Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

No spark nightmare!!!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-07-2010, 06:12 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
dvdyzfr6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default No spark nightmare!!!!

Hey everyone,
I have a 1990 XJ that suddenly quit running, I've narrowed it down to no spark. Here is a list of what I've changed ignition coil, pickup coil ( cam sensor ), crank sensor, cap, rotor, wires, and plugs. STILL NO SPARK!!! Last night I was testing spark again. there is weak spark from the coil to the cap. But no spark from cap to plugs. any ideas??? I am sick of sinking money into it and surely do not want to get rid of it over something that I'm sure is an easy fix. Any help is very greatly appreciated.
Old 12-07-2010, 07:04 PM
  #2  
Seasoned Member
 
LCFRJEEP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Virginia
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O.
Default

I would try to replace the neutral saftey switch. Check you main ground/ negative cable from your battery. I would also make sure you dont have a bad relay or 2. I think there might be a relay or fuse that has something to do with fuel injection and or ignition. Aside from that, im at a loss. Good Luck!!
Old 12-07-2010, 07:12 PM
  #3  
Seasoned Member
 
ezab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by LCFRJEEP
I would try to replace the neutral saftey switch. Check you main ground/ negative cable from your battery. I would also make sure you dont have a bad relay or 2. I think there might be a relay or fuse that has something to do with fuel injection and or ignition. Aside from that, im at a loss. Good Luck!!
The ASD Relay
Old 12-07-2010, 11:30 PM
  #4  
CF Veteran
 
Bustedback's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 0
Received 19 Likes on 18 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Default

Originally Posted by ezab
The ASD Relay
I don't think an 89 RENIX has an ASD relay.
Old 12-08-2010, 05:20 AM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
tjwalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: In the middle of Minnesota!
Posts: 5,804
Received 99 Likes on 88 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

There is an "ignition control module" (ICM) under the coil on an 87-90. That is still in play here and is a suspect.

Problem is that they are difficult/impossible to test yourself. I believe some shops have the equipment for this though; check around.
Old 12-08-2010, 05:22 AM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

Originally Posted by tjwalker
There is an "ignition control module" (ICM) under the coil on an 87-90. That is still in play here and is a suspect.

Problem is that they are difficult/impossible to test yourself. I believe some shops have the equipment for this though; check around.
x2

Last edited by freegdr; 12-08-2010 at 05:31 AM.
Old 12-08-2010, 05:25 AM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
tjwalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: In the middle of Minnesota!
Posts: 5,804
Received 99 Likes on 88 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by freegdr
x2 you also have the pick up coil in the dist
He noted that he already changed that.
Old 12-08-2010, 05:31 AM
  #8  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

Originally Posted by tjwalker
He noted that he already changed that.
oops its early and bc i missed it
Old 12-08-2010, 08:15 AM
  #9  
CF Veteran
 
caged's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Northern Ontario, Canada
Posts: 7,874
Received 94 Likes on 85 Posts
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

you could try replacing the ballast resistor. they're cheap for a new one, about 7 bux, or hit up a junkyard and grab a few there, they don't usually charge me for them.
Old 12-08-2010, 08:34 AM
  #10  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
dvdyzfr6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I don't think I have replaced the icm yet if it is under the coil. Is it the thing that the ignition coil mounts to with two wire harnesses that plug into it? and i don't think it is the neutral safety bc it turns over fine. grounds are good. i will try all your suggestions and post my results. thank you everyone
Old 12-09-2010, 01:35 PM
  #11  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
dvdyzfr6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

alright, I took the ICM to Autozone and they tested it three times and it passed every time. put it back in and still no spark. dose a renix system have an ASD relay? if so where is it??? I seem to have a new ignition system that doesn't work!! any more ideas?
Old 12-09-2010, 01:41 PM
  #12  
Seasoned Member
 
ezab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by dvdyzfr6
alright, I took the ICM to Autozone and they tested it three times and it passed every time. put it back in and still no spark. dose a renix system have an ASD relay? if so where is it??? I seem to have a new ignition system that doesn't work!! any more ideas?
I just looked into it and there is no ASD Relay. Have you tried staring it in neutral? That could tell you if you have a bad Neutral Safety Switch. Never mind it is a manual trans.

Last edited by ezab; 12-09-2010 at 01:45 PM.
Old 12-09-2010, 01:49 PM
  #13  
Seasoned Member
 
ezab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by dvdyzfr6
alright, I took the ICM to Autozone and they tested it three times and it passed every time. put it back in and still no spark. dose a renix system have an ASD relay? if so where is it??? I seem to have a new ignition system that doesn't work!! any more ideas?
Pull the cap off and have someone crank it to see if the rotor is actually spinning.
Old 12-09-2010, 01:50 PM
  #14  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

just my 2cents worth dont trust autozone testing try a used module from jy
Old 12-09-2010, 01:55 PM
  #15  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

do you have a manual with the testing procedures for this module


Quick Reply: No spark nightmare!!!!



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:46 AM.