Grand Cherokee Ask the Question Thread
05-02-2016, 03:16 AM
#61
Old fart with a wrench
The first thing to do with a "barn queen" as we call them is clean out the fuel system, preferably even before you try to start it! 5 year old gasoline has lost it's volatility and started to form varnish and even corrosion if it's ethanol fuel. Try to talk to someone who works on restoring classics for what to do next. Granted a WK is not THAT old, but it will give you places to start looking for trouble. It would be a good thing to know why it was parked in the first place. If it was parked for a military overseas deployment or family problems (finances, death, etc), that's one thing. A major mechanical failure is another kettle of fish! Run the VIN thru DMV to make sure it's a clean deal and not stolen. Even titles can be forged. It could have been hidden from a finance company.
I'm not trying to scare you, just inform you of what you may be getting involved with.
I'm not trying to scare you, just inform you of what you may be getting involved with.
05-02-2016, 09:12 AM
#62
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The first thing to do with a "barn queen" as we call them is clean out the fuel system, preferably even before you try to start it! 5 year old gasoline has lost it's volatility and started to form varnish and even corrosion if it's ethanol fuel. Try to talk to someone who works on restoring classics for what to do next. Granted a WK is not THAT old, but it will give you places to start looking for trouble. It would be a good thing to know why it was parked in the first place. If it was parked for a military overseas deployment or family problems (finances, death, etc), that's one thing. A major mechanical failure is another kettle of fish! Run the VIN thru DMV to make sure it's a clean deal and not stolen. Even titles can be forged. It could have been hidden from a finance company.
I'm not trying to scare you, just inform you of what you may be getting involved with.
I'm not trying to scare you, just inform you of what you may be getting involved with.
05-02-2016, 10:05 AM
#63
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I'd like to start a sticky and get some Grand Cherokee masters in here like the Cherokee section has! This thread is for all those who would like to ask something tech related and don't want to start a new thread or hijack someone elses, and for all those tech related questions you happen to ask in the big off topic threads. Me and some of the older members will answer every kind of question as long as it is TECH and polite. P.S. for the newbs: stupid questions don't exist, there are only stupid answers. Feel free to ask whatever you want. "What is a Jeep?" is a good question.... If your question is very common (eg: lift) please DO A RESEARCH FIRST and if you don't find the answer come back here, 75% of the questions can be answered within a 5/10 min browse using the "SEARCH" button on the black banner menu.
05-02-2016, 12:38 PM
#64
Old fart with a wrench
The lighter socket has a special clip in the base of it that holds the lighter in to heat it and then it pops out. This clip can be damaged by some other power plugs. Try holding the lighter depressed for a while and see if it heats up. If it doesn't, you can then investigate farther. There is a DC power plug on the other side of the ash tray under a flip down cover. The cigar lighter is only hot with the ignition or accessory switch on. The DC power plug is hot all the time.
The section that has the 2 plugs and the ashtray in it is just held in by spring clips and can be pried out with a plastic trim tool or small putty knife from the sides. On my WJ, I used the cigar lighter supply wire as a solenoid trigger source for my fog lights which I added. That way, when I shut off the engine, my fogs go out in case I forgot and left them on.
The section that has the 2 plugs and the ashtray in it is just held in by spring clips and can be pried out with a plastic trim tool or small putty knife from the sides. On my WJ, I used the cigar lighter supply wire as a solenoid trigger source for my fog lights which I added. That way, when I shut off the engine, my fogs go out in case I forgot and left them on.
05-03-2016, 01:19 PM
#65
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No spark
Okay I have a 98 xj sport 4.0 with brand new motor build camed and upgraded heads everything under engine bay has been replaced except harness and computer jeep will turn over all day long but will not start and has no spark replaced the cps and coil with motor build and that's the only things I could think of any extra help would be appreciated
05-03-2016, 02:01 PM
#66
Old fart with a wrench
I've gotten in trouble before assuming XJs are the same as ZJs, but here goes. You may have gotten the security system involved.
The way this engine control system works is FIRST, the PCM has to get a signal from the CPS telling it the crankshaft is, in fact, turning. Then the PCM turns on the fuel pump relay and ASD relay energizing the ignition and injectors. The ASD relay will drop out if the security system thinks the vehicle is being stolen. To "prove" the ASD relay, try swapping it for a headlight relay. You might also have a coil connection problem. Stupid question; is there a rotor in the distributor? Also, was the distributor installed properly? The oil pump drive gear must be installed in the right position to time the ignition correctly.
That's about all I can think of.
The way this engine control system works is FIRST, the PCM has to get a signal from the CPS telling it the crankshaft is, in fact, turning. Then the PCM turns on the fuel pump relay and ASD relay energizing the ignition and injectors. The ASD relay will drop out if the security system thinks the vehicle is being stolen. To "prove" the ASD relay, try swapping it for a headlight relay. You might also have a coil connection problem. Stupid question; is there a rotor in the distributor? Also, was the distributor installed properly? The oil pump drive gear must be installed in the right position to time the ignition correctly.
That's about all I can think of.
05-03-2016, 03:44 PM
#67
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Okay I have a 98 xj sport 4.0 with brand new motor build camed and upgraded heads everything under engine bay has been replaced except harness and computer jeep will turn over all day long but will not start and has no spark replaced the cps and coil with motor build and that's the only things I could think of any extra help would be appreciated
05-03-2016, 07:35 PM
#68
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I've gotten in trouble before assuming XJs are the same as ZJs, but here goes. You may have gotten the security system involved.
The way this engine control system works is FIRST, the PCM has to get a signal from the CPS telling it the crankshaft is, in fact, turning. Then the PCM turns on the fuel pump relay and ASD relay energizing the ignition and injectors. The ASD relay will drop out if the security system thinks the vehicle is being stolen. To "prove" the ASD relay, try swapping it for a headlight relay. You might also have a coil connection problem. Stupid question; is there a rotor in the distributor? Also, was the distributor installed properly? The oil pump drive gear must be installed in the right position to time the ignition correctly.
That's about all I can think of.
The way this engine control system works is FIRST, the PCM has to get a signal from the CPS telling it the crankshaft is, in fact, turning. Then the PCM turns on the fuel pump relay and ASD relay energizing the ignition and injectors. The ASD relay will drop out if the security system thinks the vehicle is being stolen. To "prove" the ASD relay, try swapping it for a headlight relay. You might also have a coil connection problem. Stupid question; is there a rotor in the distributor? Also, was the distributor installed properly? The oil pump drive gear must be installed in the right position to time the ignition correctly.
That's about all I can think of.
05-04-2016, 01:21 AM
#69
Old fart with a wrench
Okay, it seems like it can't be anything other than the cam sensor coil inside the distributor or the harness connection to the PCM.
I know the PCM provides the grounds for the injectors to cycle them. I'm assuming the ignition works the same way by adjusting the spark advance timing with the PCM.
I know the PCM provides the grounds for the injectors to cycle them. I'm assuming the ignition works the same way by adjusting the spark advance timing with the PCM.
Last edited by dave1123; 05-04-2016 at 01:30 AM.
05-11-2016, 09:18 PM
#70
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Key less start issue
Hello, I have a 2013 Grand Cherokee with key less/remote start. recently I have had to push the button more than once for it to stay running. Unfortunately the factory warranty has expired and I am concerned about how major of an issue this is. My question is, is this something as simple as a bad switch or is it a major problem like with the computer? any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
05-11-2016, 09:51 PM
#71
Old fart with a wrench
Hello and welcome to CF!
Your 2013 is a little newer than most of us have experience with, but we can give it a shot. I was going to suggest you check with a website, but I checked and they only have manuals up to 2010, so that's out. My best suggestion is to take it to a dealer and have them diagnose it. Nobody likes to pay dealer prices, but it may be the fastest way to get it fixed.
Your 2013 is a little newer than most of us have experience with, but we can give it a shot. I was going to suggest you check with a website, but I checked and they only have manuals up to 2010, so that's out. My best suggestion is to take it to a dealer and have them diagnose it. Nobody likes to pay dealer prices, but it may be the fastest way to get it fixed.
05-11-2016, 10:34 PM
#72
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Thanks, I was hoping to save the dealer fees, but it was worth a try. I normally do all the maintenance on my vehicles, but now days you have to have a shop with mega buck equipment. Thanks again, and I will check back if I have more questions.
