. Refer to Group 19, Steering for procedures.

On other models, the ignition key cylinder must be depressed to allow it to be rotated into the LOCK or ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the lock mechanism within the steering column may be defective.

This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced. Refer to Group 19, Steering for procedures.

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